VUALA

Abiel Ma has been selected as part of UNICEF Innovation30: Young Innovators Shaping the Future.

Countries of Solution Deployment: Global, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore

Innovation Accelerator: Undaunted (Imperial College London), United Kingdom 

Abiel Ma’s innovative solution, VUALA, promises to redefine our relationship with food waste. His creation isn't just another trash bin but an "artificial stomach."    

Abiel, 25, has developed a solution that segregates food waste from other waste by leveraging targeted microorganisms and an advanced mechanical design. Once separated, the food waste is treated on-site and made ready for conversion into biogas, hydrogen, or animal feed. The process reduces 75 per cent of CO2 emissions and waste management costs compared to conventional waste management systems.   

From its pilot at Cambridge Science Park to its current operations in London’s plush South Kensington district, VUALA's footprint is expanding. When asked about the global impact of his solution in a decade, Ma paints an idyllic picture: streets empty of overflowing bins, towns and cities exuding cleanliness, and a significant reduction in the associated environmental issues.   

Beyond the technological marvel, the business model of VUALA is comprehensive. While they manufacture and sell the bin VualaX1, they also manage the logistics of collecting the treated waste from clients, ranging from hotels to football stadiums.    

Abiel is not deterred by potential barriers to achieving his mission. He tells other innovators starting their journey: “You will probably fail a lot, but it doesn’t matter. As long as you keep trying, you will eventually succeed.”