2024 NET ZERO GRAND CHALLENGE WINNERS
Nobel Innovations
$10,000
Noble Innovations, comprised of a team of undergraduate students, is a project that reimagines the lifecycle of HDPE plastic. This ‘waste to wonder’ project aims to transform waste from campus cafes into eco-friendly merchandise, including artistic plates that celebrate regional unity and cultural heritage. By localising production, minimising the need for virgin plastics, and reducing waste transportation, Noble Innovations is aiming to make a tangible impact on the university's carbon footprint.
CalcCollab
$10,000
CALC COLLAB aims to empower companies by providing open-source, low-code tools that simplify Scope 3 carbon accounting, enabling all organisations, regardless of size, to participate in meaningful carbon reduction efforts. The project targets the complex and resource-intensive nature of Scope 3 carbon accounting, starting with heavy industries such as the global lithium supply chain
EcoFusion
$10,000
This ambitious project stood out for it’s innovative use of genetically engineered cyanobacteria to convert CO₂ emissions into valuable biofuel and fertiliser. The team's closed-loop system demonstrates potential for reducing Scope 3 emissions by up to 70% when fully implemented, offering a scalable solution for both agricultural and industrial applications.
EcoFusion doubled their success for the evening by also claiming the People's Choice Award. They were awarded a $1000 cash prize for this category.