Meet the BU Climate Innovation Challenge Finalists at the Grand Finale!
We are thrilled to announce our four BU Climate Innovation Challenge finalists! Hear their pitch to an illustrious panel of experts (below) and find out who wins by joining us at the grand finale event on March 7!
Finalists
Idori
Idori is addressing the critical need for early sustainability education through an innovative combination of storytelling, plush toys, and interactive learning. Their approach aims to inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship in 4-7 year olds by making complex issues relatable and hands-on. The team is led by Noah Sorin, (Questrom’24).
WasteWiz
WasteWiz tackles inefficient recycling by addressing the widespread issue of waste misclassification. Their Spectroscopy-Enhanced Waste Classification System (SEWCS) uses spectroscopy technology to instantly identify materials and provide real-time feedback during disposal. This reduces contamination and transforms recycling behaviors. The team is led by Aru Pandey, (CAS’24).
Eleven58
Eleven58 is developing an AI-powered smart trash can that automatically sorts waste to reduce contamination and improve efficiency in campus recycling programs. The intelligent trash can uses image recognition to identify and separate recyclables from non-recyclables in real-time. This streamlines the waste disposal process to benefit students and support university sustainability efforts. The team is led by Manon Fretault, (Questrom’25).
Heatwise EcoEquity Initiative (formerly Micro Afforestation)
The Heatwise EcoEquity Initiative aims to mitigate Boston’s urban heat island effect by strategically planting tiny forests in disadvantaged areas to create cooler microclimates. This community-driven effort seeks to enhance green spaces and connections to nature in order to improve quality of life and ecosystem resilience. The team is led by Megan Ryder, (SPH’25).
Judges
Hessann Farooqi (CAS’22) is the Executive Director at Boston Climate Action Network and leverages his experience organizing campaigns for US President, US Senate, US House, and Boston Mayor, as well as serving in a US Senate office, to create opportunities for all people in the City of Boston to live in healthy communities that are resilient to climate change.
Miriam Posner Harris, Executive Vice President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, oversees brand growth and strategic partnerships and manages its Corporate Council, linking major businesses to environmental sustainability. She has also served as the Director of Energy & Environmental Policy at A Better City in Boston and Senior Policy Analyst at the U.S. Department of Energy.
Rev. Mariama White-Hammond (STH’17), Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space for the City of Boston, carries out the Mayor Wu Administration’s priority agenda on climate action, renewable energy, and environmental justice. She has received numerous awards, including the Barr Fellowship, the Celtics Heroes Among Us, The Roxbury Founders Day Award and the Boston NAACP Image award. She was selected as one of the Grist 50 Fixers for 2019 and Sojourners 11 Women Shaping the Church.
Hear the finalist pitches and find out who wins!
