Canadian University Dubai students create innovations to tackle sustainability challenges - Middle East Business News and Information
CUD partners with HOGENT University to stage Hackathon
Students from Canadian University Dubai have presented their solutions to a range of sustainability challenges as part of a Hackathon staged in collaboration with HOGENT University, Belgium. Focussing on Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, the students tackled issues such as food waste, traffic congestion and accessible public transportation, with specific reference to the cities of Dubai and Ghent. The top three student teams won a share in AED 10,000 prize money for their groundbreaking ideas.
Staged under the banner 'Collaborate, Innovate, Compete', the CUD-HOGENT Hackathon was the first cross-border event of its kind for both institutions and saw 80 students from the two universities collaborate to develop ideas on how to make communities more inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Taking first place with their project FoodLoop were Aamena Tinwala, Farha Mohamed Rashad, and Sebastien Kirk Uy, working alongside three students from HOGENT University, Maxim Derom, Sarah Lootens and Marit Holvoet.
Tinwala explained, 'Our project is a social business concept that tackles the issue of food waste. The idea is centered around collecting food waste from households and businesses that would otherwise have been thrown away. We propose upcyling, recycling or reusing the waste by turning it into products and materials such as animal feed, fertilizers, biodegradable containers, plates, cups, and utensils, which will be our source of income to run the business. This allows us to not only reduce the impact of food waste but also reduce the consumption of single use items. Other than using food waste for products, we can also explore its use in energy and fuel production allowing for endless possibilities.'
The second place project was developed by Qasim Qasim and Nathan Kahsay Kidanu, with HOGENT students, Jules Devriese, Nagui Langeraert and Lisenka Vansteenbrugge. Focussing on improving public transportation usage through a rewards-based system Qasim explained, 'Our solution aims to reduce traffic congestion, promote sustainability, and enhance the commuting experience in urban areas by encouraging people to shift from private cars to public transport. It integrates technology, behavioral incentives, and urban planning to create a more efficient, affordable, and sustainable public transport system. Commuters earn points for using public transport, which can be redeemed for discounts on future rides, partner services, or retail stores. The associated mobile app provides real-time updates, route optimization, and integrates fare systems for a seamless commute.'
In third place were CUD students Samir Memon, Maryam Al-Yaseen and Aaliya Nizam, and HOGENT students, Dries Baelen and Rayen Katar, who set out to build on the UAE's transition to eMobility. Memon explained, 'Since the UAE will make a large investment in changing the current buses from fuel engines to electric engines, they should also improve the bus seating design to accommodate wheelchairs better, by having a seat that folds away to make space on the floor. The NOL cards used to enter and exit buses should also be used to collect data on how many people are currently on a bus. This data can be integrated into the existing RTA app to see if someone using a wheelchair will have enough space to board a bus.'
The Hackathon was judged by an international panel of business leaders and entrepreneurs, which included Mr. Erwin De Beuckelaer, Director of Innovation, Process & Data Management at Johnson & Johnson, Belgium; Mr. Albert Glor, Entrepreneur & IT Consultant, Mercedes and Renson, Belgium; Mr. Matteo Boffa, Swiss Serial Entrepreneur in the UAE; Ms. Andrea Brown, Director of Brand & Strategy and Head of Marketing, Three Layer Hospitality and Kings Group Ventures, UAE; Issam Kassabieh, CUD alum and Senior Vice President Finance & Head of Investor Relations at Edelman Smithfield; and Philippe Rogiest, Managing Partner, EFFCO.
Explaining the rationale for the competition, Dr. Kiran Tangri, Assistant Professor in the School of Management and coordinator of the event, said, 'Diversity drives innovation. This cross-border Hackathon challenged the next generation of diverse innovators and change-makers to find solutions to create inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities within a limited time. CUD emphasizes the importance of creativity, entrepreneurship, inclusivity and collaboration. Through this event the university demonstrated its continuous commitment to building and strengthening academia and industry collaborations globally for the personal and professional development of our students, to excel in the modern business world.'
Dr. Ibrahim Tabche, Acting Dean of the School of Management concluded, 'The hackathon provided a platform for students to enhance their problem-solving skills and network with industry leaders. The event not only highlighted the creativity of the participants but also reinforced CUD's position as a hub for innovation in Dubai, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit among students.'
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