From Used Cooking Oil to Innovative Solutions: Students Address the Future of Renewable Energy

What happens when young people are given a real industry challenge rather than a hypothetical classroom assignment?

In May 2026, Quddurat and BioD Technology launched the Renewable Energy & Sustainability Research Project, a virtual internship designed to introduce high-school students to the environmental and economic potential of biodiesel while strengthening their research, analytical and presentation capabilities.

The programme challenged students aged 15–18 to investigate how used cooking oil collected in the UAE can be transformed into biodiesel, while exploring the environmental and economic benefits of processing and utilising this valuable resource locally, supporting the UAE’s circular economy.

Connecting Education with a Real Industry Priority

The programme gave the students exposure to renewable energy from several perspectives, including engineering, environmental science, climate policy, economics and business, demonstrating that sustainability challenges require multidisciplinary thinking.

Moving from Research to Recommendations

Students were expected to move beyond learning about sustainability and contribute their own perspectives.

Each student or team developed a structured research project incorporating data, industry insights and sustainability findings. They then translated their research into practical recommendations addressing areas such as used cooking oil collection, public awareness, recycling systems and future renewable-fuel innovation.

The experience concluded with presentations to BioD Technology’s Student Research Judging Panel, where students presented their findings and responded to questions from industry professionals.

Projects were assessed based on research depth, innovation and presentation quality.

“The transition to a more sustainable economy requires more than technology; it requires informed, innovative and environmentally responsible future leaders. Through this collaboration with Quddurat, we wanted students to engage with a genuine industry challenge, examine it from new perspectives and develop solutions with real-world relevance. The quality of the research and the confidence demonstrated during the final presentations reinforced our belief in the value young people can bring to the sustainability conversation.” Shiva Vig, Chief Executive Officer, BioD Technology

Celebrating the Winning Projects

Following the final presentations, BioD Technology’s judging panel selected the projects that demonstrated the strongest combination of research, strategic thinking, innovation and presentation.

First Place
Meenakshi Anooj
GEMS Modern Academy
Project: Transforming UCO Recycling Through AI

Second Place
Muhammad Aufa and Rayan Ahmad
GEMS Cambridge International School – Abu Dhabi
Project: An Analysis of Global Biofuel Policies & Strategic Opportunities for BioD Technology

Developing Future-Ready Talent Through Industry Engagement

All students who completed and presented their projects received internship completion certificates in recognition of their commitment.

More importantly, participants gained experience in researching an unfamiliar industry, assessing information critically, developing evidence-based recommendations and presenting their ideas directly to professionals.