Voting

EcoSmart Housing Solutions

1 Author

Overview: EcoSmart Housing Solutions is a social enterprise dedicated to addressing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action. Our mission is to design, develop, and deploy affordable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly housing units in urban and rural areas, primarily targeting low-income families and communities affected by climate change. Key Features: Sustainable Materials: Utilize recycled and locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact. Incorporate advanced insulation materials and energy-efficient windows to enhance thermal performance. Renewable Energy Integration: Equip homes with solar panels and wind turbines to ensure a significant portion of energy needs is met through renewable sources. Implement energy storage solutions like batteries to manage and store excess energy. Water Conservation: Install rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling systems to minimize water waste. Use low-flow fixtures and appliances to reduce water consumption. Smart Home Technology: Integrate smart thermostats, lighting, and home energy management systems to optimize energy use and reduce costs. Enable remote monitoring and control via mobile apps to encourage energy-saving habits among residents. Community Involvement: Engage local communities in the design and construction process to ensure homes meet their specific needs and preferences. Offer training programs for local workers in sustainable construction practices, creating job opportunities and boosting local economies. Affordability: Employ cost-effective construction methods such as modular building and 3D printing to keep housing prices low. Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and private investors to secure funding and subsidies for low-income families. Impact: Environmental: Reduce carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. Minimize waste and resource depletion by using sustainable materials and water conservation systems. Social: Provide safe, affordable, and comfortable housing for low-income families and climate-affected communities. Enhance the quality of life by creating resilient and self-sufficient communities. Economic: Generate local employment and skill development opportunities in the sustainable construction industry. Lower utility bills for residents through energy-efficient designs and renewable energy integration. Business Model: Revenue Streams: Sales of eco-friendly housing units. Leasing and rental income from housing projects. Maintenance and smart home technology subscription services. Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sector companies for funding and project implementation. Collaborate with tech companies for smart home integrations and renewable energy firms for sustainable power solutions. Scalability: Begin with pilot projects in regions with high demand for affordable housing and expand to other areas based on success and learnings. Develop a franchise model to replicate the business in different countries, adapting to local conditions and needs. Conclusion: EcoSmart Housing Solutions aims to make a significant contribution to achieving SDGs 11 and 13 by providing sustainable, affordable, and innovative housing solutions. Through our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic development, we envision a future where every community has access to safe, eco-friendly, and resilient homes.

Place IT

3 Authors

PLACE IT is a waste management portal that provides groundbreaking solution to hazardous wastes, such as plastic, cigarette butts, and electronic waste. As a conduit of environmental protection efforts for eco-conscious consumers, this platform will collaborate with responsible waste disposal companies to inform the dangers of plastics, cigarette butts, and electronic wastes to our ecosystem and build on their core competencies in recycling process

Green Roots

1 Author

A sustainable fashion lease model for Western/Indian clothing involving a system where customers can rent traditional and contemporary Western/Indian garments rather than purchasing them outright. This supports sustainability by reducing waste and promoting the reuse of clothing.

"Öz jolyn"- a navigation app for people with disabilities and mothers with babies.

1 Author

In an era where many cities are not designed with pedestrians in mind, it is crucial to address the challenges faced by certain groups of people, such as people with disabilities and mothers with babies in strollers, who are walking around the city on daily basement. From personal experience, I have realized that cities worldwide suffer from issues like the lack of ramps or their poor quality. After surveying over 100 people, I confirmed that this problem is a significant vulnerability in our society. Therefore, my team and I are proud to present a navigation app for people with disabilities. We have created a database that includes over five hundred ramps in one of the districts of Almaty. Using this data, our neural networks will generate routes for people with disabilities, incorporating points with accessible ramps. Our app already features a user-friendly interface and a high-quality database that classifies ramps into different categories. We have also engaged with our target audience to ensure the app meets their needs. Although the app is still in the development stage, as integrating such a complex routing mechanism is challenging. Also we have already secured investors. This app has the potential to become fully operational within the next few months.

BANADAGE

5 Authors

BANADAGE is a naturally biodegradable bandage made from banana fiber, promising to be a solution to environmental and economic issues in Vietnam. Instead of using conventional bandage materials that are non-biodegradable, such as synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon), bleached cotton, or other non-woven materials—which can cause serious soil pollution if not carefully managed—BANADAGE utilizes banana fiber as its primary material. Banana fiber possesses essential qualities that can replace traditional bandage fibers, such as durability, breathability, and antibacterial properties, and is also a common fruit with abundant availability in Vietnam, especially in rural areas. By using banana fiber for bandages, BANADAGE helps mitigate issues related to resource wastage and environmental pollution. BANADAGE reuses a material that is often discarded but still has many untapped benefits. It also reduces harmful emissions into the air, as banana stems are usually burned to get rid of or decompose. Additionally, because the waste of bandages in Vietnam is significant, with traditional disposal methods like incineration or landfilling causing air pollution or soil and groundwater contamination, BANADAGE helps alleviate these two types of pollution since banana fiber can naturally decompose. Furthermore, BANADAGE addresses the economic issue faced by farmers. Previously, banana stems could only be used as feed for pigs, but now, by purchasing banana stems from rural areas, BANADAGE provides farmers with additional income in cases of poor banana yields. As the technology for making banana fiber bandages develops further, the collaboration between farmers and BANADAGE could generate even more substantial income for them.

