Highly effective disinfectant made from food production waste
Startup “Waste to Disinfectant” represents Constructor University at the Hult Prize Challenge
The start-up "Waste to Disinfectant" came out on top in the OnCampus round of the Hult Prize Challenge at Constructor University in Bremen, Germany, for producing a highly effective disinfectant made from food production waste from regional companies. Winners of the Hult Prize, a global student start-up competition, obtain one million US-Dollars in funds to turn their ideas into reality.
Plants have natural defenses against bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. Even the food waste from the production of beer, coffee or bean flour has an antibacterial effect that can be used to produce disinfectants. This was demonstrated by James Ziemah in his doctoral thesis as part of a research project at Constructor University funded by the European Union and the Bremer Aufbau-Bank. The project was carried out within the working group of Dr. Nikolai Kuhnert, Professor of Chemistry, with the support of Dr. Matthias S. Ullrich, Professor of Microbiology, at Constructor University. Based on this research, the start-up Waste to Disinfectant was created, which Ziemah founded together with students Muhammad Murtaza Shah and Marzhan Akhmetkulova.
A total of 14 teams competed in the OnCampus round of the Hult Prize. This was largely organized by Zain Samdani, who won the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2022 with the start-up "Exoheal". Second place in the OnCampus round of the Hult Prize went to the start-up "NeuroFlex" with an AI-supported exoskeleton for the rehabilitation of lower limbs. Third place went to two start-ups, "Gaia Bloom" and "ResQme". Gaia Bloom has developed a hydroponics system for city dwellers to grow organic fruit and vegetables. ResQme uses a technical solution to connect victims of natural disasters with search and rescue teams to ensure fast and efficient rescue operations.
Waste to Disinfectant has already produced a prototype of its disinfectant. The team is now looking for investors and further funding and is preparing for the next round of the Hult Prize: the competition promotes social entrepreneurship and is based on the sustainability goals of the United Nations. In early summer, the Bremen team will probably compete with start-ups from other countries in Portugal. If this hurdle is also overcome, there will only be one more selection process to go before the final.
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
Something is happening in the life science industry ...
This is what true pioneering spirit looks like: Plenty of innovative start-ups are bringing fresh ideas, lifeblood and entrepreneurial spirit to change tomorrow's world for the better. Immerse yourself in the world of these young companies and take the opportunity to get in touch with the founders.
