Wen Roujia, a talented innovator from China, has made waves by becoming the first Chinese winner of the EPO Young Inventors' Prize! Teaming up with collaborator Alisha Fredriksson, she co-developed a retrofittable carbon capture system that helps reduce CO2 emissions from ships without forcing shipowners to replace their fleets. 🚢
This innovative system captures CO2 by binding it with calcium to form solid limestone pellets, which can be regenerated or repurposed for industrial uses like construction. This scalable approach is a game-changer for eco-friendly maritime operations. 🌊
The competition saw over 450 candidates from five continents, with the top 10 finalists recognized for addressing key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — from environmental protection to advanced tech innovations. 💡
Wen explained, "Ships produce about three percent of global CO2 emissions. There are a lot of opportunities for us to stop ships from pumping CO2," highlighting the challenges posed by harsh maritime weather and salt corrosion that demand resilient, anti-corrosion materials.
Other inspiring innovators in the contest included a Ugandan duo with a biodegradable sachet to extend fruit freshness, Marie Perrin promoting sustainable access to resources, and a pair dedicated to safeguarding ecosystems. Their diverse ideas showcase the transformative power of youth innovation.
As these young inventors continue to push boundaries, Wen Roujia’s breakthrough reminds us that innovation truly knows no limits. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking solutions paving the way for a greener, smarter future! ✨
Reference(s):
Chinese entrant wins EPO Young Inventors' Prize for the first time
cgtn.com
