Nestlé Connect University Innovation Challenge has awarded three undergraduate teams of 200 participants for their winning ideas in nutrition and sustainability.
The competition was launched in 2020 for undergraduates of four universities – Kelaniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo and Moratuwa – to support and encourage innovative thinking among youth in these two areas.
Tharushi Madhulika, Ishanika Seneviratne, and Vindula Perera of the University of Jayawardenapura won first place; while Mohamed Shakib, Wageesha Rajapakshe, and Isuru Udayanga, also of the University of Jayawardenapura, won second place. Bimali Bhagya, Michelle Wijesuriya and Dinendrika Sewwandi of the University of Colombo were placed third.
Nestlé’s Managing Director Fabrice Cavallin said, “Sri Lanka has many natural resources and bright young minds, and in line with our Nestlé Needs YOUth program, we want to ensure that they have the opportunities they need to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to the country.
“This competition also supports our desire to heighten the positive impact we have had on Sri Lanka over the last 115 years,via deeper insights and relevant innovations.
“We want to use more local ingredients and offer products that are not just more nutritious but also sustainable.
“We believe that we can only bring about lasting positive impact by working closely with the local community for solutions that can benefit all Sri Lankans. We look forward to many more such interactions in the future,” he said.