Creativity of Youths Ignites Sustainable Transition: The 2025 Living Lab Project Awards Conclude Successfully

Co-hosted by the CTCI Education Foundation (CTCIEF) and the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), the 5th Living Lab Project Awards successfully concluded in June 2025 with a results presentation and award ceremony. Finalist teams from universities and colleges across Taiwan gathered to present their projects and engage in the exchange of ideas, demonstrating the younger generation’s keen insights and willingness to take action regarding sustainability issues.

A total of 20 teams advanced to the finals this year, vying for scholarships worth up to NT$1.02 million in total, with the top prize—the CTCI Sustainable Living Scholarship of NT$120,000—drawing the most attention. The finals were evaluated by a panel of six experts in sustainability from the industry, government, and academia, who assessed each entry based on innovation, feasibility, applicability, impact, and future potential. The judges also offered real-time professional feedback, encouraging teams to delve deeper into their projects and broaden their impact. CTCIEF and TAISE Chairman Eugene Chien remarked, “Sustainability transition represents innovation, and it is only through innovation that we can have a future. Through this competition, we hope the younger generation will begin exploring how to create value while still in university, and not merely follow established rules.”

After rigorous evaluation, the “Clean Gold” team from the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology earned first place for its creative integration of joss paper ash and innovative materials to produce religion-inspired cultural products that maximize the benefits of the circular economy. Furthermore, the “Crab Burgers at Midnight” team from National United University received the Sustainability and Net Zero Award for their project addressing UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action, while the “Make Bank with Carbon” team from Chaoyang University of Technology won the Circular Economy Award for their innovative approach to resource recycling. At the same time, the judging panel unanimously recognized the “Invincible Three Gals and a Guy Pro Max” team from the National Taipei University of Technology for their sensitivity to social issues and their strong ability to put ideas into action, and therefore specially presented them with the Social Influence Award as encouragement.

This year's entries covered a wide range of themes, including climate action, resource circulation, energy-efficient design, community engagement, and AI applications. The results showcased university students' ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines, conduct in-depth research, and respond to social needs, taking sustainable living from concept to everyday life. More than just a competition, the Living Lab Project Awards serves as a platform for youths to learn and exchange ideas. Through innovative proposals, participants combined technology and culture to address the challenges of achieving net-zero transition by 2050, carrying their creativity and passion for sustainability forward as a driving force for sustainable development.

Group photo from the results presentation and award ceremony

First place winners—the “Clean Gold” team from the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology