Kutaisi International University (KIU) recently hosted the qualifying On-Campus stage of the prestigious Hult Prize competition. The event was inaugurated by KIU Deputy Rector, Mariam Kvirkvia, who welcomed the participants and set the stage for the competition. Eight student teams competed, showcasing their innovative startup ideas to a distinguished panel of judges.
The winning teams of the Hult Prize 2025 qualifying round are:
First Place – BugWATT
BugWATT is a cutting-edge eco-friendly energy solution focused on revolutionizing battery technology through sustainable innovation. Their breakthrough idea utilizes chitin, a natural material found in insects, to create an energy-storing mechanism that is both environmentally friendly and in harmony with nature. BugWATT emerged as the top team at KIU and earned the opportunity to progress to the next stage of the competition.
Second Place – TerraGuard
TerraGuard is an AI-based surveillance system designed to enhance environmental protection and security. The system leverages VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drones to monitor forest fires, illegal logging, and other environmental threats. This solution aims to safeguard biodiversity and reinforce security measures in vulnerable regions.
Third Place – Medion
Medion is an innovative platform focused on supporting mental health and reducing the stigma around mental health issues. The platform offers AI-powered support, free resources, and anonymous therapy calls with professionals. Medion’s mission is to create a safe, accessible space that will provide much-needed assistance to millions struggling with mental health challenges.
The jury at KIU included Rusudan Chachanidze (Media Lab, Widgera), Sandro Bolkvadze (Widgera), and Luka Kakabadze (Media Academy, Widgera). The jury evaluated the teams based on the creativity and social impact of their ideas, as well as the feasibility of their business models.
The winning team, BugWATT, will now advance to the national stage of the competition, where they will compete against top student startups from across the country. The subsequent rounds include the Digital Incubator, the Global Accelerator, and the Global Finals, where the final winner will receive a $1 million prize.
The Hult Prize is the world’s largest student startup competition, promoting social entrepreneurship. Each year, thousands of universities and tens of thousands of students worldwide come together to present ideas aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to make a lasting social impact.
The organizers of the event, Erekle Beridze and Teimuraz Pkhakadze, both students from KIU’s Master’s Program in Finance and Information Management (FIM), have considerable experience in the startup ecosystem. In addition to organizing the competition, Erekle and Temo will represent KIU in a special Hult Prize competition for organizers from universities around the world.
Kutaisi International University is proud of the success of its students and is committed to fostering the development of innovative projects that aim to create significant social change.
