Ugandan University Wins Prestigious Global Innovation Award

KAMPALA, Uganda: Uganda Christian University has won the prestigious global innovation award, Prototypes for Humanity, for its innovative biodegradable solution for fruit and vegetable preservation. The award-winning prototype, Freza Nanotech, is a game-changer for smallholder farmers and vendors in developing countries, addressing the significant post-harvest losses they face.

Developed by a team of students from the university, Freza Nanotech is a biodegradable solution that extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for spoilage. This eco-friendly solution reduces reliance on refrigeration and harmful chemicals, using cutting-edge nanotechnology to preserve produce for up to 60 days.

The prototype was one of five award-winning projects selected from 2,700 global applications, demonstrating the highest potential to solve global issues with impact at their core, backed by academic research. The other winning projects included Angie (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) in the health category, Terracell (Stanford University, USA) in the energy category, Plasma Wastewater Purification (Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi) in the Nature category, and Time Sensitive Applications of In-network ML (University of Oxford, UK) in the AI & Data Science category.

The Prototypes for Humanity initiative, established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), aims to foster future-driven innovations by supporting prototypes and pilot models that address critical global challenges.

Tadeu Baldani Caravieri, Director of Prototypes for Humanity, congratulated the universities, professors, and students behind the five award-winning projects.

“For a decade, Prototypes for Humanity has established itself as the world’s most comprehensive convener of academic innovation,” he said. “Academia has always driven progress, and the Prototypes for Humanity program unites innovators and industry to tackle complex global challenges, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global center for impactful ideas.”

The winning teams were awarded a total prize of $100,000 USD and were publicly showcased in Dubai until November 21.

The Freza Nanotech team from Uganda Christian University was represented by Ainembabazi Samantha, who expressed their gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to showcase their innovative solution on a global stage.

This achievement is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Ugandan innovators and a demonstration of the country’s potential to contribute to global solutions. The Freza Nanotech prototype has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of smallholder farmers and vendors in Uganda and beyond, and we congratulate the team on this well-deserved recognition.

The impact of Freza Nanotech extends beyond the preservation of fruits and vegetables. It has the potential to reduce food waste, increase income for smallholder farmers and vendors, and support environmental sustainability by lowering plastic use and methane emissions from rotting produce. This innovative solution is a shining example of how academia can drive progress and address critical global challenges.”