The School of Engineering at the American University in Dubai (AUD) continues to lead in fostering excellence in knowledge advancement, empowering students to apply their skills for professional growth, and contributing to the sustainable development of the UAE. Now in its 13th edition, the Sustainability Competition has grown into a prestigious platform for showcasing innovative ideas, attracting talented students and professionals from across the UAE. This year’s competition saw outstanding participation, with 88 teams registering and 46 shortlisted for the final event. Participants presented innovative and impactful solutions to some of the world’s most critical sustainability challenges.
First Place Award
Project Title: Achieving and Surpassing Net-Zero Targets by 2030 for the Planet Earth: Forest Re-generation Toolkit Using AI Technologies
Highlight: This groundbreaking project utilized artificial intelligence to develop tools that accelerate global reforestation efforts, directly supporting net-zero targets.
Team: Amos Akakpo, Hussien Alsalehi, Ahmed Abushawish
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Vinod Pangracious
Second Place Award
Project Title: Rooted
Highlight: An innovative approach employing community-driven strategies to enhance soil regeneration and urban greenery.
Team: Maram Ayman Moussa, Hessa Bin Suroor, Abdulaziz Al Khalaf
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joanna Al-Ezz
Third Place Award (Tie)
Project Title: Every Bite Counts: Rethinking the Potential of Food Scraps
Highlight: A transformative initiative that repurposed food waste into valuable resources, promoting a circular economy.
Team: Hiba Khamis, Tallal Mansour, Khaled Zeidan, Mahmoud Alsabagh
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ajmila Islam
Project Title: GreenCycle: AI-Driven Waste Classification and Reward-Powered Reverse Vending System for a Sustainable Future
Highlight: An artificial intelligence-powered recycling solution designed to incentivize sustainable behavior through rewards.
Team: Sara Saeed Alhajeri, Noof Saeed Al
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Huma Zia
Rising Innovator Award (Best Undergraduate Research)
Project Title: UAE's Energy Transition
Highlight: This undergraduate team presented a forward-thinking analysis of the UAE’s pathway to achieving its energy transition goals, demonstrating the potential of youth-led innovation.
Team: Mansoor Sewdi, Bariz Zmnako Yaseen
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peiman Kianmehr
Congratulations to all participants for their exceptional contributions to sustainability and innovation. These projects underscore the importance of collaboration, creativity, and dedication in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Together, we are building a more sustainable future for the UAE and beyond.
