Karachi: Habib University’s Team PureFlow has achieved second runner-up position at the Invent for the Planet (IFTP) 2024 International Finals, a notable global competition focused on eco-sustainable solutions held in Aix-en-Provence, France.

According to Habib University, the university hosted the initial round of IFTP in February 2024, drawing around 50 students for a 48-hour innovation marathon at their campus. This event, in collaboration with Texas A and M University, marked the fifth consecutive year of Habib University’s participation, further cementing its reputation for fostering innovation and environmental solutions on a global stage.

Team PureFlow, comprised of students from various disciplines including computer science and engineering, developed a dual-purpose water sustainability solution aimed at ensuring continuous water supply in the dry regions of Papua New Guinea. The team’s innovative approach and effective presentation at ENSAM propelled them to secure a leading position among competing teams from around the world.

IFTP differentiates itself from typical hackathons by not pre-forming teams; instead, participants form groups at the event based on mutual interests in addressing specific global challenges. This dynamic fosters creativity and entrepreneurial skills, providing a realistic insight into professional team dynamics.

The competition’s impact on student development is profound, as evidenced by previous successes such as Team FinDiesel’s second-place finish in 2023 with a project converting fish waste into biodiesel. These achievements underscore the university’s commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative thinking and collaborative efforts.