Doha: University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), in collaboration with Dolphin Energy, organized the Zero Waste Hackathon as a significant step towards UDST’s aim of becoming a Zero Waste Campus by 2027. This initiative marked a key milestone in the university’s commitment to sustainability.
According to Qatar News Agency, the hackathon was a student-focused event that brought together 23 shortlisted teams. These teams presented innovative waste management solutions after participating in an intensive bootcamp that encouraged sustainable thinking and practical implementation. UDST President Dr. Salem Al Naemi highlighted the university’s long-term vision, stating that sustainability is a lived practice at UDST. He emphasized that the students are central to this transformation, combining technical knowledge with purpose-driven innovation. He also expressed pride in partnering with industry leaders like Dolphin Energy, which supports turning bold ideas into real impact.
Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Awni Al-Otoom, remarked that the initiative embodies the essence of applied education. By merging academic rigor with industry mentorship and student creativity, the program equips future engineers with the mindset and tools necessary to tackle pressing sustainability challenges starting from the campus.
The Zero Waste Initiative, launched in January 2025, attracted over 50 student project submissions. After a thorough selection process, 23 teams were chosen to compete in the final stage of the hackathon, a Shark Tank-style pitch event that promoted critical thinking and sustainable value extraction.
The Zero Waste Hackathon highlighted the innovation and enthusiasm of UDST students and demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration between academia and industry in addressing environmental challenges. As UDST continues to implement the winning projects and foster a culture of sustainability, it reinforces its role as a national leader in applied research, environmental stewardship, and student empowerment.