A solar-powered cooling system for remote regions and a concept for predicting bark beetle infestation: these start-up concepts for food security and the protection of forests were each awarded first prize in their category at the Global Sustainability Challenge. They were selected from a field of more than 3,500 participants representing 91 countries. The final took place as part of the TUM Sustainability Day.
Astrid Eckert / TUM Droughts in some regions, floods in others, the threat of food shortages and the increasing frequency of extreme heatwaves: The challenges posed by climate change are enormous. They can only be overcome with new technologies, a clear focus on people's needs and a deep understanding of the different conditions in the various regions of the world.
The aim of the Global Sustainability Challenge is therefore to support young, talented people around the world in developing their own ideas for sustainable solutions. At the same time, the competition provides them with the entrepreneurial foundations they need to put their ideas into practice and develop them further.
The challenge was launched by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. In addition to TUM, partners include Imperial College London, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, IIT Bombay and Zhejiang University, among others.
Ideas for energy supply and adaptation to climate change
The prizes were awarded in two categories. In the Sustainable Energy Solutions category, the CoolFish team from the Université de Lorraine won first place with a concept for a solar-powered cooling system. This system is intended to enable communities in rural coastal regions to keep their catch fresh in the long term and thus alleviate food shortages.
Second place went to the PowerBlocks team with a concept for AI-supported microgrids that are ready for use within hours, adapt flexibly to demand and keep critical infrastructure running reliably - even in crisis situations. Junipero Energy won the third prize with a system that delivers decentralized electricity to communities affected by floods or hurricanes.
PlaNX Sense, a team from the TUM School of Life Sciences, won in the category Adaptation and Resilience. They are developing a platform that uses AI to predict bark beetle outbreaks seven days in advance with the help of satellite data, meteorological data and the analysis of pheromone traps.
Second place went to EcoMolecule - a consortium of students from TUM, the Technical University of Berlin, IIT Bombay and Imperial College London - with a bio-based cartridge. This is designed to capture micro- and nanoplastics in wastewater and thus prevent these particles from entering the environment via the washing machine.
The PeatGuard team took third place. They use an online platform to connect real-time data from satellites with local communities living near moorland areas. The communities receive data on the condition of the moorland, can intervene with renaturation measures and convert these measures into measurable and tradableCO2 certificates on the platform.
The six winning teams will each receive prize money and will be accepted into the Stanford EcoGlobal Program, where they will receive further support.
Global networking with social benefits
The final marks the end of an intensive program phase for the teams. In workshops and showcases, they learned how to systematically develop ideas further, translate them into concrete applications and present them convincingly to investors. Experienced mentors supported them throughout the entire project phase.
In total, students from 58 universities were represented in the final and worked together across national, continental and subject boundaries. During this time, they not only networked with each other, but also with experienced players from research and the start-up sector.
"Technological progress can only contribute effectively to the sustainability transition when it is embedded in social, political, and economic contexts and aligned with clearly defined societal needs. What matters most are experts with strong technical expertise, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary skills. The Technical University of Munich prepares students specifically for these challenges-working closely with international partners and with a clear focus on socially viable solutions", says Prof. Werner Lang, Vice President for Sustainable Transformation at the TUM.
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Andreas Heddergott / TUM - Website of the Global Sustainability Challenge
- Applications for the next challenge are already open.
