'Data to Impact Challenge' showcases ground-breaking student project tackling global water security

Students Muneeb Ahmad (BSc Business Management with Business Analytics) and Lamar Althagafi (BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management) impressed judges with their pioneering project, 'Tackling Global Water Problems with Data and Social Enterprise'. Drawing on diverse datasets and international research, their solution addresses the urgent global need for sustainable water access in regions suffering from water scarcity.

Their proposed concept, Mashams – Sustainable Water Hubs, uses solar-powered desalination technology to provide clean, affordable water for underserved communities. By harnessing reflective mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a thermal absorption unit, Mashams reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cuts pollution, and lowers household spending on bottled water. The system also generates local employment in maintenance, distribution, and education – ensuring long-term community ownership and the skills needed to manage essential water resources.

Dr Anke Winchenbach, Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainability and Wellbeing in the Visitor Economy (SWELL), highlighted the project’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

“Muneeb and Lamar’s thorough analysis and presentation impressed the judges by proposing socially and environmentally responsible innovations that improve access to clean water. Their work exemplifies the insight and ambition that fuel our research and collaborations to tackle some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges—both at SWELL and at the University’s Institute for Sustainability.”

Professor Stelvia Matos, Director of the Centre for Social Innovation Management (CSIM), commented on how the project embodies SBS’s educational ethos: 

“By addressing the vital issue of clean water access—one of society’s grand challenges—through a viable and impactful innovation, Muneeb and Lamar’s project illustrates how SBS students are encouraged to think both creatively and purposefully. Their work reflects Surrey’s commitment to empowering students to tackle real-world issues, perfectly aligning with CSIM’s mission of using innovation as a force for good.”

Dr Ekaterina Murzacheva, Head of Enterprise at Surrey Business School, also praised the project’s real-world impact and emphasis on social responsibility:

“The enthusiasm, commitment, and innovative thinking that Muneeb and Lamar brought to the Data to Impact Challenge truly reflect the spirit we foster at Surrey Business School. Their ability to tackle complex problems, harness data, and create a socially impactful, entrepreneurial solution earned them a well-deserved second place. Thanks to funds donated through the Dean’s Priorities Fund, they can now further develop their project—an outcome that underscores Surrey Business School’s dedication to fostering real-world impact. I’m especially proud to see Muneeb continuing his journey through the Surrey Hatchery, where he’ll pitch a promising business idea to our Founders Circle in May. That kind of drive and vision is exactly what we strive to cultivate in our students.”

In a joint statement, Muneeb and Lamar shared: 

“Following our success, we intend to continue researching how our project can incorporate and address other SDGs. We are also exploring ways to raise funds, as we believe Mashams could have a profound impact on communities around the world. Our aim is to create synergy with academic, private, and government institutions to make Mashams a reality.”

The Data to Impact Challenge continues to illustrate Surrey Business School’s mission to cultivate ethical, forward-thinking problem-solvers who champion sustainable and inclusive solutions. As the team refines and expands their Mashams initiative, they stand as an inspiring testament to the power of data, entrepreneurship, and social enterprise in reshaping our world for the better.