International Youth
Environmental Challenge

Grade 11, Academies of Loudoun, Ashburn, Virginia, USA

"FloraFly: Autonomous Drone for Crop Pest & Disease Detection"

FloraFly is an autonomous agricultural hexacopter drone designed to help small and mid-sized farmers optimize crop yields and detect invasive species. Utilizing computer vision, LiDAR, and environmental sensors, the drone identifies early warning signs of pest infestations. This affordable system provides real-time, actionable insights to local growers.

Year 11, Tanglin Trust School, Singapore

"AquaSense: Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring System"

AquaSense is a solar-powered water quality monitor deployed in irrigation canals in Wang Noi County, Ayutthaya, Thailand. It detects salinity levels that fall within FAO safety thresholds but still cause measurable rice yield reduction — making invisible damage visible and actionable for smallholder farmers.

Grade 10, Rwanda Coding Academy, Western Province, Rwanda

"IMARI — Smart Waste Sorting and Composting System"

IMARI is a smart waste management system that solves the problem of mixed waste, which makes recycling and composting nearly impossible. It uses sensors to automatically separate plastic, metal, and organic waste, converting organic waste into nutrient-rich manure while reducing pollution, lowering waste volume, and providing an affordable, sustainable solution.

Grade 6, Ci-Xin Waldorf School, Yilan County, Taiwan

"Action for Clothes! Buy Smarter, Waste Less."

Our project, 'Action for Clothes!', empowers kids in Taiwan to fight fast fashion. Through our E.A.R.T.H. plan, we recycle clothes, educate consumers, and even advocate in Taiwan's Parliament! We want to show the world that young citizens can lead real change for a sustainable planet together.

Age 11, The Ecological Elementary School, Yavne, Israel

"The Pine Cone Shading — Food Security During Global Warming"

Pine Cone Project inspired shading system protects leafy vegetables from excessive UV radiation and heat. By automatically responding to air moisture, the biomimetic design provides 20% shade on hot days, helping reduce yellowing and drying while supporting food security in hot countries.

Grade 12, Bhavan's Newsprint Vidyalaya, Velloor, Kottayam, Kerala, India

"Project SANA — Floating Optical Sensors for Eutrophication Detection"

Eutrophication silently suffocates freshwater ecosystems, turning lakes into dead-zones. Project SANA gives these waters a voice. Instead of expensive, delayed water testing, we built a swarm of ultra-low-cost, floating optical sensors. They act as a wireless early-warning system, detecting algal blooms before irreversible ecological collapse begins and saving the ecosystem.

Grade 11, M-PESA Foundation Academy, Thika, Kiambu, Kenya

Our Hybrid Exhaust Purification and Carbon Capture System transforms urban air quality using agricultural waste filters and a Spirulina bioreactor. Our KES 16,288 prototype captures over 90% of particulates, cuts CO2 and CO emissions, and delivers an affordable, locally made clean-air solution for Africa’s transport sector.

Grade 11, Ibn Roshd International School, Jazan, Jizan, Saudi Arabia

Reliance on fossil fuels and freshwater scarcity hinder sustainable H₂ production. This study proposes a solar-powered hybrid system integrating capacitive deionization with seawater electrolysis using nanomaterials to mitigate corrosion and improve efficiency. The system enables clean H₂ generation, enhances durability, and provides a scalable sustainable solution for global energy challenges.

Grade 11, North London Collegiate School Jeju, Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea

#StopPaperRacism — The World's Sweetest Climate Movement — challenges the societal preference for white, tree-based paper, which perpetuates deforestation. The metaphor "paper racism" intends to make people realise the harm of judging paper by colour, not function. #StopPaperRacism guides institutions to transition towards tree-free paper, like sugarcane paper. Website: stoppaperracism.org.

2nd year of Bachillerato, La Salle Virgen del Mar, Almería, Spain

The Street Shade Project promotes planting native trees in urban areas lacking shade, especially near schools and public spaces. This initiative reduces heat, improves air quality, and enhances community well-being. It empowers young people and local communities to take climate action through simple, scalable solutions that create healthier, cooler, and more sustainable cities.

Grade 11, Academies of Loudoun, Ashburn, Virginia, USA

FloraFly is an autonomous agricultural hexacopter drone designed to help small and mid-sized farmers optimize crop yields and detect invasive species. Utilizing computer vision, LiDAR, and environmental sensors, the drone identifies early warning signs of pest infestations. This affordable system provides real-time, actionable insights to local growers.

