In a momentous celebration of ingenuity and groundbreaking ideas, Egerton University's alumni, Joseph Nguthiru, emerged victorious at the recently concluded COP28 event in Dubai.
The innovative project Hyapak, which started as a class assignment while still on campus earned him a prestigious award from the UAE as part of the Prototypes for Humanity 2023 initiative.
Joseph Nguthiru, a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, showcased his exceptional skills and dedication to his field on a global stage. The COP28 event, which gathered visionaries from around the world, recognized Nguthiru's outstanding project among 2,800 submissions, representing 710 universities across more than 200 research fields.
His project of converting invasive weeds, Water Hyacinth into biodegradable plastics has gained much aclaim. Water hyacinth has been listed by UNEP as the world's most problematic aquatic weed.
Last year, Mr Nguthiru together with his team won the best manufacturing startup at Kenya Innovation Week 2022, the TotalEnergies startup of the Year, and was earlier listed by Yale Africa Startup Review as a top 30 startup in Africa this year.
His lecturers led by the Dean Faculty of Engineering Prof. Japheth Onyando and Chair of department Dr Nancy expressed joy at his latest achievement. One lecturer from the department, Eng Mercy Edna Manyasa accompanied Nguthiru to receive the award in COP 28.
Reflecting on his journey, Nguthiru expressed gratitude for the support he received during his academic years at Egerton University. He mentioned, "Egerton provided a solid foundation for my education, and the skills I acquired were instrumental in developing the innovative project that received recognition at COP28."
The Prototypes for Humanity 2023 award aims to acknowledge and reward groundbreaking ideas addressing vital global challenges. Nguthiru's success stands as a testament to the caliber of education and nurturing environment provided by Egerton University.
Nguthiru's achievement comes on the heels of his graduation from Egerton University's 47th ceremony on October 28, 2023, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Engineering. The university takes pride in its commitment to fostering excellence and preparing students to make meaningful contributions to society.
In a statement, the UAE organizers of COP28 highlighted the importance of supporting innovative solutions to address pressing global issues. The award recognizes not just Nguthiru's individual success but also the collective efforts of universities worldwide in driving impactful research and development.
Joseph Nguthiru's journey from Egerton University to the global stage of COP28 serves as an inspiration for aspiring innovators.
Mr Nguthiru, an Obama Foundation Fellow has engaged the former American President in this unique opportunity he also won early in the year. He also was privileged to be among the people who were given invitation to the Dinner with King Charles of England, when he recently visited Kenya.
His commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and creating solutions for a better world is a testament to the transformative power of education and the potential that lies within each graduate of institutions dedicated to excellence.
As Egerton University celebrates this remarkable achievement, it reaffirms its mission to empower students to become catalysts for positive change in the world.
Prototypes for Humanity is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of the Dubai Council, who also chaired the 2023 Awards jury.
The winning projects were selected from an initial pool of over 2,800 submissions from more than 200 different research fields and 710 universities across the world. Prototype for Humanity 2023 Awardees, who received a share of the $100,000 prize, are;
Categories Winners
Category: Energy, Efficiency and Waste
Winner: Synthetic Yeasts for Biotechnology, Princeton University
Category: Data sciences, AI
Winner: Digital Twins 4 Tailings Dams, University of Oxford
Category: Health, Relief and Safety
Winner: The Golden Capsule: Hongik University, South Korea
Category: Nature, Food, and Water Systems
Winner: Hyapak, Egerton University
Category: Education, Equality and Communities
Winner: Kapak, Universidad San Francisco de Quito.
By Kurian Musa
Communications Officer
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
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