Brilliant Blue 2024 Challenge
Aspire Foundation IncOn October 25, 2024, the Brilliant Blue Challenge culminated in a virtual event where students presented innovative ideas to protect our oceans and advance the blue economy. This challenge is part of the Brilliant Blue STEM Education program, which empowers young minds, supports employers, and fosters economic growth in the blue economy.
The importance of the Blue Economy
The blue economy is of paramount importance for the well-being of our planet. By promoting the sustainable use and conservation of ocean resources, it ensures the preservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The blue economy also plays a critical role in mitigating climate change, as the ocean acts as a carbon sink and helps regulate the Earth’s climate. Moreover, it provides livelihoods and food security for millions of people worldwide, especially those in coastal communities.
Global Participation in the Challenge
The 2024 competition attracted participation from various countries across continents, including Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya and Canada. The event served as a platform for students to exhibit their projects and innovative solutions that could propel the blue economy forward. This global participation highlights the universal commitment to ocean conservation and economic sustainability.
Highlights of the Virtual Event
During the virtual event, students presented a range of ideas that demonstrated creativity, scientific understanding, and a forward-thinking approach to ocean conservation. Some key areas of focus included:
- Sustainable Fishing Practices: Proposals for technologies and methods that reduce by-catch and promote the health of marine populations.
- Marine Pollution Reduction: Innovative solutions to tackle plastic pollution and other waste in the oceans.
- Renewable Ocean Energy: Ideas for harnessing ocean energy sources, such as tidal and wave power, in sustainable ways.
- Marine Biodiversity Preservation: Strategies to protect and restore coral reefs and other vital marine habitats.
Rwanda’s contribution to global nature of ocean conservation
Rwanda, despite being a landlocked country, demonstrated innovative initiatives where involving many youth students aged 12 to 18 under Aspire Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization that seeks to inspire change in the community through a combination of mentorship, hands on exposure, AI and computer programming skills. These projects are a brilliant concept where students from various schools across Rwanda are organized into teams of four to five pitched their projects, emphasizing the global importance of preserving the ocean and all maritime territories (lakes, seas, laguna, etc.) and its biodiversity conservation efforts, which focus on:
- “Drones for Plastic Detection & Ocean Care App” is a Rwandan initiative aimed at reducing coastal plastic pollution by 15-20% in East Africa over two years. The project is a combination of a drone equipped with high-resolution cameras technology with a mobile app to detect, map, and coordinate cleanup of ocean plastic waste. Led by a four-person team of Ngabo Lin Kevin (CEO & Project Lead), Ineza Esther (App Developer), Isimbi Bonne Laurie (Operations Manager), and Akeza Linka Samuella (Marketing Expert), the project plans to engage 10,000 users and map 50,000 tons of plastic in its first year. The app will provide real-time pollution alerts, educational content, and cleanup event coordination. The initiative requires $34,000 initial funding for drone equipment, app development, and marketing efforts.
- “The Genetic Species Monitoring System” is also a Rwandan innovative AI-powered platform designed to catalog and monitor marine species in real-time through environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and genetic sequencing. Led by a Rwanda-based team of five experts: Ingabire Digne (CEO/Founder), Hirwa Anaelle (CTO), Uwitonze Jadey Axcel (Marine Biologist Lead), Teta Queen Raissa (Data Scientist Lead), and Uwase Alliance (Partnerships Lead), the project aims to revolutionize marine conservation efforts. The system utilizes autonomous underwater drones and sensor networks to gather data, providing conservationists with up-to-date information on species presence and biodiversity trends. The platform features real-time alerts for at-risk species and secure access for researchers worldwide. With a required funding of $1.2 million, the project revenue growth from $300,000 in Year 1 to $6 million by Year 5. The funding will support Research & Development (40%), marketing (30%), talent acquisition (20%), and operations (10%).
“Water Renewal Crew” is a Rwandan initiative developing an innovative ocean water filtration device to address global water scarcity. The project focuses on creating a computer-controlled desalinization system that converts ocean water into drinkable fresh water for communities, industries, and agricultural use. The project aims to reduce water filtration costs by 20% compared to traditional systems, implement real-time water quality monitoring, and expand distribution within three years. Key features include advanced filtration technology, smart automation, and cost-efficient maintenance with longer-lasting filters. Financial projections show revenue growth from $50,000 in Year 1 (from early adopters and small-scale distribution) to $200,000 in Year 2 (expanded distribution and subscription services), reaching $500,000 by Year 3 through combined product sales and subscription services. This project is led by a Rwanda-based team of five experts and students Ndorimana Cyuzuzo Paladi (CEO), Ishimwe Ninette Gwiza, Irumva Mugambira Huguette, Uwineza Nsenga Christella and Nikuzwe Kenia.
Key Takeaways:
- Rwanda’s initiatives demonstrate that landlocked countries can still significantly contribute to ocean conservation. By prioritizing water sustainability, Rwanda serves as an inspiring model for nations facing similar geographical constraints.
- In terms of STEM education, these projects offer invaluable hands-on experience in drone technology, AI, genetic sequencing, and water engineering. Students engage in practical learning that encompasses programming, data science, and environmental conservation through real-world challenges.
- Rwanda stands to gain from economic diversification, job creation in emerging tech sectors, and a leadership role in environmental preservation. These projects promote international collaborations and investment opportunities while facilitating knowledge exchange through partnerships with various institutions.
The Brilliant Blue 2024 Challenge not only celebrated student innovation but also underscored the critical need for continued focus on preserving our oceans. By fostering such ideas and encouraging global collaboration, the event marked a significant step toward a sustainable and prosperous blue economy.
Acknowledgment: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Brilliant Blue Challenge funders for their support in all Brilliant Blue 2024 challenges. Special thanks to Aspire Foundation Inc. for guiding students through STEM education, programming, data science, environmental conservation, and business plan development. Established in the USA, Aspire Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization operating in three countries: the US, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast. The organization fosters a passion for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and STEM education through three key programs: Technovation Challenges, Refugee Girls Need You, and the First Global Robotics (website: www.aspirefoundationinc.org, email: info@aspirefoundationinc.org).
