Nairobi/Karachi (Khyber Mail): The Aga Khan University (AKU) celebrated student innovation at the concluding ceremony of the 2024 President’s Challenge for Climate Solutions, marking the end of a months-long competition aimed at tackling global water-related challenges.
The event, which brought together student innovators from Pakistan, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, focused on this year’s theme, “Every Drop Counts,” inspiring participants to develop practical, scalable solutions addressing both water scarcity and excess—issues that have grown increasingly critical due to climate change.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, AKU President and Vice Chancellor, emphasized the importance of human creativity in the fight against climate change, stating that the solutions presented by students are a testament to the potential for groundbreaking innovation emerging from the Global South.
The winning entry, Dropwise Smart Irrigation, came from a Tanzanian student team, which developed a solar-powered, automated irrigation system to combat water inefficiency in agriculture, where more than 40% of irrigation water is lost due to outdated practices.
The first runners-up, Pure Flow, were a team from Kenya, who designed an innovative, self-powered water purification and monitoring system to tackle water pollution in rivers, lakes, dams, and oceans without requiring expensive infrastructure.
The second runners-up position was shared by two teams from Pakistan and Kenya. The Pakistan team created a Water Absorbent Mat and Filtration System to conserve and recycle greywater from household drains, while the Kenya team proposed Smart Aqua, an AI-powered, solar-driven precision irrigation system to revolutionize water management in agriculture.
In addition to the university-level competition, high school students in Karachi participated in a parallel contest, showcasing innovative ideas from 24 schools, further highlighting the growing engagement of youth in climate action.
Miriam Kugele, Director at AKU’s Environmental Office, reinforced the institution’s commitment to climate solutions, stating that AKU is taking bold steps to reduce emissions, encourage sustainability among suppliers, and engage its community in climate-conscious daily habits.
Since its inception in 2022, the President’s Challenge for Climate Solutions has motivated hundreds of students across AKU campuses to think boldly and act decisively on climate change. With creativity, passion, and determination, these young innovators are proving that every drop—and every idea—counts.