RIT-Dubai students win UAE Youth Green Challenge at COP28
France’s Schneider Electric declared on Sunday that Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai (RIT) was the winner of the UAE Youth Green Challenge on the sidelines of COP28.
The winning project, a dynamic app for managing organic waste named ‘Eco Sync’, was one of the six finalists evaluated by a group of expert judges.
The UAE Youth Green Challenge is an initiative between Schneider Electric and the Arab Youth Centre that encourages UAE students to present their creative ideas for reducing carbon emissions in the industry.
Hariharan Ramesh and Farkh Leka Hashimy from the RIT were the leaders of the winning project.
The winning project, a dynamic app for managing organic waste named ‘Eco Sync’, was one of the six finalists evaluated by a group of expert judges.
The project was honoured for its exceptional contributions in six fundamental aspects: innovation and creativity, environmental impact, feasibility and scalability, potential for implementation, communication and presentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The app, built on a circularity framework, is aimed at transforming waste into functional organic compost for use by retailers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and environmentally aware residents.
Sadeq Jarrar, Executive Director of the Arab Youth Centre, said, “our partnership with Schneider Electric in this youth challenge contributes to strengthening our joint work to enhance the contributions of Arab youth to reduce carbon emissions associated with the industrial sector in the region.”
Jarrar further stated that their combined endeavours will bolster this challenge with impactful future projects, establishing the youth as advocates for sustainability. They also commit to continuing to be prospective leaders in sustainability at both the local and global levels.
“The success of the UAE Youth Green Challenge highlights the potential of the youth in driving sustainability and climate action,” said Asli Cakir, Gulf Vice President of Human Resources at Schneider Electric.
She also added that their partnership with the Arab Youth Centre will convert their dedication into tangible outcomes. They were impressed with the winners’ AI-integrated app’s quality, compatibility, and design; the solution underscores the significance of efficient waste management tactics in cutting GHG emissions by over four percent.
Schneider Electric is also involved in the Arab Technology Fellowship for Arab Youth, a regional programme that empowers Arab youth to close the skills gap in various tech fields, including ICT, digital transformation, innovation, and emerging interactive green technologies.
