Congratulations to Winners and Finalists in the 2024 Challenge Season!

Here are the top competitors in the 2024-25 academic year NFTE World Series of Innovation.

Zuora Climate Action Challenge

The Challenge: Design an innovative solution that encourages individuals and communities to reduce their carbon footprint through consumption-based approaches.

Winners

• First Place: , FriendlyFlow is an environmentally safe, biodegradable sanitary pad made from natural organic materials like unbleached cotton, bioplastic, and bamboo. In the U.S., 12 billion sanitary pads are discarded annually, and most contain plastics that take 500 to 800 years to decompose, contributing to pollution and global warming. FriendlyFlow aims to reduce this impact by offering a sustainable alternative that uses energy-saving manufacturing techniques to lower carbon emissions. Designed with comfort and safety in mind, FriendlyFlow provides women with a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable option, helping to minimize waste and protect the environment. Submitted by Karla Mejia, Stephanie Zeng, and Yuritzin Vasquez from Abraham Lincoln High School in California! See their video here.
• Second Place: , Terran - The Integrated Precision Farming System combines vertical farming, hydroponics, robotics, and AI to help smallholder farmers produce high-value crops efficiently and sustainably. It uses stacked layers to save space, a closed-loop hydroponic system to minimize water use, and AI to monitor and adjust plant conditions automatically. Robotics handles tasks like planting and harvesting, reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency. With a modular design, the system is scalable and adaptable for small farms, allowing them to increase yields, reduce costs, and remain competitive. The system also promotes sustainability by recycling water, using biofertilizers, and minimizing energy usage. Submitted by Agastya Sidher (Singapore American School - Singapore), Ethan Chen (Mountain View High School - California), Nithin Aruswamy (Dublin High School), and Rohan Phillip (Oak Park High School)! See their video here.
• Third Place: , Recycle Radar is a platform designed to make e-waste recycling easier and more accessible by recommending the most suitable recycling facilities based on consumer preferences. The platform takes into account key factors like financial, convenience, security, and environmental priorities, helping users find the best facility for their needs. Users input their preferences and device details, and the app provides tailored suggestions, making the recycling process effortless and aligned with personal values. Submitted by Alvin Xiong from St. Robert Catholic High School in Canada! See their video here.

Finalists

• Terran (California, USA & SIngapore), Terran, is an affordable, data-driven, hydroponic farming system with optimized biofertilizer use to increase yields/profits while decreasing water usage & operating costs, enabling small farmers to gradually scale their enterprises.
• Insulayers (California, USA), Insulayers, inspiration for energy-saving behavior starts at home by turning mattresses into insulation.
• AI Cook (Singapore), AICook, a reimagined excess food marketplace harnessing AI-driven capabilities to maximize consumption of soon-to-expire food
• ECOTEX (California, USA), ECOTEX is a sustainable innovation that transforms food waste into biodegradable textiles, providing the fashion industry with a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to polyester while reducing environmental waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
• FriednlyFlow (California, USA), Biodegradable sanitary pads made from natural resources such as unbleached cotton with no synthetic fragrances and bamboo packaging.
• WITERok (Ukraine), WITERoK, an alternative vertical bladeless wind generator that allows for rational use of land and provides autonomous power even at low wind speeds.
• Liquid Tree (China), Liquid Tree, is an innovation that lets travelers adopt carbon-capturing microalgae via an app, making climate action fun and rewarding while boosting airport and airline sustainability.
• Pool2School (India), Pool2School is an innovative app that connects students and families for safe, eco-friendly carpooling, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact while fostering community engagement within school networks.
• Recycle Radar (Canada), Recycle Radar is an all-in-one e-waste management solution connecting users of all backgrounds with the best recycling facility for their specific needs, making responsible disposal rewarding, accessible, and secure.
• Eco Drip (Texas, USA), Eco Drip, a bamboo-based drip irrigation system degrades seasonally, eliminating removal costs while boosting profits and soil quality..