A win for innovation: NanoPure excels at Ideation Challenge 6.0

On December 2nd, the Grande Finale of Orange Corner’s Ideation Challenge 6.0 was held at BYLC Headquarters, Mohakhali, Dhaka. Out of 266 innovative ideas, 40 Teams were shortlisted for the boot camp, and 6 advanced to the finals, with Team NanoPure from Brac University securing the position of first runner-up. Ziya Mohammad Sayef Ullah (Senior, EEE), Md. Foysal (Junior, EEE) and Nowshin Jahan (Senior, MNS) showcased their skills in engineering and biotechnology to develop an eco-friendly, solar-powered nanobubble generator.

The team aspired to ease the daily struggles that farmers, hatcheries and rural communities face through such as polluted water supply, high operational costs and heavy chemical usage, using a clean, affordable and sustainable solution. They devised a system aligned with the Orange Corner’s focus on SDG 6. The system is powered by nanobubbles, UV sterilisation, and solar automation that could improve water quality, increase oxygen levels at an affordable cost and take a step towards sustainable livelihood. 

Exposure to mentorship, practical challenges and relevant sources within the campus environment enabled Sayef and Foysal to develop NanoPure. Alongside, Nowshin’s meticulous research strengthened the biological aspects of the solution. The team acknowledged Dr Munima Haque’s (Associate Professor, MNS) unwavering scientific guidance and expressed their gratitude. It was a great challenge for the team to explain the technically complex system and prepare business models without much expertise. However, brainstorming real-life examples on the spot won the judges’ hearts. 

Team NanoPure aims to refine its prototype, begin pilot testing with hatcheries, and collaborate with NGOs and research labs, ultimately to establish its presence in the market. Sayef inspired young minds by saying,

“Innovation starts with the problems around us. We can start by solving issues in our community, environment or daily life.”