• Studio 5 and Sasol's Qatar e-Nature CSR initiative collaborated on insect conservation design challenge.
• 11 hands-on sessions equipped young minds with STEAM skills like 3D modelling, coding, and digital fabrication.
• Participants pitched prototypes to expert jurors from MCIT, Sasol, and Scale7 on June 11 awards ceremony.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), represented by Studio 5, held an awards ceremony for the Insect House Design Challenge in cooperation with Sasol’s CSR initiative “Nature Qatar” on Tuesday, June 11.

Participants pitched their prototypes to expert jurors from MCIT, Sasol and Scale 7, alongside a scientific jury, who meticulously evaluated the submitted designs, prioritizing sustainability and innovation. Exceptional creations were duly recognized and celebrated, with winners receiving recognition for their contributions.

The unique Design Challenge targeted children with a passion for ecology and technology aged 11 -13 years. It was devised from its onset as a collaboration to ignite innovation in preserving the biodiversity for various species in Qatar to flourish using cutting-edge ideas and technological tools.

The primary objective of the Design Challenge is to create inclusive and sustainable spaces for insects using technology. Participants combine creativity with curiosity, focusing on features conducive to sheltering beneficial insect species in urban settings. This challenge explores how architectural designs inspired by nature can encourage insect conservation efforts, fostering healthier ecosystems within urban landscapes through innovative technological interventions.

"The Design Challenge epitomizes our commitment to nurturing Qatar's young talent and fostering a culture of innovation," stated Ms. Duha Ali Al Buhendi, Director of the Digital Society and Digital Competencies Department at MCIT. "Through initiatives like this, we empower our youth to become drivers of positive change, contributing to Qatar's advancement on the global stage."

The challenge was also underpinned by support from ecologist, conservationist, and Qatar e-Nature Scientific Advisor Dr. Aspa Chatziefthimiou, along with other leading ecologists, who offered teaching sessions aimed to inspire innovative solutions and drive greater environmental awareness among the participants.

Reflecting on the challenge, Dr. Pat Skhonde, Sasol Qatar Country Manager, commented, “I am delighted to see Sasol’s Qatar e-Nature initiative acting as an engine for creativity and innovation. Project-based learning opportunities like this are essential in preparing young people for the future of work outside of a classroom setting and offer a positive opportunity for impact in the community. “

It’s worth mentioning that since its launch on April 22nd, the Design Challenge spanned 11 sessions featuring expert talks and hands-on workshops held at Scale 7 Business Incubator. Various Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) topics were covered across the dynamic sessions, including ecology, 3D modelling, digital fabrication, electronics, app development, IoT, and coding. Attendees were immersed in insights from Studio 5 team experts to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to infuse best practices and creativity into their project proposals.