357-School, Chilanzar, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

My project analyzes the degradation of the Aral Sea ecosystem and proposes evidence-based strategies for biodiversity restoration. Published on Zenodo, this research provides vital scientific data for experts and policymakers, aiming to mitigate the impacts of this ecological tragedy and improve environmental sustainability in the region.

Grade 11, North London Collegiate School Jeju, Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea

#StopPaperRacism — The World's Sweetest Climate Movement — challenges the societal preference for white, tree-based paper, which perpetuates deforestation. The metaphor "paper racism" intends to make people realise the harm of judging paper by colour, not function. #StopPaperRacism guides institutions to transition towards tree-free paper, like sugarcane paper. Website: stoppaperracism.org.

Grade 12, S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, Western Province, Sri Lanka

Cee Green raises environmental awareness through creativity and encourages children to initiate climate action. To reach this audience, Coji (Cojitha) wrote two books, designed jigsaw puzzles, and created a game, all with climate awareness in mind, which was then distributed at no cost to over 10,000 children in Sri Lanka.

Grade 6, Ci-Xin Waldorf School, Yilan County, Taiwan

Our project, 'Action for Clothes!', empowers kids in Taiwan to fight fast fashion. Through our E.A.R.T.H. plan, we recycle clothes, educate consumers, and even advocate in Taiwan's Parliament! We want to show the world that young citizens can lead real change for a sustainable planet together.

Mia Simoni, Age 11, The Ecological Elementary School, Yavne, Israel

Pine Cone Project inspired shading system protects leafy vegetables from excessive UV radiation and heat. By automatically responding to air moisture, the biomimetic design provides 20% shade on hot days, helping reduce yellowing and drying while supporting food security in hot countries.

Year 11, Tanglin Trust School, Singapore

AquaSense is a solar-powered water quality monitor deployed in irrigation canals in Wang Noi County, Ayutthaya, Thailand. It detects salinity levels that fall within FAO safety thresholds but still cause measurable rice yield reduction — making invisible damage visible and actionable for smallholder farmers.

Integrated Programme 2, Cedar Girls' Secondary School, Singapore

CoolWalk Singapore transforms hot urban walkways into cool green corridors using climbing plants and simple structures, reducing temperatures through low-cost solutions. Built and maintained by communities through the "Adopt-a-CoolWalk" program, it addresses urban heat while strengthening neighbourhood bonds and teaching environmental management.

Grade 10, Sanskriti School, Pune, Maharashtra, India

ECO Pot is a biodegradable plant pot made from food waste and natural materials. It supports healthy plant growth with 100% germination and decomposes within 10 days, enriching soil nutrients. This low-cost solution reduces plastic waste and promotes sustainable gardening using locally available, eco-friendly resources.

Grade 11, M-PESA Foundation Academy, Thika, Kiambu, Kenya

Our Hybrid Exhaust Purification and Carbon Capture System transforms urban air quality using agricultural waste filters and a Spirulina bioreactor. Our KES 16,288 prototype captures over 90% of particulates, cuts CO2 and CO emissions, and delivers an affordable, locally made clean-air solution for Africa’s transport sector.

Grade 11, M-PESA Foundation Academy, Nairobi, Central, Kenya

Smog-eating paint is a paint made through the addition of titanium through a photocatalytic reaction. The paint reacts with harmful gases such as CO₂ binding to the applied walls. The paint works under the presence of sunlight through the capillarity method.

Grade 12, Rajuk Uttara Model College / Notre Dame College, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Team Aqualliance is a passionate group of four curious individuals united by our drive to solve real-world problems. Every year, data centers consume enough water to fill roughly 80,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Our breakthrough solution transforms rice husks into phase change materials. Combined with AI-optimized geothermal loops, our closed-loop system reduces water usage by 80% and energy requirements by nearly 50%.

Grade 11, Academies of Loudoun, Ashburn, Virginia, USA

FloraFly is an autonomous agricultural hexacopter drone designed to help small and mid-sized farmers optimize crop yields and detect invasive species. Utilizing computer vision, LiDAR, and environmental sensors, the drone identifies early warning signs of pest infestations. This affordable system provides real-time, actionable insights to local growers.

