Eritrean Innovators Shine with Groundbreaking Biodegradable Plastic Project

A team of five young Eritrean engineers has made history by winning the prestigious Total Energies’ “Start Upper Challenge” in the “Cycle ‘Up” category. 

Their innovative project, which produces biodegradable plastic from brown seaweed, has garnered regional and international attention for its potential to revolutionize environmental sustainability.

The competition, held as part of Total Energies' centennial celebrations, recognized 100 entrepreneurs across Africa in three categories: “Innov’Up” (Best Entrepreneur), “Cycle ‘Up” (Best Circular Economy Project), and “Power ‘Up” (Best Sustainable Energy Project). 

Among 56 participants in Eritrea, the team’s eco-friendly solution stood out for its innovation and practicality.

The Team Behind the Innovation

The winning team comprises Sophia Haile, Rodas Berhane, Sinit Solomon, Samrawit Fanuel, and Sabir Abdelalim, all graduates of the College of Science and Technology at Mai-Nefhi. With degrees in Chemical Engineering, the group has dedicated their efforts to tackling one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges: plastic waste.

“We all attended Sawa as members of the 32nd batch and later pursued chemical engineering degrees. After graduation, we are serving as teachers in various regions, which has only strengthened our commitment to giving back to society,” the team shared.

The Biodegradable Plastic Innovation

Their project, titled “Production of Biodegradable Plastic from Brown Seaweed”, addresses the global issue of plastic pollution. Unlike conventional plastics that take centuries to degrade, the team’s biodegradable alternative offers a sustainable solution by leveraging Eritrea’s abundant natural seaweed resources.

“We wanted to create a product that could match plastic in strength and quality but be safe for the environment,” the team explained. “Our research led us to brown seaweed, an accessible and underutilized resource in Eritrea.”

The innovative material was developed during their final year of college and has since been enhanced into a prototype, supported by the prize money awarded by Total Energies.

A Platform for Sustainable Development

The Total Energies Start Upper Challenge aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in African countries. By highlighting projects like this, it underscores the role of local solutions in addressing global problems.

“Winning this challenge validated our work and gave us the opportunity to move beyond academic research. With this support, we can scale our project and contribute to solving environmental problems,” the team noted.

Vision for the Future

Far from resting on their laurels, the group has ambitious plans for the future. “If this project succeeds, we aim to explore more eco-friendly solutions and tackle other societal challenges. As a young nation, Eritrea has the advantage of learning from the mistakes of developed nations and taking a more sustainable path,” they emphasized.

In addition to their engineering pursuits, the team remains committed to their roles as teachers, inspiring the next generation of innovators.

A Message to the Youth

The team also offered words of encouragement to Eritrea’s youth: “Pursue your dreams with the right mindset. Challenges are inevitable, but they can fuel your motivation. Even if you don’t succeed initially, the journey itself is a valuable learning experience.”

A Reflection of the Collective Effort 

The team expressed gratitude to their families, advisor Mr. Ramesh A. Babu, and everyone who supported their journey. “This achievement is not just ours; it’s a reflection of the collective effort of all who believed in us,” they said.

Dream Big and Act Boldly

With their groundbreaking innovation and unwavering dedication, this team of young engineers is not only addressing environmental challenges but also inspiring a generation to dream big and act boldly. Eritrea’s future in sustainable development looks promising with such trailblazers at the forefront.