Schneider Electric, a company focused on the digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently announced the winners of its annual “Go Green in the City.” Students Gabby Ozaeta and Yumi Briones’ project Rainshine was hailed as the best among the hundreds of entries from other colleges and universities.
The revolutionary panel, which consists of polycrystalline silicon solar cells and a reduced graphene oxide thin film on a polylactic acid plastic substrate, is a renewable energy device that generates clean energy, both from the sun and in the rain. The solar cell generates electricity from sunlight, while the graphene layer generates energy from raindrops by utilizing the Hydrovoltaic effect.
Aside from the PHP 100,000 cash prize, the duo will receive free mentorship from Schneider Electric Philippines’ team of experts in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Regional Finals next month.
“Go Green in the City,” annual global business case challenge aims to empower students to unleash their skills and creativity in coming up with the next big innovation to promote smart cities and green energy management. This year’s categories are in line with the brand’s commitment to United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals: “Buildings of the Future,” “Plants of the Future,” “Grids of the Future,” and “Sustainability and Access to Energy.” The competition also promotes women empowerment by requiring participating teams to have at least one female member.
Compared to last year’s record of 400, the number of entries tripled to 1,300 this year in the Philippines. Only three schools fought for the throne in the final round. The finalists are Angel Ed Ameril and Mycca Mae Valmonte (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) a.k.a Team Young Innovators; Gabby Ozaeta and Yumi Briones (Ateneo de Manila University) a.k.a Team Chinquapin; and, Mary Cotoco and Seb Dela Cruz (De La Salle University-Manila) a.k.a Team Brine Me Water.
This year’s panel of judges includes Ruth Ramayla, director for Industrial Automation Business-International Operations, Schneider Electric Philippines; Homer Ilagan, director, Energy and Business Development, Schneider Electric Philippines; Ruth Yu-Owen, president and CEO, PhilCarbon, president, Upgrade Energy Philippine president, and co-founder, Connected Women co-founder; and Bren Lalican, manager, Vena Energy Operations and Maintenance.