Blog FlyInnova 2024 Innovation Challenge - Hackathon
In September 2024, the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, together with SENA's Center for Industrial Technological Design (CDTI) in Cali, Colombia, launched the FlyInnova 2024 Innovation Challenge - Hackathon. This event was developed within the framework of the CGIAR Positive Solutions for Nature Research Initiative.
The FlyInnova 2024 challenge focused on addressing two fundamental problems: the management of organic waste in the agri-food sector and the limited technological innovation in the processes of using this waste. The main objective was to promote innovative solutions developed by students, focused on optimizing the use of organic waste through the use of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens).
A total of 64 students from SENA's CDTI and 6 students from the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente participated in the challenge, which was developed in three phases. The main goal was to design and create an automated production unit for the utilization of organic waste through the use of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens).
First phase of the challenge
Students worked in multidisciplinary teams to design and prototype the production units during the three phases of the challenge. The first phase, held on September 24 at the Alliance's Regional Headquarters for the Americas, consisted of a bootcamp where participants had the opportunity to learn in depth about each of the production stages of black soldier fly treatment. In addition, they learned essential concepts about the life cycle of this species and participated in practical exercises designed to facilitate their understanding and application in the development of their projects.
Students from the CDTI of SENA and the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, at the FlyInoova 2024 Bootcamp on the use of organic waste with the black soldier fly.
Second phase of the challenge
In the second phase, participants acquired tools and knowledge about the design thinking methodology and prototyping techniques, which marked the beginning of the digital design of the production unit. Subsequently, the SENA and Universidad Autónoma de Occidente students presented their designs during the event: SENA Biodiversity and Sustainability in the Territoriality, held on October 28 by SENA within the framework of COP16. In this space, the students had the opportunity to show their proposals to the public and receive feedback from the Alliance team.
Students of the CDTI of SENA and the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente at the event: SENA Biodiversity and Sustainability in the Territoriality.
Third phase of the challenge
One of the designed prototypes was selected and funding was granted for its development. This process included consulting, construction and testing of the automated production unit, which was to integrate a system that would monitor environmental parameters during the waste treatment process. In addition, it had to have a data processing system to collect quantifiable information and a physical unit that was efficient, sustainable and scalable.
The physical unit of the prototype consists of three modules that can be separated. The first module is where the larvae are fed with organic waste and the bioconversion process takes place. The second module incorporates a system for the collection of larvae that are ready for metamorphosis to fly. In addition, this section contains a device with humidity, temperature and gas sensors to monitor these environmental parameters. The third module houses the flies and is where the mating and egg collection process takes place.
Selected prototype of the automated production unit for the utilization of organic waste through the use of black soldier fly larvae.
Finally, on December 11, the participants presented the finalized prototype to an evaluation committee made up of the CDTI's main mentors from SENA and the Alliance. Special guests were Andrés Camargo and Diego Villamil, representatives of Residua Biocircular, a company with offices in Mexico and Colombia, recognized for its experience in the valorization of organic waste through the use of black soldier fly larvae.
Students of CDTI of SENA, Cali, Valle del Cauca at the closing event of the FlyInnova 2024 Innovation Challenge - Hackathon.
The evaluation committee indicated that: This is a very interesting prototype, which will allow for research trials related to waste bioconversion processes, facilitating real-time monitoring of some of the most important parameters of the process, such as substrate humidity and temperature, and gas generation during the process.
On the other hand, Residua Biocircular invited SENA students to visit their facilities in Bucaramanga, Colombia, creating new learning and collaboration opportunities. This type of initiative strengthens the ties between the public education sector and private companies, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and the development of innovative solutions.
The FlyInnova 2024 challenge not only allowed students to design an innovative prototype for the use of organic waste, but also immersed them in a real process of technological innovation. Throughout this experience, students applied their creativity and knowledge to develop concrete solutions, driving technological progress in this sector. In addition, it allowed them to address the problems related to organic waste management in the agri-food sector and the limited technological innovation in the processes of utilization of these wastes with soldier fly larvae.
