Today at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Nguyen Thao Van from VinUniversity, Vietnam, was announced as the winner of the inaugural Investors’ Nest at its 24th WTTC Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia.
Investors’ Nest initiative in partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC) of the Hotelschool The Hague, brought together students from over 75 universities worldwide, who competed in regional semi-finals, leading to the selection of the finalists. After the edition winners were announced in Dubai, they, along with a wild card semi-finalist team, joined WTTC to participate in the first-ever Investors Nest.
Taking this stage at WTTC Perth were the five finalists from University of West London (UK), VinUniversity (Vietnam), Instituto Profesional Duoc UC (Chile), Cornell University (USA), and University of West Indies (Jamaica) — presented their innovative solutions to the panel during the Global Summit, tackling challenges such as plastic pollution, renewable energy, sustainable construction materials, food waste management, and cultural tourism.
Winner Nguyen Thao Van, with her project Dynapath, impressed a panel of industry leaders and investors, clinching the title with her project that transforms plastic waste into high-performance kinetic tiles that generate electricity from foot traffic using piezoelectric technology. The solution offers a sustainable, energy-efficient flooring solution that reduces plastic pollution and provides renewable energy in high-traffic areas like hotels and airports.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said “We are incredibly proud of Nguyen and her team, and all finalists for their innovative approach to sustainable hospitality. Dynapath exemplifies the kind of out-of-the-box thinking we need to drive our sector forward.
“2024 sees the first ever WTTC Investors’ Nest, and although there can only be one winner, I am sure that within the next few years, we will see many of the projects come to life, both the winners and finalists.”
The judges evaluated the student pitches based on sustainability impact, innovation, market potential, and execution.
Judges, including industry heavyweights such as Founder & Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC (“Certares”) and WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara; Group CEO of Diriyah Company Jerry Inzerillo; President of American Express Travel, Audrey Hendley; and CEO of Arsenale Spa, Paolo Barletta.
Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair and Investors Nest judge said “Congratulations to Nguyen and the finalists. The innovative and forward-thinking ideas around sustainability are exactly what the travel industry needs to progress. These students are the change agents of their generation.”
Learn more about the World Travel & Tourism Council at wttc.org.