SyncBiote - Empower Growth, Enhance Adaptation

4 Authors

SyncBiote is a technology that aims to bolster ecological well-being through superior plants. By leveraging genetic modification techniques and the power of AI, SyncBiote makes plants more productive, resilient and adaptive to combat both environmental and economic issues.

Coffee Husk Wastes Solution

5 Authors

Vietnam is a major producer of coffee (top 2), generating substantial agricultural waste in the form of coffee husks. Each year, 14.6 million tonnes of coffee husk are produced. A percentage of this waste is not reused productively (to use as fuels, animal bedding, compost, and fertilizers). Improper management of coffee husks can lead to environmental issues such as water and soil contamination from landfilling, and air pollution from burning. Our solution is to reduce these wastes by creating products using sustainable method. Our solution will reduce wastes and provide jobs for local farmers

Flowetti- a containing germinating seeds.

5 Authors

- Our team's name: Relander - Highlights: Using recycled paper pieces mixed with flower seeds, instead of the glitter core inside the regular firecrackers. Impact: Completely solves the problem of polymer fragments when using paper fireworks, and at the same time handles the following urgent problems: water pollution (because polymers from paper fireworks are difficult to decompose and flow with rainwater) and soil pollution

Happy Hands Pots & Pans

1 Author

In 2022, I started Happy Hands Pots& Pans (H2P2), to collect worn out Teflon-coated cooking pans which are health and environmental hazards. H2P2 collects these pans from different households and trains people with mental and physical disabilities to recycle them into exquisite wall hangings. These items are sold as home-decor, and the net proceeds are remitted to the associated NGOs for the benefit of the artists.

Empathy Escape - An innovative puzzle-adventure game that challenges players to step into the shoes of individuals with various disabilities and conditions.

1 Author

Empathy Escape is an innovative puzzle-adventure game that challenges players to step into the shoes of individuals with various disabilities and conditions. Set in a surreal world where memories, dreams, and emotions intertwine, players navigate through five unique realms: the House of Memories, Dream Labyrinth, Time Gallery, Sensory Laboratory, and Emotional Cloudscape. Each character possesses a unique ability that turns their perceived limitation into a strength, allowing players to solve puzzles and uncover hidden truths in ways they never imagined possible.

NeoTerra

1 Author

My gravitational concrete batteries operate on a fundamental principle of energy storage and conversion. When there is excess energy available, the system elevates a heavy concrete load, storing energy as potential energy. During periods of high demand or energy shortage, the load descends, converting potential energy into kinetic energy and then into electrical energy using a generator. With an efficiency rating of around 86%, this technology revitalizes abandoned spaces, providing a reliable and sustainable energy source for communities worldwide.

Addressing Educational Inequality -- Language Acquisition Among Visually Impaired Children

1 Author

My pitch focuses on mutual educational support – specifically, teaching basic level English to visually impaired children who would otherwise have no access to second language acquisition. This idea is inspired by two of the UN SDGs: reducing inequalities and quality education. Visual impairment ranges from poor vision to blindness. With English being yet the most commonly used language, having a basic level of English communication skills is now a necessity for succeeding especially in job-hunting and the job market. We might take the opportunity to learn English for granted; however, children with visual disabilities often do not have the chance to access such educational resources. Meanwhile, English is not just a language or a communication device, but also a form of inspiration. One does not need to master a language in order for one to embrace the many cultures this language brings forward. In China, the government has been putting efforts to enhance the literacy rates of children with disabilities, but their chance for accessing a second-language opportunity is extremely rare compared to that of children with no physical deficits (which is nearly 100% because English is a crucial subject in the National Testing Curriculum). This inequality and lack of social awareness regarding this issue greatly narrow down the future employment market for disabled individuals. My pitch proposes a mutual teaching-learning process, in which high school (or middle school) students are each paired with a younger disabled student (usually in pre-k or primary school); they will have English tutoring sessions every week for 1 hour; they will also build strong relationships, bond, and connection, they will support and accompany each other. There are currently lots of welfare organizations that have information on visually impaired children, therefore it is easy to find prospective students.

FreeMask

6 Authors

FreeMask: Revolutionizing Mask Usage for a Sustainable Future FreeMask is an innovative sustainable entrepreneurship model dedicated to reducing the waste generated by single-use medical masks. We distribute free, reusable masks, funded entirely by advertisements displayed on the masks themselves. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, waste from single-use plastic masks has become a global environmental issue, including in Vietnam. Over 1.5 billion masks have ended up in the ocean, with countless more discarded in landfills and on streets. This contributes significantly to the climate crisis, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable solution. Eliminating the 'single-use' aspect of plastic masks is clearly beneficial. While reusable fabric masks exist, the convenience and low cost of single-use masks continue to dominate the market. FreeMask addresses this by offering high-quality, reusable fabric masks at no cost to the public. We achieve this by leveraging the mask surface as an advertising platform that corporations and NGOs can rent, providing them with a cost-effective and impactful way to engage with their audience. Our masks are crafted from premium fabric, featuring adjustable ear loops and a nose wire for a personalized, comfortable fit. They are designed for extended wear and can maintain their quality through multiple washes. Importantly, FreeMasks are distributed to those who need them most, including construction workers, manual laborers, cleaners, environmental volunteers, hospital patients, and individuals in areas with poor air quality. For every mask distributed, we donate 1,000 VND to charities and non-profit organizations addressing ongoing health crises. Our business model ensures that the production costs of the masks are fully covered by advertisement revenue. Our solution adheres to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: - SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - Our reusable masks help reduce the waste generated by single-use masks, promoting sustainable practices. - SDG 14: Life Below Water - By minimizing mask waste, we contribute to cleaner oceans and protect marine life from plastic pollution. - SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being - Providing reusable masks helps reduce exposure to airborne pollutants, improving public health, especially for those in polluted areas. - SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - FreeMask offers affordable branding and advertising for startups and creates jobs, supporting economic growth. FreeMask not only addresses environmental challenges but also enhances public health and supports economic growth, proving that sustainable solutions can make a significant difference.

"VERDECOTERRA"-Your Gardens Green Revolution

1 Author

My concept focuses on enhancing tree plantation. It's straightforward and logical, comprising three primary layers: the inner seed layer, the middle coco peat layer, and the outer charcoal layer. Coco peat is chosen for its exceptional qualities such as water absorption, proper aeration, drainage, moisture retention, and prevention of waterlogging, all while being sustainable. Charcoal is another key component, offering agricultural benefits, particularly in disease prevention in plants, reducing the need for chemicals, and sequestering carbon dioxide in the soil. This not only addresses multiple issues but also significantly impacts global warming, as carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas contributing to the Earth's temperature regulation. My idea proposes that with these two main ingredients, numerous problems can be addressed. Upon introducing verdecoterra into the soil, it opens upon absorbing moisture, allowing the materials to integrate with the soil. Soon after, the seeds begin to germinate, leading to a proliferation of new plant life.

Urban Blocks

1 Author

My idea Urban Blocks is to construct urban landscapes such as schools, hospitals, pools, garages, libraries with recycled shipping containers. Although Shipping container homes already exist and popular, no organization has used shipping containers to build other urban structures, like schools and hospitals, which is where Urban Blocks comes in. My idea focuses heavily on the UN’s 9th global goal: to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The specific target is to develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, focusing on affordable and equitable access for all. By using shipping containers as constructive materials with the mindset of creating sturdy and efficient structures, the cost of production would be significantly lower and prove to be an economic value to society. My idea also concerns the 11th goal of Sustainable cities and Communities as shipping containers can also be used to make other variables of urbanization such as schools, not to mention that there are shipping container home communities. The 13th goal of Climate Action as the utilization of shipping containers as constructable materials will decrease the amount of construction as it makes up for 40% of global emissions. Lastly the 16th goal, Life on Land, has also contributed to Urban Blocks, shipping containers can be an eco-friendly and nature drive alternative as it will decrease deforestation. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.  Shipping containers are solid and can withstand most buildings. They are made of steel, which is strong and relatively inexpensive, and have a strong steel frame, walls, ceiling, and floor. The steel used in shipping containers is also resistant to corrosion and is high-strength and low-alloy. The cost for shipping containers varies, depending on their dimensions, but the average cost is $2,000 each. According to HomeGuide, the average cost to build and install a container home is $25,000 to $250,000, while the average cost of a traditional home in the United States is $420,800. The use of shipping containers as construction material can also be a very economical trend. Many manufacturers, organizations, or natural owners of shipping containers can sell their new or used containers for a profit, making it an equitable business. Transforming a shipping container to a home can also be an equitable business.  Welding is heavily used when constructing infrastructure with shipping containers, which could lead to a massive increase in jobs for welders and other professionals such as engineers, architects, and inspectors.  Target 9.a: Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological, and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States. Shipping container homes may be the best solution for less developed countries as they are inexpensive and have eco-conscious features. They are designed to be energy-efficient and can be fitted with a range of renewable energy technologies. They can reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions during both the construction and the use of the building. An example of such technology would be solar panels and compost toilets, often installed in these homes. The trend of shipping container homes is prevalent and still growing. People have even started creating small communities filled with just shipping container homes. Here are a few to name:  Stacks at Wilson, an entire community of shipping-container homes built in the Dixie Hills neighborhood in Atlanta. The Schuyler Yacht Basin is located in Schuylerville, New York. Tiny House Village is a modern-styled shipping container home community in Orderville, Utah. Not to mention, they can even be used as portable hospitals in rural areas or to keep up with nomadic transitions, which makes them a great use as nomadic movements are an impactful part of many African tribes’ cultures. Shipping Container Homes are the future, no doubt about it, but they’re hardly promoted or encouraged. Right now, most of those who own or live in a shipping container home deeply care for the environment and see it as a highly contributing factor toward a greener earth. That being said, these individuals make up a small portion of the population. For a significant impact, we as a society need to expose everyone else to help them see that shipping containers have real benefits other than being an eco-friendly solution and more of a necessary tool. I propose expanding its scope from just being a home to a school, a hospital, or a garage. The reality is that shipping containers are valuable construction materials, even if they are being used as scrapes to build skyscrapers. Using shipping containers to build schools, hospitals, and garages Schools will be able to spend more on other expenditures, such as educational programs and extracurriculars, which would be more beneficial and geared toward students. The same can be said about hospitals. Schools and hospitals could quickly expand to create more classrooms without the need for portables by using shipping containers. Shipping Containers can be stacked on top of each other.

Sustainable restaurant

1 Author

It is a restaurant that helps solve 7 SDG's by giving out a meal and a bottle of water to the poor for every customer they have and all the food comes from sustainable farming where tourists could even go to experience and work a day in to learn where our food comes from! All the food waste goes to composting, all the hiring is from poor places with people who live in squatters, etc therefore, they get a chance to learn, work and have a home next to the restaurant reducing unemployment and building a community. This idea will benefit not only the climate but also the people.

Dance Dynamics Nonprofit: Increasing Accessibility to Dance Education for Youth

1 Author

Create. Empower. Initiate. Dance Dynamics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by two Bay Area high schoolers striving to increase the accessibility of dance to all students. Our mission is to provide a safe space for young artists, teach dance to children of all backgrounds, and encourage them to pursue their passions. We hold dance workshops, teaching a wide variety of dance genres (ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, jazz) by competitive dancers. We currently have two branches locally, but are always looking to expand! Follow us on our journey to create art, empower dancers, and initiate change! We also hope to create a dance shoe drive (currently in the works), and distribute dance supplies to underprivileged dancers! By recording dance classes, we hope to also distribute online resources for those who are unable to attend class weekly. By connecting with local studios and homeless shelters, we will be able to make children's dreams come true and ensure accessible dance education for all! Follow our social media accounts and check our website/Linktree! Thank you so much for your support! https://www.dancedynamicsnp.org/ https://linktr.ee/dancedynamicsnp

Sol-Park

1 Author

I have a vision to create a product in an innovative way which will not only harvest renewable energy, but save energy at the same time. Introducing the Sol-Park, a frame with solar panels on top which is placed in parking spots. The goal is to not only save energy, but also harvest energy in a renewable and sustainable manner. The solar panel acts like a shade, absorbing direct sunlight as well as harvesting renewable energy. On a hot day, the ground can heat up to around 100 degrees fahrenheit, but research shows a shade can reduce temperatures from 11 to 19 degrees fahrenheit. Parking under a Sol-Park can reduce the amount of energy you need to cool down your car, and in the long run this can save a lot of energy. These Sol-Parks can come in big rows that can be installed in an open parking lot, or individual parking spots that can even be used for personal use. They also use sunlight sensors and AI to tilt according to where direct sunlight is hitting to maximize efficiency. Saving and using energy in a sustainable manner is extremely important as non-renewable resources become more expensive each day, so conserving energy and making renewable energy all in one product has a huge market space. For more of a visual explanation look at these Concept Sketches I designed: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lkutgM-XvG1yERZpIrBW8U9LZrTFaKl8I5N7ZRX2M50/edit

Innovative Greenhouses: Múre Restaurant

2 Authors

The project consists of 3 components: rooftop greenhouses, an online shop platform, and a restaurant. Our rooftop greenhouses will be located on top of the city buildings. The production can be delivered via online platform that has features. The project includes a modern establishment with a pleasant atmosphere and unique design, which is a green corner in the city. This provides us with a direct supply chain for the restaurant.

Waste2Plate

1 Author

Waste2Plate is an application designed to reduce food waste in households. Its operating principle involves users scanning their leftover food through the app, after which the built-in AI suggests recipes from an existing database.