Making a global difference with limited resources: student projects in Frugal Innovation

ICFI's Frugal Innovation for Sustainable Futures program stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and real-world impact. By bringing together students from Leiden University, TU Delft, and Erasmus University Rotterdam, they create a diverse learning environment where students can explore frontier innovation thinking and its societal relevance.

Through a 12-week field assignment, students immerse themselves in practical applications of theory, gaining invaluable experience in addressing complex global challenges. Frugal innovation, rooted in the principles and power of simplicity and resourcefulness,  offers a fresh perspective on problem-solving, challenging mainstream practices and paving the way for sustainable solutions to pressing societal issues. As frugal innovation gains traction as a transformative force in global discourse, ICFI's program equips students with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to a more sustainable and equitable world. Discover below how five student teams worked on sustainable solutions worldwide in 2024–2025.

Biomass Gasifiers for Green Tea and Black Tea Processing

In Hanoi, students worked on more efficient biomass gasifiers that convert agricultural waste into clean energy for tea processing. They combined technical design with local education and developed an accessible user manual.

Waste to Energy Solutions for Marginalized Communities - South Africa

In Lenville and Santa Clara, students investigated how organic waste can be converted into biogas for domestic use via biodigesters. In collaboration with local universities and residents, they developed small-scale, community-oriented solutions for waste processing, microgrids and energy supply. The emphasis was on social justice, safety and practical applicability.

Rural Innovation and Sustainable Livelihoods in Kenya

In Makueni County, students developed an affordable greywater filtration system that purifies domestic wastewater using local materials such as sand and charcoal. In collaboration with South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) and local farmers, they explored how water reuse can contribute to sustainable livelihoods.

Affordable & Resilient Housing in St. Martin

After the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, students collaborated with the University of St. Martin (USM) and the Islanders at the Helm initiative to develop affordable, hurricane-resistant housing. They interviewed local architects, designed a sustainable housing typology, and developed an educational card game that enables residents to learn how to build using climate-adaptive techniques.

ReSeaD - Reefs and Seeds Deployment for Ocean Restoration

In collaboration with Campus@Sea, students worked on the project ‘Reefs and Seeds Deployment for Ocean Restoration’, aimed at restoring marine life in the North Sea. Using artificial reefs and seaweed plantations, they offered a sustainable solution to problems such as overfishing and pollution from oil platforms.

 

The videos of these projects have all been collected in a single YouTube playlist, which can be viewed via the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeggb8VMJqk7JUzGIbWYeD8-5beB10Sw1

More information:
View the YouTube playlist here.
International Centre for Frugal Innovation
LDE Minor: Frugal Innovation for Sustainable Futures (FI4SF)