EcoCane Innovations wins 2024 ‘Innovathon’ finals
- Wits University
The team from Wits University won R200 000 in seed money in the final round of the inaugural 2024 National Innovathon Challenge.
EcoCane Innovations’ Charissa De Gouveia and Shamira Pillay, Master of Science students in Chemical Engineering, triumphed with their eco-friendly bioplastic solution.
Coached by PhD candidate in Mining Engineering, Oluwatobi Dayo-Olupona, from the Academic Development Unit (ADU) in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE) at Wits, their project aims to reduce plastic pollution by producing biodegradable bioplastics from sugarcane.
"EcoCane Innovations focuses on producing sustainable bioplastics derived from sugarcane, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. Our bioplastics are designed to combat the growing issue of plastic pollution in South Africa by providing a biodegradable and renewable solution...We aim to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and lower carbon emissions," said the team.
Read more about the preliminary rounds here.