Resíduos na Linha aims to transform waste management by integrating mass and volume sensors with RFID technology into existing recycling containers. Through the collection of individual recycling data, they aspire to implement a pay-as-you-throw system based on waste production levels.
The Circular InNOVA(tion) Program, launched in November by NOVA and Sociedade Ponto Verde (SPV), was designed to attract students with innovative projects to address specific challenges posed by SPV: How to devise a fair payment system linked to waste production? How to establish an on-demand waste management system? How to incentivize society to reduce waste while enhancing waste segregation?
During the first phase, four teams were chosen. In the subsequent phase of the program, these teams engaged in workshops covering specialized topics and received personalized mentorship to refine their prototypes.
The final presentations underwent evaluation by a panel of judges comprising Luísa Pinheiro, Director of Regulation and Compliance at Sociedade Ponto Verde, Paula Guedes, Researcher at NOVA FCT, and Integrated Member of CENSE, and Hélder Lopes, Director for Research and Innovation at NOVA. The other participating teams received honourable mentions for their projects:
Smart Recycling aims to develop an advanced bin collector to separate waste in an automatic manner. During the Circular InNOVA(tion) program, Smart recycling focused their efforts on developing an educational solution where individuals can learn how to recycle more and better using gamification methods.
Bin it to Win it is a platform that aims to analyse the recycling level of the different neighbourhoods to promote community engagement while also proving important data to SPV. The data will provide insights on which areas need more intervention in terms of education and incentives to recycle more.
Trash 4 Goods presented GPT Cycle an innovative AI chatbot that aims to solve recycling questions and doubts promoting waste recycling and stimulate user involvement.
All showcased projects were deemed highly promising and will continue to benefit from ongoing support and guidance from NOVA as they advance in their development.