Grade 8, Switzerland Point Middle School, Saint Augustine, Florida, USA

The carbon sequestration engines today use technologies that are very expensive, but this project focuses on a natural process that rivals technology — based on phytoplankton and salp to reduce carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, consequently reducing the negative effects of climate change.

12th Grade, Colégio Militar de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Biociclo (Biocycle) is a project to restore the Paraibuna River in Juiz de Fora, combining decentralized sewage treatment with community engagement. It proposes affordable systems — septic tanks, filters, and wetlands — implemented in urban parks to reduce pollution, enhance biodiversity, and transform the river into a symbol of sustainability and collective care.

Ingabire Peace, Muneza Jules Eusebe, Micomyiza Bonte, Ganza Gloria Fides, Grade 10, Rwanda Coding Academy, Western Province, Rwanda

IMARI is a smart waste management system that solves the problem of mixed waste, which makes recycling and composting nearly impossible. It uses sensors to automatically separate plastic, metal, and organic waste, converting organic waste into nutrient-rich manure while reducing pollution, lowering waste volume, and providing an affordable, sustainable solution.

357-School, Chilanzar, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

My project analyzes the degradation of the Aral Sea ecosystem and proposes evidence-based strategies for biodiversity restoration. Published on Zenodo, this research provides vital scientific data for experts and policymakers, aiming to mitigate the impacts of this ecological tragedy and improve environmental sustainability in the region.

Grade 11, Ibn Roshd International School, Jazan, Jizan, Saudi Arabia

Reliance on fossil fuels and freshwater scarcity hinder sustainable H₂ production. This study proposes a solar-powered hybrid system integrating capacitive deionization with seawater electrolysis using nanomaterials to mitigate corrosion and improve efficiency. The system enables clean H₂ generation, enhances durability, and provides a scalable sustainable solution for global energy challenges.

Grade 12, United World College Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica

CoFFuel Cleaner is a bioengineering project that cleans sewage water using C. vulgaris and coffee grounds as feeding stock while using spent coffee grounds to make biofuel — a sustainable solution to unsustainable habits of extracting palm oil and throwing coffee grounds into landfill.

Grade 11, Al-Hekma International School, Sanad, Capital Governorate, Bahrain

AHIS Impact Team is an embodiment of "Acquire to Return." With over 100 successful projects, the team bridges the gap between education and execution through mentorship and creativity. By ensuring accountability among all grade levels, the team has developed a standard of impact that ensures sustainability in Bahrain.

Grade 11, Beijing National Day School, Beijing, China

This intelligent mobile soil monitor patrols farmland autonomously, collects real-time soil data, uses AI analysis for precise fertilization, and supports food security and ecological sustainability.

Grade 9, Mother Care School, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana

The "Green Loop" initiative tackles Ghana’s organic waste crisis by repurposing surplus "healthy leftovers" from markets into affordable, high-quality animal feed. By converting vegetable trimmings and grains into nutritious meals for livestock and pets, we reduce landfill methane, lower farming costs, and create a sustainable circular economy for our community.

Grade 11, SMA Negeri 8 Surakarta, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia

Bunaken National Park, known for its rich marine biodiversity, faces increasing threats from plastic waste and microplastic pollution. Monitoring these pollutants in water and bioindicator species enables early detection and rapid response, reducing environmental damage, protecting ecosystems, and supporting the recovery of fisheries and local livelihoods.

Grade 11, Nazarbayev Intellectual School, Taraz, Zhambyl, Kazakhstan

My project explores converting agricultural waste into biodegradable materials using cellulose extraction. It investigates why cellulose is optimal compared to other plant components, evaluates yield efficiency, and measures environmental impact. The goal is reducing plastic pollution while promoting sustainable resource use through scalable, low-cost methods suitable for real-world ecological applications.

Grade 12, Mayo College Girls' School, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

This project aims to improve air quality in Kathmandu by tackling major pollution sources such as vehicle emissions, construction dust, and waste burning. Through sustainable transport, better regulations, and community awareness, it promotes practical, long-term solutions to create a cleaner, healthier environment and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Grade 12, Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld High School, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Green Reward is a smart recycling bin that encourages recycling by rewarding people for smart waste sorting. It consists of sections for plastic, glass, cans and cardboard. Sensors measure waste and reward the user with a voucher. This reduces pollution, encourages responsible habits, and supports communities by creating small jobs.

