12 May 2025
Bilbao Campus
Students from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Deusto have been recognised for their key role in the development of 'Nimbus AI', a technological proposal awarded by IKEA and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in the framework of the 'HomeForOurPlanet' initiative, which seeks to involve new generations in the fight against climate change from their own homes.
The project, which won first prize in this national competition, was presented this Monday at the auditorium of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Among the members of the winning team are Miguel García Sampedro, a student at the University of Deusto, who worked closely with Lucía Abajo, winner of the first phase, and Eneko Mata, from Aclima, the Basque Environmental Cluster.
The winning proposal, 'Nimbus AI', focuses on combating so-called 'invisible digital waste', a type of waste that is hardly noticed but has a real impact on the environment. Through an AI-driven platform, the project enables local and sustainable management of these wastes, avoiding reliance on external servers and reducing the digital energy footprint. The system also provides personalized recommendations, environmental impact metrics, and a social gamification approach to encourage habit change.
Each member of the team has been awarded 2,000 euros in recognition of their efforts and vision. The jury, composed of six experts, highlighted the originality, feasibility and domestic applicability of the idea.
The competition had two phases: an initial phase open to young people from all over Spain, and a second phase in which the finalists collaborated with students from Basque universities in Design Thinking workshops held at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The educational institutions involved include Mondragon Unibertsitatea, the University of the Basque Country (EHU) and, especially, the University of Deusto, whose participation has been fundamental in the award-winning proposal.
From IKEA, Laura Durán, General Director of Business Development, Innovation, and Sustainability, emphasised that the project represents “the need for society and companies to actively engage in the fight against climate change and act as a voice to raise collective awareness.
In turn, Lekha Hileman Waitoller, curator of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, welcomed the collaboration with university students and highlighted the importance of listening to their innovative ideas within the context of a museum committed to sustainability.
This recognition reinforces the University of Deusto's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and to preparing young people to create social impact.
