Projects
We have worked in local communities and around the globe.
Coronavirus Response
A major factor in public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic is disinfection of surfaces in public buildings that may have been contaminated by infected people. Thanks to a grant from the City of Alexandria, VA, ATHENA was able to work with a local team from Building Momentum to design and build an autonomous robot that uses UV-C light to disinfect buildings at night.
We are also partnered with MatterHackers to support their COVID-19 Hub activities through grants to offset materials and shipping costs for individual makers. Together we have donated over 75,000 pieces of protective gear!
ATHENA is also supporting Maker Mask, a reliable source for science-based mask designs for community makers. It is important that we use the best information possible to help protect ourselves and our communities.
A robot that kills viruses and bacteria with UV-C light -built in five days!
FOX5 news interviews the team at Building Momentum about their robotic cleaner.
Disaster Response
When natural disasters strike, we move quickly to support those running toward the hardest-hit areas. This has included supporting our partners at Building Momentum and Field Ready in the Bahamas after hurricanes devastated the islands in 2019.
September 2019: Brad Halsey assesses damage in the Bahamas
Community Training and Support
One way we empower communities around us to solve their own problems is by introducing them to tools and technologies in a fun, relaxed environment. Camps, workshops, and fundraisers (including “Wine & Welding”!) expose the local community to problem-solving technologies and methodologies. Innovation is unleashed when people are confident and prepared.
Community participants learn to weld at The Garden in Alexandria, VA.
Alexandria Drive-In Theater
The Alexandria Drive-In Theater is a community fundraiser developed in partnership with ALX Community and Building Momentum. All proceeds from the events are split among several local charities.
Desk Donations
ATHENA is producing desks to give away to local students in need of a dedicated space to do schoolwork.