What is Wege Prize?


Wege Prize is an annual competition that ignites game-changing solutions for the future by inspiring college/university students around the world to collaborate across institutional, disciplinary, and cultural boundaries to redesign the way economies work. Participants contend for $65,000 (USD) in total cash prizes, all while learning—and helping to show the world—what the future of problem solving looks like.

The Challenge:

How can we create a circular economy?
Each team must leverage its transdisciplinary makeup to collaboratively design and propose a product, service, business model, or other solution to a wicked problem of their choosing that can help us transition from a linear economic model to a circular economic model.

Our Team

Solution Overview:

Our team presents a comprehensive solution to combat global food wastage, addressing key touchpoints throughout the supply chain. Employing a Swiss knife approach, our multifaceted strategy begins with educating farmers on improved practices to preserve land fertility. We integrate cold storage and freeze-drying technologies to prevent food spoilage during transportation and rescue items on the brink of disposal. In the restaurant sector, we advocate for on-the-go, made-to-order cooking methods using innovative kitchen equipment. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of eco-friendly packaging materials crafted from natural sources, such as decomposable tree leaves. This holistic approach creates a sustainable and efficient system, reducing food waste and promoting food security.

Context:

The history of global food waste reveals a significant disconnect, challenging the notion that increased food production alone can solve hunger. The scope of the wicked problem extends globally, with one billion tons of food wasted annually. Stakeholders, including farmers, restaurant owners, consumers, policymakers, and environmentalists, are deeply impacted. This issue is not confined to specific geographic locations, affecting countries worldwide. The lack of education and awareness poses a formidable barrier, emphasizing the need for collaborative and widespread solutions.

Solution Impact Assessment:

Our solution's impact is profound, addressing diverse stages of the supply chain and minimizing waste at its source. Unique value lies in the economic feasibility, innovation, and creation of effective flows. The outcomes extend beyond immediate stakeholders, fostering positive changes in environmental sustainability and driving a significant shift in industry practices toward a more efficient and eco-friendly future. Our solution challenges the belief that sustainability comes with a hefty price tag, emphasizing economic benefits while minimizing hunger and waste.

Barrier Acknowledgment:

One significant barrier recognized is the lack of education and awareness surrounding the solution. To overcome this, our plan involves educating the public through case studies, tailored training programs, and initiating dialogues with stakeholders. Behavioral change and addressing the interconnected nature of food wastage are also acknowledged challenges, with strategies in place to encourage a shift in production methods and promote interconnected thinking. Utilizing varied communication channels is crucial to ensuring widespread awareness and adoption of our holistic solution.

Stay tuned for the next round!