The group of five MSc Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship students – Luke Hailstone, Devansh Poddar, Eugene Oigara, Pierre Louis, and Ajinkya Khairnar – travelled to Nairobi, Kenya, to participate in The Hult Prize, an event that challenges young innovators to address critical global issues through social entrepreneurship.

The rapid pace of technological advancement, coupled with the short lifespan of many electronic products, has led to a surge in electronic waste, now the fastest growing solid waste stream globally, according to the World Health Organisation. In 2019, 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide, yet only 17.4% was recycled. The remainder often ends up in landfills or incinerated, releasing harmful substances like lead into the environment and posing serious health risks.

Representing diverse backgrounds from Kenya, India, France, and the UK, the Nottingham team presented their concept, "Imagination Engineering," which employs urban mining to tackle e-waste. This innovative approach utilises naturally occurring microorganisms to break down e-waste and recover precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional recycling methods.

Their proposal included the development of a cutting-edge bioleaching facility, outfitted with advanced technology and staffed by expert microbiologists and waste management professionals. This facility aims to provide comprehensive e-waste recycling services to businesses, governments, and individuals seeking responsible disposal of electronic devices.

To create a viable prototype, the team conducted extensive research with e-waste recyclers and industry stakeholders to address challenges and gather feedback on the effectiveness and efficiency of their process. They refined their business plan to ensure financial sustainability and address potential market barriers.

The Hult Prize attracts thousands of entries annually, with only a select few advancing to the summit events, where participants pitch their ideas to a panel of distinguished judges, business leaders, and thought leaders. Although the Imagination Engineering team did not make it to the final round, they found the experience invaluable and appreciated the opportunity to present their business concept on a global stage.

Devansh Poddar, age 23, from Mumbai, said: “One of the biggest challenges we faced was aligning our scientific research with market needs and ensuring our solution was both technically feasible and commercially viable.

“I learned a great deal about project management and the importance of aligning technical solutions with market demands. This will be beneficial as we move forward with our careers and future projects.

“A standout moment for me was pitching to the judges and receiving recognition for our idea. It was a validation of our hard work and creativity, and it gave us the confidence to continue pursuing our vision.”

Luke Hailstone, 23, from London, added: “One of the most memorable moments for me was networking with other teams and learning about their innovative solutions. The exchange of ideas and the supportive community at the summit were truly inspiring.

“A significant challenge we faced was refining our pitch under time pressure and ensuring that our complex scientific concept was communicated clearly and effectively to a non-technical audience.

“This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and clear communication, which I believe will be invaluable in my future endeavours.”

Paul Wreaves, course leader for MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at NBS, said: “To reach the summit stages of The Hult Prize is a fantastic achievement, and the team received some very positive feedback.

“Their unique qualities, education, and professional backgrounds, combined with their shared vision and dedication, make them exceptionally well-suited to transform their venture into a reality and drive meaningful change in the e-waste management sector should they decide to pursue the idea.”