Competing to Help Make the World a Better Place
The focus will be global in the Developing Solutions for Developing Countries competition, which asks participating student teams to develop new products or processes designed to improve the quality of life for people in developing nations.
This year student competitors were tasked with creating a mango-based product that addresses nutrient deficiencies common in Kenya. Mangoes grow abundantly in Kenya, but the harvesting season is short so the competition guidelines emphasize that product concepts must be something that can be produced rapidly. The irregular size, shape, and color of mangoes can also present a challenge to growers.
Six finalist teams—three domestic and three international—will vie for the competition’s top honors in Las Vegas. Oral finals will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 27, in Room N101 of the convention center.
Here’s a preview of the finalists and the products and concepts they have created.
• University of Massachusetts-Amherst—Mango Meal, a nutrient-dense fortified corn porridge made with dried mango flakes
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University—Uji-mate, nutritious mango flour that can be added to a popular Kenyan breakfast porridge called uji, producing a porridge that is rich in vitamin A, iron, and zinc
• Washington State University and University of Idaho—Maandazi, a comprehensive development plan leading to the preparation of dehydrated mango for use in a dry mix for maandazi, which is a popular Kenyan fried dough snack
• Bogor Agricultural University—Mangnut, a snack that contains vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, and iron that can be made using local resources and simple technology
• Brawijaya University—Stift Oorrid Mango, an instant, high-protein product made with ingredients including cowpea, maize, and mangoes that contains vitamin A, vitamin C, micronutrients such as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, and is high in fiber
• Universiti Putra Malaysia—Vit-A-Go, a simple but delicious mango leather packed with Vitamin A that can be made from bruised or overripe mangoes
Now in its fourth year, the Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Competition is partially sponsored by General Mills. Winners will be presented with their prizes by a representative of the company at the IFT Student Association Welcome Assembly on Wednesday night.
