For a greener tomorrow: A screenshot of Saman speaking in the winning project video.
A TEAM from Monash University Malaysia has won the 4th edition of the Universities for Goal 13 competition, a global challenge organised by the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in partnership with Siemens Energy.
The winning project, “Turning algae into the future of a clean industry”, exhibits how microalgae can be used to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources while producing high-value products for food, energy and pharmaceuticals.
Demonstrating strong innovation, feasibility and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project was acknowledged during the SDSN’s 25th Leadership Council Meeting, held alongside the 80th UN General Assembly in New York last month.
Led by Assoc Prof Saman Ilankoon from the varsity’s School of Engineering, the team comprised PhD scholars Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali and Manuja Dayanath from the School of Engineering, as well as Lourdes Loh Ye Shing from the School of Business.
Their proposal beat finalists from other top universities, including University College London, University of Hamburg, and Tsinghua University.
To achieve net-zero goals by 2050, developing countries will need carbon capture technologies that are both effective and economically viable.
The team’s concept centres on using microalgae photobioreactors to capture and convert carbon dioxide from industrial flue gases into valuable biomass.
In simulated pilot studies assessing cost and performance, the system successfully captured 8.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and generated five tonnes of biomass, with a payback period of just two years.
Beyond capturing emissions, the process also produces natural pigments, biofertilisers, and clean energy, advancing circular economy models.
With its potential to decarbonise industrial zones and megacities, the project marks a significant step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Shafeeq Ahmed said participating in the competition was a revolutionary experience.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to represent both Monash University Malaysia and Monash University at a global stage.
“This is a big win for us and a culmination of more than 10 months of work, in addition to our usual research and teaching duties,” he said in a press release dated Sept 19.
“I’m particularly elated as this work is part of my PhD topic, and the recognition further strengthens its impact and potential,” added Manuja.
Expressing gratitude to her PhD supervision team – Saman, Prof Dr Chong Meng Nan and Dr Foo Su Chern – for their guidance and support throughout her journey, she said the win served as motivation for her to carry her research forward and contribute to meaningful solutions to climate change.
Loh said coming from a non-engineering background, she is grateful to be involved in the experience.
The mentorship provided by industry experts from Siemens Energy was an eye-opener, she said, adding that it provided the team with a fresh, outsider perspective on the project.
“It’s given me the chance to contribute from a multidisciplinary perspective and shown how collaboration across different fields can be strengthened,” she said.
The winning project is also part of the Centre for Net-Zero Technology (CNZT), a Future Centre at Monash University Malaysia that pioneers net-zero innovation and excellence for Asean and beyond.
Describing it as a “well-deserved and impactful victory at the global level”, Saman said the cross-school collaboration project is testimony to the commitment shown by Monash University Malaysia and Monash University to addressing climate change.
The Universities for Goal 13 competition provided students from SDSN member institutions with mentorship opportunities from Siemens Energy professionals to develop practical, multidisciplinary solutions for climate action.
The team’s win came with a US$10,000 (RM42,100) cash prize, along with international networking opportunities to advance their project.
