Six student teams get awards for their innovative projects
Six winners were awarded for their innovative projects for the Green Innovation Eco-Thon at a ceremony on Saturday.
The competitive event hosted by Nama Group and the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) was held under the patronage of H E Najeeb bin Ali al Rawas, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, H H Sayyida Tania bint Shabib al Said, president of ESO, and Eng Omar bin Khalfan al Wahaibi, CEO of Nama Group.
The competition saw 21 teams with 105 participants who were selected from 481 applicants by a panel of judges.
The competition, that was held from October 17-19, challenged students to create innovative digital solutions for environmental challenges like waste management, renewable energy and alternatives.
An annual event, it aims to empower Omani youth to use their wits and tech savviness for the good of the environment, as well as raising awareness about environmental causes. This year’s timely themes were ‘Waste and Energy Efficiency’, ‘Carbon Capture and Alternatives’, and ‘Energy and Water Efficiency’.
Ghada al Yousef, executive manager, Group Communication and Sustainability at Nama Group said, “Omani youth, once again, proved that they are active and responsible in creativity. Nama Group will continue supporting the younger generations to channel their passion for sustainable energy practices into reality. We have full faith in our youth, as their commitment to their nation is extraordinary.”
The first prize (RO2,000) was won by a student team from the National University of Science and Technology, Al Musanna
College of Technology, A’Sharqiyah University and Higher College of Technology, for their entry, ‘E-Nitro’, an electronic mobile station using pressure by nitrogen - Internet integration.
The second prize went to students from Sohar College of Applied Science, who won RO1,500 for their ‘Carbon Catcher System’, which uses solar energy to capture carbon, and therefore reduces its emission in the atmosphere.
The third prize of RO1,000 was awarded to a team from the Sultan Qaboos University, whose project, ‘Winds for Lights’ utilises wind created by cars in the highway to generate electricity.
Three runner-up teams were also awarded RO500 each.
“We had some truly remarkable entries this year and they showed us that not only are youth aware of the current environmental challenges Oman is facing, but they have the skills and the motivation to do something about it,” said Dareen Mehdi, ESO Board Member.
“The Eco-Thon is a great example to other young people that technology and innovation can be used to tackle these challenges that impact us all and we hope it inspires others to follow suit.”