An innovative AI-powered water pollution monitor named WaterSense has won the global Sustainability prize at the prestigious James Dyson Award, spotlighting a breakthrough in environmental technology and real-time water quality management.
Developed by Filip Budny, a PhD candidate in nanotechnology at Warsaw University of Technology, WaterSense aims to revolutionize how water pollution is detected and managed. Unlike traditional methods that rely on manual sampling and delayed lab analysis, WaterSense uses autonomous sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor water quality continuously and predict contamination up to 72 hours in advance.
The system is designed to be scalable and cost-effective, making it suitable for deployment in rivers, lakes, and other freshwater sources. Its predictive capabilities allow authorities and environmental agencies to respond proactively to pollution threats, potentially preventing ecological damage and safeguarding public health.
Budny’s invention earned him S$50,700 in prize money and global recognition for its potential to address one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. In his acceptance remarks, Budny emphasized the importance of combining nanotechnology and AI to create solutions that are both intelligent and accessible.
The Dyson Award jury praised WaterSense for its technical ingenuity, social impact, and scalability, noting that it exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking innovation the award seeks to promote.
WaterSense joins a growing list of sustainability-focused technologies recognized by the Dyson Foundation, which continues to champion young inventors tackling global problems through design and engineering.
