A team of innovative engineering students from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has clinched the second prize at the prestigious Enactus-Schneider Battery Innovation Challenge. The team, dubbed, ‘’, impressed the judges with their innovative project, ‘, securing a prize of USD 1,500, at the national competition to solve pressing energy challenges. The team consists of four forward-thinking students, Mr. Benard Phabian Odoyo, who is the group’s lead, Mr. Denis Bittok, Ms. Patricia Resiato, and Ms. Lynet Njeri. Their project is an AI-driven predictive energy management system designed to optimize energy usage for residential and commercial settings. The system adapts to customer load curves, integrates local weather data, and harnesses photovoltaic generation, to accurately forecast energy demand and supply. The innovation also facilitates reducing energy consumption inefficiencies, while extending the lifespan of energy storage systems.
MMUST student innovators Mr. Benard Phabian Odoyo and Ms. Lynet Njeri holding the cheque.
Speaking during an interview, the Dean School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE), Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Innovators MMUST team for their remarkable achievement in such a highly competitive challenge.
“This award is proof of the hard work and dedication of the EnergyHub Project team, whose innovative approach is a significant contribution to the evolving field of energy management. Their success highlights the calibre of talent within the School of Engineering and Built Environment. It reinforces MMUST’s commitment to fostering solutions that address real-world challenges,” said Dr. Sabuni.
Similarly, the Associate Dean SEBE, Dr. Peter Cherop commended the team for their outstanding achievement. He noted that their accomplishment underscores the capability of MMUST’s School of Engineering and Built Environment to excel in national competitions focused on research, technology and innovation. “SEBE remains dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation amongst its staff and students, to advance its competitiveness on national and global platforms,” he stated.
The programme aims to upskill and empower youth in energy transition by leveraging the company’s resources to provide financial and technical support in view of 139 million new jobs in energy transition by 2030.
MMUST student innovators Mr. Benard Phabian Odoyo and Ms. Lynet Njeri with an officer from Enactus-schneider.
The Chairperson of Electrical and Communication Engineering Department, Dr. James Owuor expressed his pride in the students’ success. “We are immensely proud of our talented Electrical Engineering students. This achievement is a clear reflection of their hard work, dedication and innovative thinking. By excelling in the development of sustainable energy solutions, they have once again reinforced our Department’s and the University’s standing as a hub for research and technological innovation,” remarked Dr. Owuor.
Reflecting on the competition, the team leader, Mr. Odoyo emphasized the transformative experience of participating in the challenge. “The Enactus Schneider Battery Innovation Challenge provided us with the platform to showcase our skills and innovative thinking. EnergyHub has the potential to revolutionize energy management by combining predictive AI with renewable energy sources. We are excited about the future and look forward to further developing EnergyHub for practical application,” he noted.
Mr. Benard Phabian Odoyo speaking at the event.
The Enactus Schneider Battery Innovation Challenge took place over two rounds. In the first stage, held on 25th July, 2024 at Eastlands Hotel in Nairobi, the MMUST team competed against eight teams and finished in sixth place. According to Mr. Odoyo, this served as a learning opportunity, which allowed his team to refine their project presentation. The final round, held on 13th September 2024, at Olive Gardens Hotel in Nairobi, featured six competing teams. Innovators MMUST excelled, and finished in second place and as a result, took home the USD 1,500 prize.
It is worth noting that the Innovators MMUST competed against other Private and Public Universities including, the Technical University of Kenya, Strathmore University, and Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology.
MMUST continues to position itself as a leader in innovation, with Innovators MMUST representing the University’s commitment to solving real-world challenges through technology and creativity.
By Caren Nekesa
