The “USludge4Fertilizer” project was selected from among 178 entries from 39 countries in the H2O & Sustainability Innovation Hub’s Call for Projects 2025

PhD student in Mechanical Engineering José Fernandes, from the School of Engineering at the University of Minho, and professors Hélder Puga (Mechanical Engineering) and Paulo Ramísio (Civil Engineering) were honoured in the H2O & Sustainability Innovation Hub’s Call for Projects 2025 with the USludge4Fertilizer project.

The USludge4Fertilizer project proposes an integrated solution to address two key challenges: sustainable nutrient management in agriculture and sludge treatment in wastewater treatment plants.

The technology developed combines ultrasound sludge disintegration with artificial intelligence (AI)-based process optimisation, increasing nutrient recovery, reducing treatment volume and costs, and decreasing environmental impact.

Ultrasound technology, through the phenomenon of cavitation, helps release nutrients and improves sludge dewatering, converting problematic waste into high-value fertiliser, in line with the principles of the circular economy.

With a modular, retrofittable and energy-efficient design, the technology has high potential for scalability and adaptability to different regional contexts.

The award recognises the innovative, sustainable and applicable nature of the proposal, which combines scientific research with the transition to circular waste and resource management models, demonstrating the potential of ultrasound technology.

The project ranked first will receive a prize worth €7,000 (seven thousand euros), consisting of €2,000 (two thousand euros) in cash and €5,000 (five thousand euros) in dedicated mentoring hours, provided by experienced professionals specialising in business modelling, finance and business development.

First-place winners will also receive a formal statement of their achievements to enhance their academic/professional CV.