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Final Presentations, Scoring, and Sprint Wrap-Up: Recycling and Sustainability IAT

Updated: Jan 31

The final presentations for our Recycling and Sustainability IAT internships are here, and we couldn't be more excited to share the results! Over the past three weeks, eight talented students have worked hard to identify, ideate, improve, and implement innovative solutions in the fields of recycling and sustainability. Their core challenge was to enhance material selection and recycling considerations in product development, all in the context of building a circular economy.


Each team has brought something unique to the table, and many incorporated sustainable practices used in countries such as Germany, showcasing creative and impactful solutions. We are incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished in this intense three-week sprint, and we’re excited to share more about their journey.


The Final Presentations


Each team had 15 minutes to present their final project, which included a slide deck of 10-20 slides covering everything from their venture title to competitive analysis, proposed solutions, and value propositions. They also outlined their plans for developing their solutions and presented them in a professional and polished manner.


The ideas from the teams were incredibly creative and practical, each with a potential to make a real difference in sustainability. One team came up with the concept of turning empty bottles into lottery tickets, turning recycling into a game with a reward system that could motivate more people to get involved. Another team focused on sustainability in the meal kit industry, designing eco-friendly packaging that helps reduce the waste generated by subscription services. Lastly, a third team envisioned a system where an intermediary would help streamline recycling by collecting, cleaning, sorting, and delivering materials to the right recycling centers, making the process much more efficient for everyone involved. It was inspiring to see how each team took a unique approach to solving complex challenges.


The presentations were both impressive and diverse. It was fascinating to see how all three teams integrated systems used in different states and countries, with their own additions, adapting them in unique ways to solve the problem at hand. Not only were the ideas creative, but the teams also displayed remarkable teamwork and respect for each other’s perspectives.


After the presentations, the students had the opportunity to connect with the judges and dive deeper into their ideas. It was a wonderful moment of networking, as students, professors, and members of industry from different regions had the chance to discuss their experiences and expand their professional connections.


Final Scoring & Results


Once all the presentations were finished, the judges submitted their final scores, and we were able to announce the results! The highest-scoring team was the Red Team, with the Green and Blue Teams not far behind. Each student received a scholarship based on their team's performance, with the amount varying depending on the judges’ evaluations of their innovative solutions.


It was inspiring to see all the teams contribute so meaningfully to the field of recycling and sustainability, and we’re excited to support them as they continue their journeys.


Looking Ahead


Stay tuned for more! We’ll be sharing testimonials from students, mentors, and judges, highlighting their experiences with the program and reflecting on the impactful work accomplished during this sprint.


Thank you to everyone who participated and supported these incredible students—this is just the beginning!

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