In an era where sustainable development and environmental innovation are paramount, Assistant Professor at the LAU Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB) Joelle Nader, leveraging her dual expertise in Operations and Production Management and Industrial Process Engineering, led her research team to global recognition. They saw the ascent of their project, Waste to Wealth (W2W), to the top 100 innovative projects globally at the Prototypes for Humanity (P4H) exhibit in Dubai.

Competing against over 2,700 submissions from 800+ universities worldwide, W2W Tech stood out as a pioneering solution in the fields of technology, energy, materials, and environmental sustainability at the annual P4H exhibition, a platform for revolutionary solutions highlighting projects that are fundamental to creating social and global change.

The event, which underscores Dubai’s commitment to promoting top-notch ideas to shape a future full of potential, was inaugurated by the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, under the patronage of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

“W2W is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and innovation. Presenting our work on a global platform among top experts at the P4H exhibit was a milestone for our team,” noted Dr. Nader.

As part of its international recognition, W2W Tech was featured on Dubai TV in an exclusive interview, where Dr. Nader discussed its transformative potential and its contribution to global sustainability efforts. A three-minute explainer video was also created to showcase its scientific principles, real-world applications, and industry impact.

She explained that the project uses an innovative solution known as Détente instantanée contrôlée (DIC), a patented energy-efficient technology that converts yeast, grape pomace, brewery and winery wastes into high-quality multipurpose powders. Ultimately, she added, DIC reduces energy consumption by 20 percent, and boosts the bioavailability of compounds like beta-glucans, polyphenols and proteins by 40 to 50 percent, which improves heart health and antioxidant protection, enhances immune function and gut health, and reduces inflammation.

W2W’s technology also helps extend shelf life while enhancing antioxidants and nutrient retention and decontaminates by producing a spore-free, safe end product. Expanding on this point, Dr. Nader noted how the powders generated by W2W technology are beneficial to various industries, since they can be used as immunity boosters, anti-inflammatories and nutritional supplements by pharmaceutical companies, and the bioactive compounds in the powders contribute to the formation of organic skincare and beauty products rich with antioxidants essential for skin protection and health.

These powders, she added, can serve as healthier alternatives to additives in the food and beverage industry, promoting better nutrition and a healthier lifestyle. This technology also contributes to the environment, supports fermentation and biological processing and presents eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives to packaging processes.

“W2W Tech is not only sustainable but also highly profitable, offering a compelling business case for industries seeking eco-friendly solutions. With an exceptional return on investment (ROI) exceeding 87 percent and a payback period of less than a year, it stands out as a financially viable innovation. By integrating cutting-edge DIC technology with lean process optimization, W2W Tech significantly reduces operational costs while enhancing product quality and yield,” underscored Dr. Nader.

W2W Tech directly aligns with 14 out of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by transforming food waste into non-perishable, high-value products, a major leap in waste management, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

“At the heart of W2W’s mission is the drive to convert waste into wealth, valuable and useful resources, creating impact across economies, communities, and the environment,” Dr. Nader highlighted. “With its global recognition, scientific innovation, and sustainable impact, W2W Tech is more than just a project—it’s a movement toward a greener, healthier, and more resource-efficient world,” she added.

This pioneering project was made possible through LAU’s President’s Intramural Research Fund (PIRF), earning it remarkable praise and support at the P4H exhibit, concluded Dr. Nader. “It stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research and transformative environmental solutions.”