Port Louis, 01 August 2025: The finale of the Tech for Ecology Competition 2025 took place on 31 July 2025 at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, where young girls presented tech-based solutions to address real-world environmental challenges. The event marked the conclusion of the first edition of an innovative national initiative by Women in Tech Mauritius, developed in partnership with the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre.
The Tech for Ecology Competition was created to empower girls in Grades 7 to 9 across secondary schools in Mauritius by encouraging them to identify and solve ecological challenges within their homes, schools, or communities using technology. This project-based competition aims to raise awareness, inspire sustainable thinking, and cultivate a deeper engagement in science and technology among young girls.
Championing ecological and digital sustainability
The objectives of the competition focused on three core pillars: to create awareness and inspire innovation in ecological and digital sustainability, to promote creativity and teamwork through technology-based ecological solutions, and to develop key skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and presentation through hands-on participation.
The initiative was made possible thanks to the support of blink by Emtel, Geospatial Equity Tech, and Clarity Mauritius. blink by Emtel, as the lead sponsor, contributed a Rs 30,000 prize pool, awarding Rs 15,000 to Simadree Virahsawmy SSS who were crowned as the winning team, Rs 10,000 to Belle Rose SSS as the first runner-up, and Rs 5,000 to Sharma Jugdambi SSS as the second runner-up.
Encouraging girls in the STEM domain
Speaking about the creation of the competition, Astrid Descelles, Chapter Director of Women in Tech Mauritius, shared: “For a long time I have wanted to create a competition solely for girls, to give them visibility and encouragement in the STEM field. Working in this space, I know first-hand that there are not enough women. Ecology is also something very close to my heart. People often forget the environmental impact of the digital world, because we don’t see it, we don’t realise it exists. This competition was our way of raising awareness.”
Geshna Ballgobin, Partnership Manager at Women in Tech Mauritius, reflected on the broader impact of the initiative: “This competition holds special meaning for us. It’s the first of its kind—a girls-only platform that invited participants to think critically about ecological issues within their communities. We’re proud of the impact we’re working towards, and the momentum we’ve created for young girls to step forward and lead with purpose.”
Nikita Reesaul, Community Manager at Women in Tech Mauritius, echoed this sentiment: “This has been more than just a competition. It has served as a platform for students to shine, to showcase their talent, and to be seen. We’re grateful for the support of blink by Emtel, whose contribution significantly elevated the competition, along with our other sponsors, Clarity Mauritius and Geospatial Equity Tech.”
Speaking on behalf of blink by Emtel, Caleb Samy said: “We are proud to be part of this great initiative and being able to contribute to the first ever edition of the Tech for Ecology Competition 2025 and we congratulate the winners and all the participants. We believe that this is a valuable initiative which aligns to our core values, and not only recognises the talents and creativity of girls in the tech space, but also reminds us to be mindful of the environmental impact of technology, which is a challenge that will require innovative solutions and long term vision.”
The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, the distribution of participation certificates, and a vote of thanks, celebrating not only the winners but all participants for their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to sustainability through technology.
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