Presenting the 2023 Virtual Global Exchange
The capstone element of the Young Voices For A Sustainable Future initiative is the Virtual Global Exchange. The event brings together the winning teams from each National Innovation Challenge. Each team creates a video to showcase their ideas for sustainable business models. An international audience of students and BASF mentors share feedback on each team’s ideas.
Following are the video submissions from the student teams that won their respective National Innovation Challenge in 2023.
Brazil
EncanaPrep specialized in managing hydropower projects through its digital platform. The team’s primary mission is to innovate water reuse solutions, significantly reducing water waste by developing a system to collect, clean, and recycle water from sinks and bathrooms and incorporate it into a reservoir for reuse. This initiative not only promotes sustainable water management but also contributes to the conservation of vital resources in the region.
Chile
Los Aerodinámicos developed an innovative solution to combat the distracting effects of high classroom temperatures on students and teachers. By harnessing natural wind resources, they created an eco-friendly, cost-effective wind turbine capable of generating its own electricity, which, in turns cools classrooms. This turbine powers a ventilation system, improving classroom focus and comfort.
Costa Rica
Team Abogas introduced a sustainable solution to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution resulting from animal waste—specifically cow dung—by implementing a bio-digester at the school to process animal waste into valuable resources. This initiative addresses the significant environmental issues in the area, such as greenhouse gas emissions and local pollution from animal and agricultural waste.
Greece
Every year, Greece faces devastating wildfires that result in significant loss of flora and fauna, endanger lives, destroy properties and damage natural ecosystems. Team Fire Guardian Tree addressed the annual devastation by introducing a technologically advanced artificial tree equipped with proactive fire extinguishing systems, thermal cameras, and sensors. Designed to blend into natural surroundings, it monitors areas for signs of fire, moistens the environment to prevent the spread, and instantly communicates potential hazards to authorities through IoT (internet of things) technology. The primary aim is to safeguard forests and residential areas from the ravages of fire, contributing to a safer, more resilient environment.
Indonesia
CIRRUS tackles the issue of food waste, notably orange peels. Initially aiming to create a traditional Kebaya from orange peels through Lyocell Extraction, the team pivoted due to challenges, inventing an eco-friendly leather alternative from citrus waste. This innovative material is made by combining orange peels with sodium alginate, glycerin, coconut oil, and wool. The final product, with a product line name of SADA, includes Haruku bracelets and Lariana hand tags adorned with a Taiganja motif from Central Sulawesi, all handcrafted by local artisans. SADA represents a fusion of sustainability and cultural preservation, preventing waste by repurposing ten orange peels per set and promoting awareness through eco-conscious packaging.
Nigeria
Eco-Life seeks to address environmental challenges such as plastic pollution, water contamination, flooding, and inadequate waste management. by repurposing waste into tools like the Filtron, the team’s product that addresses Nigeria's significant waste issue.
Uganda
Eco Skin’s mission is to transform plastic bag waste into fashionable items, thereby addressing the environmental and societal impacts of plastic bag pollution in Uganda, which contributes to significant land and water pollution, harms wildlife, and poses health risks to humans. The team upcycles plastic bags into high-quality fabric used to create bags, belts, and sandals. These products are stylish, functional, and eco-friendly, as they minimize water and energy use, avoid harmful chemicals, and provide value to the community.
Vietnam
In order to combat the environmental damage caused by traditional disposable diapers while also repurposing banana stems, an abundant by-product in Vietnam, C.Chemistry developed an environmentally friendly diaper with a unique design: the diaper consists of a reusable cover made from banana fabric and a replaceable absorbent pad made from biodegradable materials, including banana paper and corn silk. This innovation allows for the cover to be washed and reused, while only the absorbent pad needs to be discarded after each use, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
“My expectations were certainly exceeded, I was very happy with the participation, with the support and performance of JA, and with the receptivity of the students. I found it a very positive exchange that I will take with me forever and that I will recommend to other colleagues whenever possible!”