Tech for a better planet: how student innovations can lead the charge – Young Post

Why tech matters in the climate fight

The escalating climate crisis demands bold solutions, and technology serves as a critical weapon in this fight. From apps that optimise recycling habits to AI systems monitoring deforestation, tech offers tools to both understand and mitigate environmental harm.

However, its role is complex. While innovations like solar-powered sensors or carbon capture are promising, technology can also contribute to the planet’s problems.

For example, training generative AI models like ChatGPT requires massive energy and water resources. A study by KnownHost revealed that ChatGPT alone emits nearly 261,000kg of carbon dioxide monthly – equivalent to 260 flights from New York to London.

Even small digital habits, such as overloading AI with unnecessary requests, compound energy waste. As OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noted in a social media post, adding polite phrases like “please” to ChatGPT queries costs millions of dollars in extra electricity. This underscores a vital lesson: technology’s environmental impact depends on how we design and use it.

Student projects inspire action

At Preface, students are tackling these challenges head on through an annual Innovation Challenge, where young minds design tech-driven solutions for real-world sustainability issues. Here, we spotlight stand-out projects from last year’s competition, demonstrating how even small innovations can create ripple effects for our planet.

This is how Preface’s young innovators are creating practical, planet-friendly tech.

1. Sustainify: a youth-led sustainability education platform

To bridge a gap in youth engagement with sustainability, Boris Lo developed Sustainify,

a web app connecting young changemakers with educational tools, partnership networks and impact-tracking features. In six months, the platform mobilised more than 150 service hours, supported 2,400 users and raised HK$780,000 for underserved communities – proving that tech can turn passion into measurable action.

“Sustainify’s value lies in the youth behind it – their spirit and resolve to drive change,” said Boris, who is 17.

The app has garnered support from Unesco, Carbon Wallet, and Preface CEO Tommie Lo, who emphasised: “We invest in youth because they reimagine solutions with fresh perspectives.”

Boris Lo developed Sustainify, a web app connecting young changemakers with educational tools, partnership networks and impact-tracking features. Photo: Handout

2. Smart recycling bin

When people put the wrong items in a recycling bin, this contaminates the other materials inside, sending them to landfills. Kingsley Cheng, who is now 13, designed an AI-powered bin that uses a camera to identify materials such as plastic, glass and paper while precision motors sort waste automatically and ensure proper recycling.

Kingsley’s product was a winner at Preface’s 2024 Nomad Awards Tech Competition and received recognition from judges and speakers in leading industries. Hopefully, this idea will soon become a reality.

Kingsley Cheng, who is now 13, designed an AI-powered bin that uses a camera to identify materials such as plastic, glass and paper with precision motors that sort waste automatically and ensure proper recycling. Photo: Handout

Your invention could change the world

Innovation isn’t just about scale; it’s about intention. By designing tech that is both powerful and planet conscious, these young minds exemplify how innovation thrives when paired with intention. Whether it’s a smart bin, an energy dashboard or an app uniting global youth, their work reminds us that sustainability starts with a single step – or a single click.

Ellen Lau, Preface’s director, recently spoke at a TEDx Talk event about her journey in empowering students. She highlighted the importance of adapting to change, saying, “In a world where 65 per cent of future jobs don’t even exist yet, it’s important to embrace change and find joy in the process.”

Every line of code, every prototype and every idea contributes to a greener future. Whether you’re improving a smart recycling bin or developing an energy dashboard, your creativity makes a real difference.

Ellen Lau, Preface’s director, speaks at a TEDx Talk event. Photo: Handout

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