The event showcased innovative engineering solutions aimed at addressing pressing global challenges, from water quality monitoring to renewable energy and sustainable cooking technologies. The competition provided a platform for emerging engineers to present their ideas, engage with industry experts, and demonstrate their passion for engineering.
Opening Remarks
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Onyenanu, who emphasised the importance of innovation, creativity, and excellence in engineering. He highlighted the role of the competition in fostering meaningful dialogue and improving communication skills among young engineers. Regional Chair, Dr. Muhammad Uneeb also addressed the participants, congratulating them on reaching the finals and encouraging them to give their best.
Presentation Highlights
The competition featured presentations from seven countries: Azerbaijan, Ghana, Mauritius, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, and the UAE. Each participant presented their innovative engineering solutions, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and real-world applicability.
Azerbaijan (Əli Şükürlü): Presented Aquiform, a real-time AI-powered water quality monitoring system designed to make water testing simple, fast, and affordable. The device measures critical water parameters such as microorganism density, dissolved oxygen levels, and turbidity, with plans for IoT connectivity and global scalability.
Ghana (Barnabas Takyi Addai): Introduced an automated hydroponic farming system aimed at addressing water scarcity and food security in Africa. The system uses IoT sensors to monitor and optimise plant growth, with a focus on affordability and scalability for small farmers.
Mauritius (Netraraj Dinnarain): Presented a hybrid ocean energy system combining tidal and wave energy to generate electricity. The system leverages the Fibonacci sequence for turbine efficiency and aims to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing energy security in Mauritius.
Nigeria (Joshua Prince Chinonso): Showcased Hydro Flame, a zero-carbon stove that uses hydrogen produced via water electrolysis. The project aims to provide a clean and sustainable cooking solution for rural communities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Oman (Joude Mohamad Firas Albabele): Discussed AI-driven predictive maintenance for mechanical systems, emphasising the use of IoT sensors, machine learning, and digital twins to predict equipment failures and optimize maintenance schedules.
Pakistan (Umm-e-Aiman Mohadissa): introduced Dast-e-Baseerat: an affordable Urdu Braille learning device designed for visually impaired individuals. It uses touch sensors, an Arduino microcontroller, and audio feedback to teach Braille. The device is cost-effective, and portable, and aims to improve Braille literacy in Pakistan.
UAE (Faisal Ahmed): Focused on ocean energy as a sustainable solution for future energy needs. he discussed the potential of wave and tidal energy, emphasising modular systems, AI integration, and environmental mitigation strategies. The presentation highlighted the importance of predictive measures for catastrophic events and the role of ocean energy in achieving global sustainability goals.
Judging and Feedback
The judging panel, led by Chief Judge, Daniel Fantoni, evaluated the presentations based on clarity, innovation, and the potential impact of the proposed solutions. Judges provided constructive feedback, emphasising the importance of technical feasibility, scalability, and real-world applicability. Key questions from the judges focused on the safety of hydrogen use in domestic environments, the challenges of data collection for AI systems, and the economic viability of renewable energy solutions.
Announcement of Result
Faisal Ahmed Nisar Ahmed from the Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) was announced the winner of the event while, Umm-e-Aiman Mohadissa, from NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan was announced as the runner up by the Chief Judge, (Daniel Fantoni) for the 2024 Speak out for Engineering ME&A Regional finals. Big congratulations to them!
Key Takeaways
Innovation in Sustainability: Many presentations focused on sustainable solutions, such as water quality monitoring, renewable energy, and clean cooking technologies, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability in engineering.
AI and IoT Integration: Several projects highlighted integrating AI and IoT technologies to enhance efficiency and predictive capabilities, particularly in maintenance and resource management.
Regional Challenges: The presentations addressed region-specific challenges, such as water scarcity in Africa and the need for affordable, clean energy solutions in rural communities.
Conclusion
The IMechE Middle East and Africa Regional SOfE Finals 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the ingenuity and dedication of young engineers in addressing global challenges. The event not only highlighted innovative engineering solutions but also emphasised the importance of collaboration, communication, and continuous learning in the field of engineering. The participants demonstrated that the future of engineering is in capable hands, with a strong focus on sustainability, technology, and real-world impact.
Acknowledgements
The IMechE would like to extend its gratitude to the judges, participants, and organisers for their contributions to the success of the event. Special thanks to the Regional Chair, Dr. Mohammed Uneeb, and Young Members Representative, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu U. Onyenanu with the young members' team for their efforts in organising this prestigious competition.
Looking Ahead
The winners of the regional finals will advance to the global IMechE Speak Out for Engineering Finals, where they will have the opportunity to present their ideas on an international stage. The IMechE looks forward to continuing its support for young engineers and fostering innovation in the engineering community.