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Wednesday, 5 October 2016

The Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics congratulates Electrical Engineering student, Aaditya Bhargava, on winning the EY Survive the Panel Competition in Melbourne.

Aaditya was awarded the honour of overall winner following his pitch on e-waste recycling to the panel of EY judges. The win secured him $10,000 to put towards turning his idea into a reality. Aaditya also won the $1,000 People's Choice Award.

The competition invited university students to submit a ‘big idea’ in 100 words or less. Aaditya’s idea topped hundreds of student entries, including a record number from Western Australia, to be in the running to win him a share of $20,000; funds that go towards the set-up costs of the business.

Aaditya’s big idea involves e-waste recycling. His aim is to create a business based on the cooperative model whereby organisations can sell or donate their used equipment to the cooperative’s members - university students. The students will repair or recycle the equipment for resale or donation to organisations or people who do not have the budget for new equipment and want to make a sound investment.

Not only will the business have a positive environmental impact by encouraging sustainability, it will also utilise “the skills and potential of Australian university students in return of practical experience, financial reward and a fulfilling employment”, said Aaditya. This unique attribute provides a point of difference to similar businesses in the market.

“The business has the potential to create a nation-wide service that is entirely being run by students on university campuses. A service, which equips everyone with the necessary technology, protects the environment and provides opportunities. A service, which is sustainable at heart!” said Aaditya.

With the win still sinking in, Aaditya said: “This has been an amazing experience. I never expected to make it to the finals, let alone win! I am thankful to everyone at UWA for their support. I hope this encourages more students to step up and express their ideas. A big thank you to EY for providing such an amazing opportunity!”

While Aaditya’s focus returns to his studies as he prepares for his exams, he says his first step toward developing his idea to “revolutionise the reusing industry” is to start the search for a motivated team.

Watch Aaditya’s inspiring pitch in which he concludes that the return of investment on his idea is not limited to money as he foresees its huge social and environmental impact.

UWA students interested in Aaditya’s idea can follow ECM’s facebook page for further updates on Aaditya’s recruitment of a team.

E-waste includes electronic and electrical equipment that has been discarded, usually because it requires repair or has reached the end of its life. While the Australian Government has established The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, other equipment is often disposed of, creating no opportunity for repair or recycling. Aaditya’s big idea encourages sustainability, student engagement and benefits the community.

#SurviveThePanel

Media references

Melissa Sieradzki (UWA Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics) (+61 8) 6488 7886

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