Team CAD has emerged champions at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Obuasi campus GAIAfest, securing $300 and a place in the continental GAIAfest 2025 finals on Aug 19-20.

The team’s winning project, a solar-powered smart IoT device for real-time particulate matter monitoring, aims to reduce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risks and guide environmental policy.

The local GAIAfest, which concluded the GAIAthon 2025 Obuasi stage, drew students, faculty, industry executives and partners including AngloGold Ashanti Ghana (AGA), Underground Mining Agency (UMA) and Star Assurance Ltd Ghana.

Participants presented innovations under the theme “Earth Observation (EO) and Internet of Things (IoT) for a Sustainable Africa” across digital platforms, geospatial intelligence and IoT smart systems.

Second place went to Team Code Verse, winning $200 for Flood Predict, a mobile app for real-time flood detection and alerts. Team GNADE placed third, earning $100 for AeroHealth App, which monitors air quality and provides health tips.

The event also featured project exhibitions, networking and mentorship, underscoring GAIAthon’s role in equipping young African innovators to address environmental and societal challenges.

Prof Lawrence Darkwah, coordinating dean and GAIAthon KNUST project lead, Mrs Harriet Ahorsu, GAIAthon KNUST lead coordinator and Mr. Paul Pinaman Adade presented to the awardees