Grade 12, Mayoor Private School, Corniche Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE

AtmosFlow proposes a solar-powered micro-vacuum system mounted on roadside barriers, using HEPA and activated carbon filters to capture particulate matter, VOCs, and emissions from vehicles. Pollutants are stored in a sealed chamber with stabilization and potential regeneration. The device emphasizes sustainability through recyclable materials, biodegradable components, and reduced e-waste.

Grade 12, Ela Green School, Chengalpattu, India

SustainaShe is a project that focuses on solving menstrual waste problems using simple, low-cost clay incinerators for rural areas. It helps reduce pollution and provides a safe way to dispose of sanitary waste. The project also spreads awareness and supports women by promoting better hygiene and sustainable practices.

Grade 11 (Second Secondary), Sidi Ghazi Secondary School, Kafr El-Dawar, El Beheira, Egypt

Urban heat islands are cooking us alive. EcoSkyRoof flips the script by suspending lightweight, edible green canopies directly above city streets. Acting as natural air conditioners, these aerial gardens cool neighborhoods by five degrees, absorb carbon, and feed communities. We cannot turn off the sun; let us plant the sky.

Higher Secondary (Science), Abu Bakar Biswas Moksed Ali College, Jhenaidah, Khulna, Bangladesh

My project addresses urban heat and environmental degradation through a youth-led model combining micro-forests, green shade corridors, and community climate clubs. By restoring native trees in small urban spaces, it creates cooling zones, improves air quality, and empowers young people to lead scalable, community-driven climate action.

2nd year of Bachillerato, La Salle Virgen del Mar, Almería, Spain

The Street Shade Project promotes planting native trees in urban areas lacking shade, especially near schools and public spaces. This initiative reduces heat, improves air quality, and enhances community well-being. It empowers young people and local communities to take climate action through simple, scalable solutions that create healthier, cooler, and more sustainable cities.

Grade 12, DPS Monarch International School, Doha, Qatar

365 Desert Vegetation is an integrated desert agriculture prototype combining a thermal wall, pipe composting, grow lights, subsurface drip irrigation, solar panels, and Archimedes windmills — a multi-system approach to year-round food production in arid climates.

High school graduate, Sindh, Pakistan

Ecorise is a youth-led initiative focused on improving access to clean water and sanitation in underserved communities. Through low-cost water filtration solutions and WASH awareness sessions, the project aims to reduce waterborne diseases and empower communities with sustainable hygiene practices and environmental education.

Year 11, Sydney Girls High School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

SYNERA — Sustainability, Simplified — is a digital decision support tool using an AHP model to prioritise soil erosion interventions for hilly orchard farmers. No hardware, minutes to use, and grounded in a science-backed methodology.

Grade 11, Ntare School, Mbarara, Western Region, Uganda

Environmental Community Outreach for Promoting Adaptation and Climate Transformation — involves schools and communities to achieve and strengthen climate change adaptation through large-scale tree planting, climate-smart farming training, and carbon footprint reduction programmes, building local skills for environmental resilience across diverse communities.

Grade 11, The Indian High School, Oud Metha, Dubai, UAE

AquaWatch AI combines artificial intelligence and citizen science to combat marine pollution. Users photograph waste, soil, or water near coastlines; the AI instantly identifies pollutants, analyses environmental quality, and offers personalised eco-friendly recommendations. Gamified cleanup missions, leaderboards, and an educational marine awareness hub turn coastal communities into active environmental monitors.

Grade 11, North London Collegiate School Singapore

An autonomous four-wheel robot equipped with LiDAR, AI visual sensors, an oil detector, and a modular excavator, designed to detect and clean oil spills on sandy shorelines — replacing expensive, labour-intensive manual cleanup. Built specifically for Singapore's coastline vulnerability and the high cost shoreline oil contamination incurs.

Grade 11, Parvati Girls Hindu College, Debe, Trinidad & Tobago

"Trini Ecosteps TT" blends environmentalism with creativity, integrating vibrant eco-artwork and self-composed monologues to humanize the climate crisis. Reposted by UNICEF Eastern Caribbean, the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, the Rotunda Gallery, the Ministry of Labour, and the Children's Authority, her work transforms abstract environmental statistics into emotional narratives that inspire green citizenry across Trinidad and Tobago.