Emissions-free flying takes off at Cambridge Climate Challenge

The runners-up for the prize included H20Kline, pitching for the use of activated charcoal as a means of water purification along the Niger Delta, and MPowered, pitching STEM education and off-grid solar electrification programs in rural East Africa. Their innovations were each awarded £750.

All prizes were sponsored by Moda Living, and the event was made possible by organisers Cambridge Zero and partners: Carbon13, Cambridge Enterprise, Maxwell Centre, Energy IRC, CISL, Kings E-Lab, and King's College.

H20Kline introduced a ground-breaking innovation for water purification using activated charcoal derived from date pits, an underutilised agricultural waste product found in large quantities along the Niger Delta.

Co-founder Maureen Abel, who grew up near the Niger Delta, used her deep understanding of the region's environmental and socio-cultural challenges to ensure the project is grounded in local realities and community needs. Meanwhile, Hauwa Busari, pursuing an MPhil in Architectural and Urban Studies, contributed her technical expertise to drive the project forward.