From Classroom to Competition: FoSE students redefine sustainable mobility in smart Vehicle Retrofitting Competition

15 January 2026

In a dynamic showcase of sustainable innovation, students from the Faculty of Science and Engineering recently spearheaded several winning projects in the smart Vehicle Retrofitting Competition, demonstrating how academic knowledge can directly address real-world automotive challenges.


The competition, organised in collaboration with smart, encouraged interdisciplinary teamwork, with FoSE students forming the technical backbone of multiple high-performing teams. Their engineering contributions ranged from interactive interface design to critical safety systems and sustainable lifestyle integration.

One standout project reimagined the automobile window as an intelligent augmented reality canvas. By integrating computer vision, gesture recognition, and environmental sensing, the team created a seamless interface that transforms glass into an interactive display. Another team tackled electric vehicle safety through an entirely mechanical battery protection system. Their design prioritizes human safety through automated fire suppression and intelligent thermal management without relying on electronic components. For sustainable outdoor living, a third team developed a detachable kitchen module featuring integrated solar panels and a water recycling system.

Beyond technical execution, students emphasised the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration. As one participant noted, "Engineering students provided the technical rigor, while business and humanities students ensured our solutions were user-centered and market-aware. This mirrors how real innovation happens in industry."

Faculty involvement extended throughout the process, with two FoSE academic staff contributing both as technical mentors and competition judges. Their guidance helped students bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application while maintaining focus on sustainability metrics and engineering feasibility.

The competition exemplifies how FoSE cultivates problem-solving mindsets through hands-on challenges. By engaging with actual industry partners and addressing contemporary mobility questions, students develop not only technical expertise but also the collaborative and communicative skills essential for future engineering leaders.

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