UST, a global provider of digital transformation services, held its annual Zero-Waste Hackathon 2025 on 22 May, uniting global talent to develop practical technology-driven approaches to reduce food waste in the supply chain. The hackathon drew 88 submissions from participants across multiple countries, including university students, industry professionals, and independent innovators. Finalists represented India, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The top five teams participated in person at UST’s London office, while the remaining five joined virtually.
Participants tackled real-world challenges related to food waste in the hospitality sector, specifically focusing on buffet service inefficiencies. Solutions leveraged artificial intelligence and other digital tools to address food waste systematically. The ideas aligned with UST’s strategic focus on combining AI with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
The Zero Forks team from the UK developed a consumer-oriented application grounded in behavioural science to address household food waste. Their innovative, gamified platform not only promotes sustainable consumption habits but also fosters interaction between consumers and the broader food industry, aiming to drive long-term change in waste reduction practices.
The Cul Intel team from UST India introduced an AI-driven solution designed to optimize various aspects of commercial kitchen operations, including menu design, pricing strategies, and portion control. In addition, the system facilitates real-time redistribution of excess food, offering a data-focused and adaptive method for minimizing waste in the food service sector. Both teams were awarded a share of the £1,500 prize fund and recognised for their originality and technical execution.
Praveen Prabhakaran, Chief Delivery Officer and UK Managing Director, UST, stated:
“This event reflects the practical role technology can play in solving systemic challenges such as food waste. The range and quality of solutions presented today point to a promising future led by responsible innovation.”
Robert Hodges, Head of Innovation Programs at Amazon Web Services, added “The energy and focus of the participants was outstanding. The pace of development during the hackathon was a testament to their capability and commitment.” Raj Jeyaratnam, Transformation Director, Compass Group, said “Participants demonstrated how purposeful technology can drive sustainability and address challenges that demand immediate attention.”
Founded in 1999, UST collaborates with enterprises globally to deliver meaningful transformation. Through proprietary platforms, engineering expertise, and innovation programs, UST addresses core industry challenges with scalable, future-ready solutions. Operating in over 30 countries with more than 30,000 employees, UST continues to deliver business value, social impact, and technological progress across industries and regions.
