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Innovating for tomorrow at the APU Sustainable Hackathon 2024
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) hosted the Sustainable Hackathon, celebrating the innovative spirit of its students, from 23rd August 2024 to 24th August 2024.
This 24-hour hackathon was a collaborative effort by staff from the School of Marketing and Management (SoMM), School of Computing (SoC), and School of Mathematics, Actuarial, and Quantitative Studies (SoMAQS), all united under a common goal; which is to explore the intersection of technology and sustainability.
Key contributors of the hackathon included:
- Ensign InfoSecurity
- Professor Ir EurIng Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APIIT Education Group and APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer
- Ms Fiona Lalitha Sadagopan (Senior Lecturer, SoMM at APU)
- Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer, SoMM at APU)
- Mr David Ng Kok Meng (Lecturer, SoMM at APU)
- Mr Gobinathan Manickam (Lecturer, SoMM at APU)
- Ms T Tulasi Sathyabama Appalasamy (Lecturer, SoC at APU)
- Mr Lee Chee Nian (Lecturer, SoMAQS at APU)
Submission phase and pre-Hackathon Workshops
During the submission phase, students submitted innovative ideas that addressed sustainability challenges through the use of technology.
To refine and strengthen these ideas, pre-hackathon workshops were held on 15th August 2024, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance.
Dr Gaston Ngochembo, a Sustainability Expert from De Montfort University (DMU), delivered an insightful session on sustainability, highlighting key environmental issues and technological solutions.
This was followed by an engaging workshop led by Dr Nor Azrul Mohd Zin (Lecturer, SoMM at APU), focusing on the art and techniques of pitching, guiding students on how to effectively present their ideas to a judging panel.
At the end of the submission phase, out of the 14 initial submissions, eight outstanding ideas were selected to move forward to the hackathon phase.
Hackathon phase and Winning Innovations
The 24-hour hackathon phase was an intense period of creativity and innovation as teams developed prototypes and pitched their ideas.
The dynamic and collaborative environment, supported by access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert mentorship, fostered a spirit of determination as students worked tirelessly to transform their concepts into practical solutions.
The final pitching session was marked by fierce competition, with teams showcasing their unique approaches to sustainability.
Each presentation was carefully evaluated, leading to the recognition of the top three teams whose projects stood out for their innovation and impact.
In first-place, team GreenPulse developed an algae-based biofuel solution, impressing judges with its feasibility and potential environmental benefits.
In second-place, team Sunshine Farme presented an artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) system for energy prediction and real-time monitoring in agriculture, offering a smart approach to sustainable farming.
In third-place, team Nemo Inc introduced “Corallius,” an innovative underwater drone designed to optimise coral growth, contributing to marine ecosystem restoration.
Empowering future Innovators
Despite the challenges of a 24-hour hackathon, students left the Sustainable Hackathon enriched with valuable skills, a deeper understanding of sustainability, and a renewed passion for innovation.
Through hands-on experience, they not only honed their technical and creative abilities but also learned the importance of collaboration and resilience in tackling real-world issues.