Following the successful conclusion of the finals, SHC was honored to be featured in the WTTC’s first-ever Investors’ Nest, a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster connections between student-led innovations and influential investors from the travel and hospitality sector. This exclusive platform offered a unique opportunity for SHC finalists to gain exposure on a global stage, extending their reach beyond the competition and into the world of industry professionals and decision-makers.
The Investors’ Nest event emphasized SHC’s mission to bridge academia and the professional world, creating pathways for young innovators to transform their concepts into actionable, real-world solutions. Finalists such as the PYRO and Dynapath teams had the opportunity to present their projects directly to a distinguished jury, showcasing their work in front of potential investors, mentors, and leaders within the industry. This exposure not only highlighted the commercial potential of their innovations but also reinforced the importance of student entrepreneurship in driving sustainable progress within the sector.
Zubin Karkaria
Paolo Barletta
Karen Chen
Dynapath was awarded the title of winner at the Investors’ Nest! Their innovative project creates kinetic floor tiles from recycled plastic that generate electricity from foot traffic using piezoelectric technology. Made from HDPE and LDPE plastics, these tiles convert footsteps into energy, powering LED lights and potentially reducing lighting costs in high-traffic areas. Their durable, weather-resistant design makes them easy to install, making them ideal for venues such as hotels and airports.
By repurposing plastic waste and promoting renewable energy, Dynapath offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the hospitality industry.
Most importantly, Dynapath secured a significant investment from VFS Global, to launch their project. This investment is an major step towards realizing their vision and demonstrates the confidence that industry leaders have in their innovative approach.
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WTTC is a membership organisation representing the leaders of the global travel and tourism industry. WTTC is a forum for global business leaders comprising presidents, chairs and CEOs of 100 of the world’s foremost companies. It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide. WTTC’s mission is to raise awareness of the full economic impact of Travel & Tourism, the world’s largest generator of wealth and employment, which accounts for 200 million jobs and over 10 per cent of global GDP. Governments are encouraged to unlock the industry’s potential by adopting policy framework for sustainable tourism development.