Spotlight on Innovation: Team from Italy Wins Xylem-sponsored Smart&Hack Veneto 2024

In a world increasingly aware of environmental challenges, youth are stepping up with innovative solutions. Today, we highlight the inspiring journey of a group of young innovators from Italy, winners of the Smart&Hack Veneto 2024 (Smart&Hack Veneto 2024 | Risorse). This team didn't just participate—they excelled, presenting a groundbreaking solution to a pressing water issue in their community.

The hackathon brought together bright minds from across the globe to address water-related challenges. As one of the problem statement sponsors for this year’s event, Xylem’s challenge focused on developing a digital smart-metering solution to measure water and thermal energy consumption inside a household. The Italian team, comprising Salvatore Manfredi D’Angelo, De Gregorio Luca, and Dilnaz Temirkulova, all coming from Sapienza University of Rome showcased exceptional teamwork and creativity and eventually won the 7th edition of the Smart&Hack competition. Their journey, from ideation to presenting their prototype, is a testament to the power of youth innovation.

The Challenge and Their Solution

The team's project focused on a local water issue impacting their community. It all started with a problem they encountered in their dormitory where their toilet’s faucet constantly leaked. They identified a need for a tech-based, smart, sustainable, and efficient solution to manage water resources, crucial in their urban environment. Their innovative approach involved creating a smart water management system that not only addresses current inefficiencies but also provides a scalable solution adaptable to various regions.

Insights from the Team

In a recent interview, the team members shared their experiences and the learnings that came with the challenge. Salvatore emphasized the importance of collaboration and diverse perspectives. "Working together, we were able to merge our different skills and ideas, which was crucial for developing a comprehensive solution." Luca highlighted the technical aspects, discussing the prototype's development. "Our system utilizes AI and advanced sensors and real-time data analytics to monitor water usage and detect leaks. This not only helps in conserving water but also in reducing costs for users."

Dilnaz spoke about the broader implications of their project. "We believe our solution can be a model for other communities facing similar issues. It's about creating a sustainable future, and we're excited to contribute to that."

The Journey and Beyond

The hackathon experience was more than just about winning for these young innovators. It was about learning, growing, and making a tangible impact. "The journey has been incredibly rewarding," said Dilnaz. "From brainstorming sessions to late-night coding marathons, every moment taught us something valuable."

Chiara, Xylem Ignite’s Lead for Water Master Classes, encouraged the students by saying that they should focus instead on identifying what their unique selling proposition is in the market.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to further refine their prototype and potentially bring it to market. Specifically, they are gathering information on how to register a patent to their idea or technology. They are also eager to continue their education and explore more opportunities in environmental engineering and sustainability.

"We're just getting started," said Luca. "There are so many more challenges to tackle, and we can't wait to apply what we've learned to new projects." Luca also hopes that many tech companies will invest in technologies/solutions such as what they did.

The students were also encouraged to apply for Xylem’s Innovation Incubator Program which will start screening candidates in June 2024. The Incubator Program is a 6-month mentoring program for students with potential and promising projects that seek to solve the most pressing water challenges today. Through this program, they are given opportunities to be mentored by experts from Xylem and its partners in the areas of business development, marketing, product development, engineering, and more.

A Message to Fellow Youth

The team's success at the Xylem SmartHack competition is a reminder that age is no barrier to making a difference. Their advice to fellow students and young innovators is simple: "Stay curious, work hard, and don't be afraid to take on big challenges. With dedication and teamwork, you can achieve amazing things."

Join the Movement

As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, the contributions of young innovators like Salvatore, Luca, and Dilnaz are more important than ever. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. Let's celebrate their achievements and support the next generation of innovators dedicated to creating a sustainable future.

For more stories on youth innovation and to stay updated on future hackathons, follow Xylem on social media and visit our website. Together, we can create solutions for a better tomorrow.