SDSN and Siemens Energy Announce 2025 Universities for Goal 13 Winner, Turning Algae into the Future of Clean Industry
On September 19, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Siemens Energy announced the winning project, "Turning algae into the future of clean industry,” of “Universities for Goal 13,” a competition promoting university talent in the fight against climate change through innovative solutions. The project was designed by students at Monash University in Australia.
About the Winning Solution
The winning project was unveiled during the annual convening of SDSN’s Leadership Council, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA). There to present the award were Jeffrey Sachs, President of the SDSN; María Cortés Puch, Vice President of Networks, SDSN; and Rocío Millán, representing Siemens Energy’s CSR program, Energy4Good. The winning solution was granted $10,000 USD to acknowledge its innovative qualities and significant potential, with the funds allocated to drive further development.
“This is a great high point for SDSN. The program of Universities for Goal 13 inspires students all over the world, all across our network. The student groups and mentors from Siemens Energy do a fantastic job in inspiring action to combat climate change.” – Jeffrey Sachs, President of the SDSN
The project presented by Monash University students, “Turning algae into the future of clean industry,” aims at developing a high-performance microalgae biorefinery that captures industrial CO₂ emissions and transforms them into valuable products such as astaxanthin and bio fertilizer. Utilizing photobioreactors, anaerobic digestion, and combined heat and power systems, the closed-loop system ensures sustainable and energy-efficient resource use. These derived products are in high demand across industries, including aquaculture, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and functional foods. Hence, it ensures circular industrial operations and contributes to climate mitigation in heavy-emitting zones.
An honorable mention was given to the Tsinghua University team that developed “C-N Biotechnology,” an innovative and eco-friendly wastewater treatment solution that uses special bacteria and AI to effectively remove nitrogen and create valuable products, supporting a sustainable circular economy.
In addition, students from Brazil’s PUC-Rio, winners of the competition’s 3rd edition, presented the progress of their project since winning in September 2024. The solution, “OG2OW: Recommissioning Oil & Gas Platforms to Offshore Wind Energy,” focuses on repurposing offshore oil platforms into wind energy installations, supported by an interactive decision-making tool. The initiative promotes offshore wind for green hydrogen and ammonia production, while also advocating for repurposing pipelines for environmental benefits. It further incorporates macroalgae cultivation on wind structures for ecological innovation, aiming to extend platform lifespans, reduce costs, and advance toward the SDGs.
Showcasing Innovative Solutions from SDSN Members
“This initiative empowered us to think creatively and collaborate across disciplines.” – UxG13 Participant
Led by the SDSN Networks team, the competition brought together 69 participants from eight universities in eight different countries, uniting diverse disciplines to co-create practical solutions to a problem in their region aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year, participants were tasked with designing viable solutions for SDG 13: Climate Action, with a particular emphasis on the energy transition. Their proposals spanned themes from climate resilience and inclusive economic development to gender equity and health systems. Over eight weeks in Spring 2025, students were mentored by experts from Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa, who helped them improve and refine their initial proposals.
“The experience helped me develop real-world skills in project development and budgeting.” – UG13 Participant
More than a theoretical exercise, the competition provided a high-impact experiential learning and produced implementable solutions. Finalist teams were selected based on the innovation, feasibility, and SDG alignment of their proposals. Watch the finalists' videos.
The eight participating universities were:
- Monash University, Australia
- Case Western Reserve University, USA
- Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
- University of Hamburg, Germany
- SDG China Hub -Tsinghua University, China
- PUC-Rio, Brazil
- Deusto University, Spain
- University College London, UK
All eight finalist projects presented in this edition are relevant to advancing the targets of SDG 13 on climate action. Solutions include: a hybrid renewable energy system designed to enhance energy security and resilience in remote areas, as well as coating technology for the maritime industry that prevents biofouling and its negative effects on fuel consumption. Furthermore, the initiatives aim to promote gender equity in engineering, provide a gamified solution to engage students in STEM, empower youth to take action on climate change through a student-driven platform, and improve community food access points to ensure the availability of quality, fresh products.
Looking ahead, the SDSN and Siemens Energy will return with the fifth edition of the Universities for Goal 13 Competition in 2026.
