Theme
For the 2024 edition, the theme was to design an “out-of-the-box,” never-seen-before sustainable and investible product. For the first time, SHC shifted its focus from large-scale concepts to smaller, scalable product innovations, emphasizing practical and immediately actionable solutions to redefine sustainability within the hospitality industry.
The competition expanded its global reach with semi-finals held across three continents, a first in SHC history. Regional events were hosted in Montreux, Switzerland, at the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS); in Bangkok, Thailand, at Dusit Thani College; and in Miami, USA, at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
From these semi-finals, seven exceptional teams advanced to the grand finale, which took place during the largest-ever FHS Dubai World Summit.
This year, SHC introduced several new award categories to recognize excellence across various dimensions, including sustainability, investment potential, and inspiration. In addition, the competition featured its first-ever Public Voting Award, which gathered over 5,000 votes from a global audience, showcasing the growing excitement and engagement with the challenge.
The Team
have sparked industry-wide attention for addressing the dual issues of food waste and excessive wood consumption. The team impressed both the judges and the industry leaders with their cutting-edge solution. PYRO uses a scaled-down pyrolysis process to turn food waste into biochar, offering a cleaner, eco-friendly fuel source for grilling. This practical approach not only reduces harmful emissions but also promotes environmental compliance while enhancing operational efficiency in the hospitality industry. The project’s potential was further recognised with the Most Investible Award, highlighting its viability for commercial success.
The Team
Addressing plastic pollution and renewable energy. Their project involves kinetic tiles made from recycled plastic, generating electricity from footsteps – a novel way to harness human movement for sustainable energy.
The Team
This innovative textile, crafted from a blend of Zeolite cotton and Jamaican bamboo cloth, absorbs air pollutants and odours while providing insulation and comfort – offering a multifaceted solution to air purification.
The Team
A living wall that uses algae to improve energy efficiency and air quality. The algae harness the power of natural processes to enhance sustainability and reduce energy costs, making it a promising innovation for urban spaces.
Maarten van den Nieuwenhuijsen
Gitta Brückmann
Frederico Toresi
Global VP Design at Accor
Lukas Lauber
Winner of SHC 2021
Colin Abercrombie
Strategy Director Hotel Division, NEOM
Marloes Knippenberg
Sandeep Walia
COO, Middle East, Marriott International
Paul Stevens
COO MEA & Turkey, Accor
Karin van den Berg
Senior Director Operations UAE, Hilton
Wyatt Roy
Head of Innovation, NEOM
CEO, MEWS
Amit Nayak
Vice President, HAMA MEA
Dimitris Manikis
President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Rahma Beaugrand
Vice President, Head of Customer Advisory and solutions advisory Middle East South, SAP
Inge Huijbrechts
Global Chief Sustainability & Security Officer Radisson Hotel Group
Larissa Esser
Senior Director Hotels, Colliers
Gregory Lanter
Chief Development & Construction Officer, Club Med
Michael Cheng
Dean, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, FIU
Francesco Scullica
President Coordinator Interior and Spatial Design, Politecnico di Milano
Andre Wiringa
Founder & Chief Reverse Officer, StartReverse
David Keen
Founder & CEO, QUO
Gustaf Lantz
Senior Vice President, APAC & EMEA, Guest Worldwide
Haitham Mattar
Managing Director MEA & South West Asia, IHG Special Advisor to Secretary General, UN Tourism
Carmel McQuaid
Jeroen Greven
Siradej Donavanik
Karan Kaul
Mark de Leeuwerk
Niek Hammer
Ben Schumacher
Daryn Hudson
Viona Zhang
Michael Henssler
Stefano Hanzawa
Hector L Oliva
Elaine Heldewier
Fernando Flores
Armanda Santangeli
Aseel Hussain Bondagjy
Christopher Exler
Sharon Banfield-Bovell
Jack London Freedman
