Mayor’s Entrepreneur Competition – 2024

First year undergraduate engineering students undertook a group design project for their Design and Practice module. Students were tasked with developing business ideas that solved real-world problems that London is facing. Approximately 300 engineering undergraduate students participated in this project, culminating in the top ten groups being shortlisted as finalists to a Pitch Party.

First place: Re Caffe

Re Caffe aims to encourage sustainability and reduce of cup waste and promote a greener city. The system tries to process coffee cups in an effective manner by separating the cups from the lids so that the cups can be recycled apart from the plastic waste. Reusing and recycling material is an approach that promotes highly circular economy. The ultimate objective of “Re Caffe” is to promote conscientious consumer habits and tackle the environmental problems caused by single-use items such as coffee cups. Moreover, by recycling coffee cups, the machine promotes less manufacture of new items from scratch. Therefore, the project contributes to reducing the use of energy because recycling material requires less energy.

Students:

Aya Bahou – Mechanical Engineering
Selma Bartuseviciute – Mechanical Engineering
Nicole Carter – Mechanical Engineering
Nina Drenski – Mechanical Engineering

Prize awarded: £700

Second place: Eco-Moss AirFlow

Airflow is an innovative ventilation system designed to revolutionise London Underground stations. By integrating with existing air distribution systems, it acts as a hub for a sustainable and future-proof network of ventilation devices. The system leverages the natural filtration properties of moss to purify the air. High-efficiency fans draw in polluted air, which is then filtered through the moss, capturing fine dust and converting it into natural biomass. The cleaned air is then distributed throughout the station.

To enhance the system’s efficiency and environmental impact, AI-driven laser sensors monitor air quality and control the filtration process. These sensors also gather data for progress monitoring and maintenance purposes. Additionally, the design incorporates bio-algae backlighting, creating a visually appealing and energy-efficient lighting solution. Multi-screen panels around the hub system provide opportunities for advertising and public education on environmental sustainability. By combining cutting-edge technology with natural processes, Eco-Moss Airflow aims to improve air quality, reduce energy consumption, and create a more sustainable and pleasant environment for commuters.

Students:

Shayan Alvani – Mechanical Engineering
Pietro Ferro – Mechanical Engineering
Stephen Perry – Advanced Vehicle Engineering

Prize awarded: £600

Third place: Water Solutions

Water Solutions is a bold and cost-effective idea targeted at highlighting water supply system leaks previously undetectable within water supply systems. A huge amount of energy is expended to treat and prepare water for supply to the water grid and a large amount of this water is lost; translating to wasted energy. The team’s solution is an energy efficient pipe cladding system capable of alerting a control centre via digital signals generated by changes in resistance which can only take place in the presence of moisture, in this case, from severed pipes. It is hoped that the idea when properly implemented will save water, and primarily energy required, to treat and distribute water.

Students:

Clark Durrell – Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Daniel Hale Bolingbroke – Electrical Power Engineering
Sophia Garofeanu – Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Prize awarded: £500

Judge's Choice: CitySpin Hub

CitySpin Hub’s Pedal Points Green Miles programme for bike sharing aims to promote sustainable transportation by encouraging individuals to choose shared bikes over conventional modes of commuting.

The overarching goal is to contribute to environmental conservation by reducing carbon emissions and fostering a greener, cleaner urban landscape. The programme distinguishes itself through a unique incentive system, where users earn eco-friendly rewards based on the distance they cover using shared bikes. By intertwining environmental consciousness with tangible benefits, CitySpin Hub seeks to motivate a broader audience to adopt eco-friendly commuting habits with the use of Pedal Points rewards.

Students:

Paul Adeoye – Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Shakeel Jeerooburkhan – Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Elliot Taylor – Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Evie Louise Grosvenor Sibley – Mechanical Engineering

Prize awarded: £500

Positive feedback

The EIBF Prize Fund has been a game-changer for my first-year engineering students. It offers a unique opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, sparking their creativity and innovation. The competition, with its focus on practical problem-solving, team collaboration, and effective communication, has significantly enhanced their skillset. I’ve been truly impressed by the quality and originality of the projects submitted this year. By providing a platform for students to showcase their talents and receive recognition, the EIBF Prize Fund inspires them to strive for excellence and fosters a passion for engineering and business.

Associate Professor Alessio Corso
Head of Division: Mechanical Engineering and Design
Module Leader: Design and Practice