The Aga Khan University (AKU) celebrated the culmination of another successful edition of the President's Challenge for Climate Solutions (PCCS) during its closing ceremony, recognizing the outstanding achievements of students who developed innovative responses to climate-related challenges through this year's theme, "Bite into Change: Reimagining Food Systems for a Better Tomorrow."
The 2025 Challenge attracted participation from students across AKU's campuses in Pakistan, Kenya,
"We learned that food is more than a personal choice. In the age of climate change, the food we eat – and the food we waste – ultimately impacts everyone. If you ask me, that’s an empowering discovery. It’s empowering because it means that every time we go to eat – or to cook for others – we have the opportunity to do something good for the planet and our fellow human beings. "
Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, AKU President and Vice Chancellor
Tanzania, and Uganda. A total of 442 students forming 122 teams registered for the competition, with 331 students across 88 teams advancing to the Ideation Workshop stage. Participants worked through a structured innovation journey that included workshops, mentorship opportunities, campus exhibitions, and final pitches to internal and external experts.
Following months of development and refinement, the top 14 teams advanced to the Final Idea Pitch Round, showcasing solutions designed to address pressing challenges in the food system.
Students explored a broad range of ideas, including reducing food waste, improving agricultural productivity through technology, strengthening connections between farmers and markets, optimizing food distribution systems, and transforming food waste into valuable resources.
The closing ceremony brought together university leaders, students, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests from across AKU's campuses to celebrate the remarkable talent and commitment demonstrated throughout the Challenge. During the event, top-performing teams from each campus were recognized before the overall winners were announced.
Reflecting on this year's competition, organizers highlighted not only the quality of the solutions presented but also the shift in mindset among participants, from understanding climate challenges to actively designing practical, scalable solutions. The Challenge continues to serve as a platform for empowering students to become innovators, leaders, and changemakers committed to building a more sustainable future.
As the 2025 edition concludes, excitement is already building for the next chapter of the AKU President's Challenge for Climate Solutions. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to stay tuned for the announcement of the upcoming theme and another opportunity to transform innovative ideas into meaningful climate action.
Winners of the President's Challenge for Climate Solutions 2025
Winner
Team PK-010: AKU Dabbawala (Pakistan)
Team Members: Muqadasa Faqiri, Samrin Alam, Anisa Khan, and Nadia Afsheen.
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First Runner-Up
Team UG-006: Food Fixers (Uganda)
Team Members: Nek Patrick James, Kizito Henry, Kusiima Brenda, and Arach Fiona Moro.
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Second Runner-Up
Team KN-013: Mazao Resilience Operating System (Kenya)
Team Members: Muriira Lavender Kendi, Sharon Marggy Shisia, and Eden Nungari Njau.
