In an inspiring showcase of youth-led innovation and sustainability, a team of undergraduate students from Bhutan, aptly named ‘Eco-Pet’, secured third place at the South Asian Youth Hackathon held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This regional competition spotlighted groundbreaking solutions to combat plastic pollution and promote responsible waste practices across South Asia.
As a pet expert and environmental health advocate, I see this moment not only as a proud achievement for Bhutan but also as a powerful reminder of how youth-led innovation can lead to real change—especially in areas as relatable as pet ownership and household waste.
The Idea: Pets + Gamification = Cleaner Homes
The Eco-Pet team designed a gamified smartphone application that aims to educate and motivate households—particularly pet owners—to reduce waste in fun and interactive ways. By turning everyday eco-friendly practices into game-based tasks, the app encourages users to adopt sustainable behaviors while caring for their furry companions.
This concept is not only fresh—it’s deeply practical. Pets, especially dogs and cats, contribute to daily plastic use through items like food packaging, toys, and grooming supplies. Eco-Pet bridges that gap, helping pet parents become more environmentally conscious in a way that’s engaging and effective.
A Region United for a Cause
The hackathon, part of the PLEASE Project (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia), brought together over 250 youth innovators from eight South Asian countries. Finalist teams from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka competed with cutting-edge ideas addressing plastic waste and promoting circular economy solutions.
Bhutan’s Eco-Pet team was among 23 finalist teams, selected after a two-week virtual hackathon and national-level judging rounds. In Colombo, they presented their app to a panel of regional experts who assessed the projects on innovation, business model, feasibility, and environmental impact.
Competition Results: Innovation Takes Center Stage
- 🥇 Sri Lanka won first place with a biodegradable fish storage box to replace Styrofoam containers.
- 🥈 India came second with an enzyme-based solution for plastic biodegradation.
- 🥉 Bhutan’s Eco-Pet claimed third with their gamified waste reduction app.
These winners will receive seed funding to further develop and pitch their ideas to investors—a big leap forward for young innovators looking to turn vision into viable enterprise.
What This Means for Pet Owners?
As a veterinarian who has long advocated for sustainable pet care, I find Eco-Pet’s solution both visionary and actionable. Responsible pet ownership today goes beyond health and nutrition—it now includes environmental responsibility. This innovation not only empowers individuals but also supports larger goals of waste reduction at home and community level.
Why This Matters for the Future?
According to Cecile Fruman, Director of Regional Integration for South Asia, more than one million young people will enter the labor force every month over the next decade. Platforms like the PLEASE Hack help channel that energy toward sustainable job creation and eco-conscious entrepreneurship—precisely what our region needs.
And as Norbu Wangchuk, Director General of SACEP, aptly put it:
“Our planet will flourish only when our youth are empowered to take stewardship.”
The Eco-Pet app is a perfect blend of technology, sustainability, and compassion for animals. It proves that when innovation meets empathy, powerful solutions emerge—not just for our environment but for the pets we love and the homes we live in.
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