On 11 July 2025, Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai celebrated a landmark achievement: several of its Computer Engineering and Informatics (CEI) students secured the first and second places at the inaugural TAFU‑BCS Awards for Youth and Innovation. The awards, organized by the Teens and Friends United (TAFU) foundation, highlighted sustainable technology innovations presented by student teams at the undergraduate level.
What the TAFU‑BCS Awards Represent
TAFU, in partnership with the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, created a platform where young minds can pitch ideas that address pressing sustainability challenges. The event aimed to bridge academic learning and real‑world impact, giving finalists a chance to showcase prototypes, gain industry mentorship and gain exposure in a global setting.
Key Themes of the Competition
- Sustainability – Projects that reduce environmental footprints or promote resource efficiency.
- Technology for Good – Solutions leveraging software or hardware to improve social outcomes.
- Scalability – Approaches that can be adapted to multiple contexts or markets.
MDX Students’ Winning Projects
Second‑year engineering students Rayaan Rafique and Mohammed Abdulla Bagosher led the team that developed EcoVibe, a smart sensor system that monitors indoor air quality and suggests adaptive ventilation strategies. Their prototype employed a low‑cost microphone array to detect aerosol concentration and trigger HVAC controls, effectively lowering energy consumption while enhancing occupant health. The project was praised for its clever use of readily available components and the clarity of its scalability plan.
In the runner‑up slot, Umer Farhan presented Easy Braille, an affordable e‑ink display module that translates text into tactile Braille in real time. By combining a 42‑point Braille module with a lightweight Raspberry Pi, the team created a portable device that can be used by visually impaired students to read PDFs or web pages. The prototype highlighted accessibility and demonstrated a potential market in educational and institutional settings.
Other finalists highlighted the breadth of talent at MDX, with teams developing green energy monitoring dashboards, AI‑driven waste‑sorting AIs, and ecosystem‑mapping tools for marine biology.
Industry Mentorship and Professional Development
Both award‑winning teams benefitted from mentorship by Dr. Sumitra Kotipalli, a renowned research scientist in sustainable computing. Dr. Kotipalli guided the students through technical refinement, pitching strategies and industrial partnerships. Her involvement illustrates the strength of MDX’s advisory network and the opportunities for students to engage with leading experts.
What This Means for the CEI Department
The event underscores the department’s emphasis on collaborative, application‑driven learning. Professor Fehmida Hussain, Deputy Director and Head of CEI, noted that students “together with BCS, show what it means to convert classroom knowledge into solutions that could shape the future.” This alignment with industry bodies such as BCS elevates the curriculum and provides clear pathways for students into professional roles.
Strengthening the Bridge Between Education and Industry
Brand partnership with a professional body such as BCS offers dual benefits:
- Students gain access to accredited training, seminars and job listings.
- Employers receive a pipeline of talent who have already demonstrated the ability to tackle complex, real‑world problems.
For students, this collaboration means that achievements like the TAFU‑BCS awards translate directly into enhanced employability. For the university, it reinforces its reputation as a launchpad for tech innovation.
Future Opportunities for Students
– Continued support for student startups through the university’s incubator program.
– Expansion of hackathon sponsorship and international competition participation.
– Integration of project outcomes into the CEI capstone curriculum, ensuring that hands‑on experience remains central.
Call to Action: How to Join MDX Dubai’s Innovation Ecosystem
Interested students seeking to build a career at the intersection of technology and sustainability should consider enrolling in the Computer Engineering and Informatics programme. The curriculum blends core engineering fundamentals, advanced computing, and sustainability modules that prepare graduates for roles in R&D, product development and consulting.
Software developers and data analysts aspiring to work on environmental solutions can apply to MDX’s Data Science tracks, which include case studies on climate modeling and green technology.
Engage with MDX Today
Whether you’re a prospective undergraduate, graduate, or a professional looking to upskill, MDX Dubai offers:
- Accredited UK programmes recognized by the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
- Active industry partnerships that translate learning into employability.
- Support services for visas, housing and 24/7 campus life.
Ready to take the next step? Apply to MDX Dubai today and become part of a community that thrives on innovation and impact.
Learn More About Upcoming Events and Programmes
Keep up with the latest developments by following MDX Dubai’s social media feeds, visiting the Events page and subscribing to the MDX Blog. You can also book a campus visit or ask for a virtual tour through the virtual tour portal.
MDX’s commitment to student success continues with new initiatives such as the Generative AI Conclave and participation in regional festivals like Dubai Design Week. These platforms give students exposure to cutting‑edge technologies and creative networks that broaden their horizons.
For more detailed information on specific programmes or the application process, please contact the admissions office. Our team is available to guide you through any questions you might have about study options, funding or student life.
Conclusion
The victories at the TAFU‑BCS Awards exemplify the caliber of talent fostered at MDX Dubai’s CEI department. Students are not only mastering technical skills but also applying them to sustainable solutions that can have global resonance. As the university continues to strengthen ties with industry leaders and professional bodies, prospective students stand to gain from an ecosystem that values innovation, practical impact and continuous development.
Explore how MDX Dubai can shape your future in technology and sustainability—apply now, stay engaged, and join a community of achievers.
