STEM Sisters Win National Innovation Award at Tech Summit

Our students’ innovative water purification project received national recognition at the 2025 Nigeria Tech Summit, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our young innovators. The project, which addresses critical water quality issues in rural communities, was praised for its sustainable approach and potential for widespread impact.

STEM Sisters team presenting their water purification project at the Nigeria Tech Summit 2025

A Groundbreaking Innovation

The award-winning project, titled “AquaPure: Sustainable Water Filtration for Rural Communities,” was developed by a team of five STEM Sisters students over the course of six months. The system uses locally-sourced materials and solar power to create an affordable, sustainable water purification solution that can be implemented in areas with limited infrastructure.

Key features of the AquaPure system include:

• Multi-stage filtration using sand, activated charcoal, and ceramic components
• Solar-powered UV sterilization chamber
• Real-time water quality monitoring via mobile application
• Modular design allowing for easy maintenance and scalability
• Construction manual in multiple Nigerian languages

“What impressed us most about the AquaPure project was not just the technical innovation, but the thorough understanding of community needs and implementation challenges. These young women have created a solution that is truly appropriate for the context it will serve.”

— Dr. Oluwaseun Adeyemi, Head Judge, Nigeria Tech Summit

The Journey to Success

The road to this prestigious award wasn’t without challenges. The team faced numerous obstacles throughout the development process, from material sourcing difficulties to technical setbacks with the filtration system.

Team leader Amina Ibrahim reflects on the experience: “We spent countless hours in the lab testing different filtration materials and configurations. What really made the difference was our field testing in Ogun State, where we worked directly with community members to understand their needs and refine our design based on their feedback.”

Impact and Future Plans

The recognition comes with a ₦5 million grant to further develop and implement the AquaPure system in selected communities. The team plans to use these funds to:

1. Establish pilot installations in five rural communities across Nigeria
2. Develop a comprehensive training program for local maintenance technicians
3. Create educational materials about water safety and conservation
4. Refine the design based on real-world implementation feedback

Watch the AquaPure project demonstration video

Data-Driven Development

The team’s approach was heavily informed by data collected from water quality surveys across 15 communities. This research revealed alarming statistics about water contamination and access issues:

Recognition for STEM Education

This national award not only celebrates the specific project but also highlights the importance of STEM education for girls in Nigeria. STEM Sisters has been working since 2019 to increase female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields through hands-on programs and mentorship.

Program Director Chiamaka Obiako emphasizes: “This achievement demonstrates what’s possible when we invest in girls’ STEM education. These young women aren’t just learning scientific principles—they’re applying them to solve real problems in their communities. That’s the essence of what we’re trying to accomplish at STEM Sisters.”

Looking Ahead

The success of the AquaPure project has inspired a new innovation track within STEM Sisters’ programming. Starting in September 2025, we’ll be launching a dedicated “Solutions Lab” where students can work on developing technological solutions to community challenges with guidance from industry mentors.

For the winning team, this is just the beginning of their journey. Team member Fatima Yusuf shares: “Winning this award has given us confidence that we can make a real difference. We’re already thinking about how to improve our design and reach more communities. This experience has definitely shaped my career aspirations—I now plan to study Environmental Engineering at university.”