De Montfort University Dubai (DMU Dubai) and its strategic partner Ehfaaz have achieved top honors at the prestigious International Sustainability Awards, capturing the Gold award in the “Best Education and Awareness” category. The recognition was bestowed upon their collaborative Sustainovation Challenge initiative during the inaugural awards ceremony that celebrated exceptional sustainability advancements across the globe.
The International Sustainability Awards brought together pioneering concepts and transformative projects that demonstrate substantial impact in sustainability practices worldwide. Ehfaaz’s Gold award specifically acknowledges the remarkable success of the Sustainovation Challenge, highlighting the powerful synergy between academic institutions and innovative startups in addressing environmental concerns.
Aliyu Mohammed Ali, co-founder and CEO of Ehfaaz, emphasized the action-oriented nature of the initiative: “The Sustainovation Challenge transcended conventional awareness campaigns by creating tangible platforms for climate innovators. Rather than conducting traditional workshops, we established a dynamic launchpad that enabled participants to develop, pitch, and prototype practical solutions. This prestigious award validates our vision and recognizes the contributions of all innovators working toward a more circular economy in the UAE.”
Dr. Adham Fayad, lead organizer and driving force behind the Sustainovation Challenge, expressed profound satisfaction with the international recognition: “Witnessing the evolution of this initiative from conceptual framework to award-winning reality represents a milestone in educational innovation. This achievement celebrates the collective dedication and shared vision of all contributors who believed in transforming sustainability education into actionable solutions.”
The Sustainovation Challenge emerged from a strategic alliance between DMU Dubai and Ehfaaz, combining academic expertise with entrepreneurial innovation. Their collaborative approach from conceptualization through execution established a new benchmark for academia-startup partnerships in sustainability education. The award underscores the effectiveness of their combined efforts in promoting environmental consciousness through hands-on, practical engagement methodologies that inspire real-world change.