A biodegradable solution for preserving fruits and vegetables developed by students from Uganda Christian University has been recognized as one of the world’s top innovations at the 2024 Prototypes for Humanity awards in Dubai.
The project, FREZA NANOTECH, was awarded in the Civil Society category for its potential to address post-harvest losses and improve food security in developing economies.
FREZA NANOTECH’s biodegradable innovation addresses the significant challenge of fruit and vegetable spoilage in regions lacking adequate storage solutions. Developed by Ugandan students, the project underscores the critical role of local solutions in combating global food insecurity and highlights the potential for scalable impact in emerging economies.
The prestigious awards also celebrated innovations from Switzerland, the USA, India, and the UK, tackling challenges ranging from brain tumor treatment to renewable energy, wastewater purification, and ultra-fast Machine Learning. Each of the five winning projects received a share of the $100,000 USD prize pool to further their groundbreaking research.
The Winning Innovations
- ANGIE (ETH Zurich, Switzerland): A magnetically guided microcapsule for treating brain tumors.
- TERRACELL (Stanford University, USA): A soil-powered renewable energy source for IoT sensors.
- FREZA NANOTECH (Uganda Christian University): A biodegradable solution to preserve fruits and vegetables.
- PLASMA WASTEWATER PURIFICATION (Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi): Advanced plasma treatment for wastewater contaminants.
- TIME-SENSITIVE APPLICATIONS OF IN-NETWORK ML (University of Oxford, UK): In-Network Machine Learning for ultra-low latency applications.
A Decade of Driving Impact
Now in its 10th year, the Prototypes for Humanity programme, hosted by Dubai Future Solutions, connects academic innovators with global industry leaders, governments, and funding opportunities to address humanity’s most pressing challenges. This year’s exhibition received over 2,700 applications from more than 800 universities across 100 countries, including 90% of the world’s top institutions.
“This year’s awardees demonstrate the incredible potential of academic innovation to solve critical issues at scale,” said Tadeu Baldani Caravieri, Director of Prototypes for Humanity.
He continued, “For a decade, Prototypes for Humanity has united academia and industry to tackle complex challenges, positioning Dubai as a global hub for impactful ideas. We congratulate the five winners and all participants for their contributions to addressing the world’s greatest challenges.”
The 2024 showcase, running until 21 November, features 100 shortlisted projects that highlight the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and impact. Categories include agriculture, healthcare, energy, water, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the diverse approaches to solving global problems.
The programme’s international jury included Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, and Kristoffer Gandrup-Marino, UNICEF’s Chief of Innovation. Their selection of diverse projects underscores the global reach and collaborative spirit of Prototypes for Humanity.
With its 10-year legacy, the programme has cultivated a network of over 20,000 professors and countless innovators worldwide, establishing itself as a leading convener of academic ingenuity for real-world change.