Pewee Datoo Kolubah, a Ph.D. candidate in the Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division at KAUST, under the supervision of Professor Pedro Castano, recently secured second place at the Falling Walls Science Summit (FWSS) 2024 with his pitch, “Breaking the Walls of Accessible Electricity,” presented from November 7–9, 2024, in Berlin, Germany. Learn more about Pewee Kolubah.

Since 2009, the Falling Walls Science Summit has brought together the world’s leading minds to break down barriers in science and innovation, commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall. FWSS unites global science leaders, business pioneers, and public sector visionaries to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and shape the future of the international innovation ecosystem, promoting dialogue between science and society.

Kolubah’s pitch introduced a groundbreaking microbial fuel cell that generates electricity from domestic wastewater using MXene-based electrodes. This innovative technology not only addresses the urgent need for wastewater treatment but also provides a sustainable and health-conscious energy source for underserved communities.

By tackling both energy poverty and sanitation challenges, Kolubah’s research holds transformative potential for regions with limited access to electricity, particularly in underdeveloped areas where reliable energy remains scarce.

“The microbial fuel cell I designed harnesses the power of wastewater to generate electricity,” Kolubah explained. “This presents a unique opportunity to improve living conditions for millions while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns.”

Reflecting on his journey at KAUST, Kolubah shared the highs and lows of his academic pursuit: “In the pursuit of success, I underwent recurrent periods of self-assessment, recognizing the limitations of my approach and keeping accomplishments in perspective,” he said. “Staying optimistic throughout the journey is essential to maintaining motivation.”

Kolubah’s achievement at FWSS 2024 highlights the impact of KAUST’s commitment to empowering students to innovate and address global challenges.