Brown Technology is the winner of the first WFF Global Youth Hackathon on Food Waste

On 17 October 2024, the Brown Technology team won first place in the Global Youth Hackathon on Food Waste during the World Food Forum (WFF) flagship event. This impactful initiative, in partnership with KIDSforSDGs, is designed to empower youth innovation, challenged young leaders from around the globe to create cutting-edge solutions addressing the pressing issue of food waste. Second place was awarded to team Carbon Dragon and the third place went to the Green Weddings – Transforming Indian Traditions for a Sustainable Future project.

The 2024 Hackathon involved more than 450 entries from 71 countries that underwent several rounds of capacity building and improvements to select the most innovative, scalable, feasible and impactful projects. It showcased the power of collaboration between passionate young individuals and the wider global community. Each team that participated brought a unique perspective to the table, demonstrating an impressive range of solutions aimed at reducing food waste, increasing food access and creating more resilient agrifood systems.

The innovative ideas of Brown Technology, led by Nicholas Kofi Adegbe, Martin Lutherking Aduko and Afloe Emmanuel, highlight the crucial role of youth in addressing global food challenges and promoting sustainable development. Their winning project aims to reduce food waste across Ghana through a sustainable, non-electricity reliant cooling device. Their solution aims to improve food security, boost farmers’ incomes and contribute to a greener environment.

The Carbon Dragon Team, led by Marjan Lotfi Fard, Zahra Lotfifard and Ian Anthony Wijono, showcased an innovative solution that allows busy urban residents to manage their food waste inside their apartments, diverting food waste away from landfills while facilitating production of green energies.

Suraj Chaudhary, leader of the Green Weddings – Transforming Indian Traditions for a Sustainable Future project, with his experience in organic farming and research, addresses food waste in Indian weddings by promoting eco-friendly practices and raising environmental awareness for responsible celebrations.

These initiatives represent a new generation of problem-solvers ready to confront the complexities of food waste, climate change and resource management. In addition to receiving support from the WFF and KIDsforSDGs, their project will serve as a model for other innovators eager to make a meaningful impact.

FoodHI’s Impact Fund, a proud partner of KIDsforSDGs, supported the Hackathon by awarding cash prizes of USD 3 500, USD 2 500 and USD 1 500 to the three winners. They aim to empower youth entrepreneurs in building safe, secure and sustainable agrifood systems.

Congratulations to the winning team, Brown Technology, and the other finalists for their outstanding achievement and for working towards impactful initiatives to reduce food waste. The WFF team would also like to extend its gratitude to all teams who took part in the competition. Their enthusiasm and commitment for innovation in food waste showcase the next generation of leaders who will transform agrifood systems.