ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), on Wednesday, granted five awards to the most promising Pakistani innovators in the field of clean technologies under its Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP).

An impressive awards distribution ceremony in this regard was held in Islamabad to appreciate the contributions of the most promising Pakistani innovators in the field of clean technologies, said a press release.

GCIP granted five awards under different categories this year. The first prize went to team ‘Modulus Tech’ who innovated a new design of low cost, energy efficient houses.

The runner-up was team ‘Biotech’ who had made a dual function solar system for rural areas which can run water pumps and flour mills.

The award for the most promising team led by a woman was given by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry to ‘Aerosync’ who had come up with an idea for an innovative solar power cart for roadside street vendors.

This year, two new prizes were also introduced. The ‘Industry Challenge Award’ was given to ‘Bitsym Bitpredict’ who showed up with an industrial process fault detection information system.

Another winner was ‘Crean’ which has introduced the technology for utilising and regenerating old batteries.

Addressing the ceremony, Federal Secretary for Climate Syed Abu Ahmed Akif stressed upon the importance of clean technology innovations in mitigating the harmful effects caused by climate change.

While reiterating his ministry’s continued support to this program, he appreciated the work of UNIDO, GEF and its local partners in organising the GCIP.

“The annual competition fosters green entrepreneurship and supports marketable solutions that address the most pressing global environmental challenges,” he said.

Sheikh Amir Waheed from the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry strongly encouraged the local and international investors to become front-runners in clean technology investments in Pakistan.

He emphasized that investors should partner with innovators in the commercialisation of their brilliant ideas and facilitate them in introducing innovative products in the market.

UNIDO Country Representative Nadia Aftab said she shares UNIDO’s vision on energy and environment in promoting clean technologies.

The GCIP Project Manager from UNIDO Alois Mhlanga also appreciated the achievements of GCIP in Pakistan.

It is envisaged that GCIP will expand its geographical coverage to at least 20 other countries by moving to integrated approaches, including food and energy systems, sustainable cities, and the protection of the global commons.

The award ceremony was attended by more than 200 high ranking officials, dignitaries, ambassadors, and international donor agencies.