CyanO2 Wins TU/e Contest with Innovative CO₂ Bioreactor
The CyanO2 team won the tenth TU/e Contest with a bioreactor that captures and converts CO₂ into raw materials, highlighting student contributions to sustainability.
A Platform for Innovation
Held at the Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e), the tenth edition of the TU/e Contest showcased groundbreaking projects from student innovators. The event, turned into a full-scale conference, not only included the finals of the idea contest but also featured poster presentations, alumni pitches, and a networking gathering with industry professionals. The contest aims to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among future engineers by providing them with a platform to develop and pitch their market-worthy ideas.
CyanO2’s Winning Innovation
CyanO2, a team composed of four women, emerged as the grand prize winner with their innovative bioreactor. The bioreactor captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources and converts them into valuable raw materials using cyanobacteria. This technology addresses the critical issue of industrial CO₂ emissions, which constitute about 25% of global emissions, as highlighted by CyanO2’s business developer, Gabrielle Mathieu. By promoting a circular model, CyanO2’s solution not only mitigates environmental impact but also provides a sustainable alternative for the chemical industry.
Monetary Rewards and Future Plans
The team received a grand prize of €5000, which they plan to invest in developing a working prototype of their bioreactor. Matylda Guz, the team’s modeling expert, expressed enthusiasm about reaching a tipping point in their product development journey. This financial boost will support CyanO2 in refining their technology and bringing it closer to market readiness.
Other Notable Winners
The TU/e Contest also recognized other innovative projects. TouchPulse secured the second prize for their app designed to assist visually impaired individuals in navigation, while DieKees won the third prize for creating sustainable flower pots made from wool, addressing the dual issues of plastic waste and unused wool. TouchPulse also won the Grow @ TWICE Award, granting them a year of office space at the TWICE Alpha Hub to further develop their app.
Special Awards and Recognitions
Apart from the top three prizes, the contest presented several special awards. T.E.S.T. won the Best Prototype Award for their biosensor that detects kidney failure at an early stage. DieKees was honored with the Best Poster Award, and T.E.S.T. also received the Social Innovator Award. Additionally, the ASML Makers Award went to ArtVista for their AI-powered app that personalizes museum visits.
Encouraging Future Innovators
The TU/e Contest has been instrumental in nurturing young entrepreneurs and encouraging innovative solutions to societal challenges. Jelle Schuitemaker, co-founder of the successful startup GOAL3 and a former participant, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of perseverance and strategic planning in entrepreneurial success. His message resonated with the participants, inspiring them to pursue their ideas with determination.
Looking Ahead
As the event concluded, the emphasis remained on fostering collaboration, innovation, and the development of market-worthy products. TU/e’s commitment to supporting student entrepreneurs continues to drive impactful technological advancements and sustainable solutions. The contest not only celebrates the achievements of its participants but also sets the stage for future innovators to contribute meaningfully to society.