University of Sydney students showcased their innovative spirit at the 2021 Student Innovation Awards, where they tackled pressing real-world issues. The awards, aimed at fostering entrepreneurial thinking, saw a diverse range of projects addressing food wastage, literacy, water treatment, and blindness.
Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AC commended the participants for their dedication to social and planetary impact, emphasizing the importance of creativity in addressing global challenges. Despite the pandemic’s constraints, the event drew a significant number of submissions, reflecting students’ resilience and commitment to driving positive change.
Among the standout projects was KLAP, developed by undergraduate students, which connects high schools with disadvantaged primary schools to bridge the reading gap. By pairing young mentors with struggling readers, the initiative not only enhances literacy skills but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment among participants.
Another notable project, WasteLess, created by a group of undergraduate students, introduced a mobile app to combat food waste. The app helps users track their food inventory, prioritize consumption, and gain insights to reduce wastage. With one-third of the world’s food being wasted, initiatives like WasteLess play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices.
Hydrogic, led by Dalyell Scholar student Alyssa Wong and her team, revolutionized hydrogen peroxide production with a decentralized approach. The innovation offers a cost-effective solution for various applications, including water treatment and surface cleaning. By enabling local production, Hydrogic aims to address key challenges in storage, transportation, and accessibility of H2O2.
PhD student Nicole Hallett’s project, Sight for the Future, earned recognition for its research impact. Using machine learning, the initiative focuses on early detection and prediction of corneal disease progression to improve surgical outcomes. By developing a progression index, the project aims to enhance patient care and prevent blindness, marking a significant advancement in ophthalmic treatment.
Noteworthy mentions include the People’s Choice winners, with Hydrogic securing the top spot for its innovative approach to hydrogen peroxide production. The awards not only celebrate student innovation but also highlight the University’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurial endeavors and impactful research.
The Student Innovation Awards serve as a platform for nurturing talent, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing complex societal challenges. As students continue to drive innovation and creativity, their contributions play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.
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