The Kratos Batteries project winners took home the top prize for their innovative approach to sustainable energy storage. They walked away with 2 000 Euros. They are from left: Kananelo Khutlane, Andrew Okene, Mabota Makhakhe, and Lebohang Nthama.

The Enactus CUT team has once again proven its excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship, securing first and third place in the hybrid 2024 Schneider Electric Energy Transition Battery Innovation Challenge, where six highly competitive Enactus teams participated in the competition, showcasing their innovative skills in battery technology to a panel of technical expert adjudicators from industry. The competition not only demonstrated the team’s technical ingenuity but had to align with global sustainability goals, underscoring the critical role of young innovators in shaping the future of energy.

During the practical segment of the competition, the Enactus CUT team was tasked with implementing a comprehensive plan to develop an innovative battery technology solution. Their mission was to reach a minimum of 200 youth aged 14 to 35 years, from high schools, colleges, universities, and communities. The team not only innovatively delivered fundamental training on electricity efficiency, battery technology, and energy transition but also engaged the youth in a design thinking project-based activity. This activity focused on the development of low-carbon batteries, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.

Over a period of three months, the team meticulously tracked their progress and the engagement of the participants, ensuring that the impact of their project was both measurable and meaningful.

In the first phase of the challenge, three CUT enterprises were among the top 12 selected teams to receive a R12 000 grant, which was subsequently allocated to support their project-specific needs. Two Enactus CUT enterprises- Kratos Batteries and Airnergy and Tech Solutions earned a spot in the final round of the competition, where they were invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges.

The Kratos Batteries project took home the top prize for their innovative approach to sustainable energy storage. The team developed a battery that uses recyclable materials, such as polyethylene and polycarbonate, for its separator and casing and was awarded 2 000 Euros and a trophy. A standout feature of their design is an AI-powered battery management system, which employs machine learning models to optimize charging cycles, extend battery lifespan, and monitor the state of charge and health in real time.

Airnergy and Tech Solutions secured third place on their hybrid energy system, which combines hydrogen and solar power to charge lithium phosphate ion batteries. The system features an electrolyzer, storage tanks, a fuel cell, solar panels, and a web platform for real-time monitoring of solar panel positioning, voltage, current, and temperature. This project highlights the potential of hybrid energy solutions in advancing sustainable energy technologies. The team was awarded 1 000 Euros and a trophy.

Faculty advisor Prof. Crispen Chipunza and Co-faculty Advisors Prof. Patient Rambe and Ms Maraka Lefera expressed their excitement for the student’s success in the competition citing passion, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. “This serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that our dedicated youth can have on creating a brighter and more sustainable future, making a meaningful impact in addressing energy challenges in our communities,” said Prof. Chipunza.

Enactus CUT winners from both Kratos Batteries and Airnergy and Tech Solutions.