Surrey students develop data-driven solutions to global sustainability challenges

The competition culminated in the Presentations Day held last week, where selected student teams presented their projects to a panel of academic and industry experts. The initiative is designed to equip students with the skills to translate data analysis into practical, real-world impact, with this year’s focus on green entrepreneurship and sustainable business innovation.

The standard of submissions reflected a strong combination of analytical capability, creativity, and strategic thinking, with students addressing complex global issues through data-led approaches.

The winning project, developed by Muneeb Ahmad and Harry Emmanouilidis, focused on reducing global methane emissions through vertical farms and plant-based proteins. Their work demonstrated how alternative food systems, and more specifically vertical farming, can contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices, combining robust data analysis with a scalable and forward-looking solution. The judges highlighted the team’s ability to define a complex global challenge clearly and translate analytical insights into practical recommendations with real-world applicability.

Runners-up Diego Bonfirraro and Erietta Kalafata were also recognised with a prize for their project, 'Oil Spills: An Environmental and Human Crisis,' which provided valuable insights into the environmental and societal impacts of oil spills through a rigorous data-driven approach. The high quality of their work contributed to a closely contested final. 

Dr Athina Ioannou, Senior Lecturer in Business Analytics at Surrey Business School, said:

“The Data to Impact Challenge highlights how students can move beyond technical analysis to develop solutions that address pressing global challenges. The quality of this year’s projects was exceptional, particularly in how students combined analytical rigour with creativity and a strong focus on real-world impact.”

The Data to Impact Challenge forms part of Surrey Business School’s wider commitment to developing future-ready graduates who can apply data and analytics to drive responsible innovation. By engaging with real-world datasets and sustainability challenges, students gain practical experience that prepares them for careers in data-driven and impact-focused roles.