A team of 爆走黑料 computer science and cybersecurity students is gaining international recognition after developing an innovative solution to challenges facing global food systems during the 2026 Invent for the Planet (IFTP) Hackathon.
The annual 48-hour event brings together engineering students from around the world to tackle pressing global issues through expedited prototyping and collaboration. This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淩eimagining Food Systems for a Resilient Planet,鈥� challenged participants to rethink how food is produced, distributed and sustained in the face of climate change, resource scarcity and growing populations.
JU鈥檚 Team Rooted Future rose to the challenge, earning a spot in the international round with their prototype: an AI-powered smart greenhouse system paired with a plant root-health monitoring device. The integrated system aims to help farmers detect underground crop issues early, reduce waste and optimize resource use.
鈥淲e designed both a functioning plant root health monitoring device and a concept for a smart greenhouse centered around sustainability and conservation,鈥� said JU junior Aidan Diaz. 鈥淭he goal was to address one of the most overlooked aspects of agriculture: root health.鈥�
The idea emerged after hours of brainstorming focused on identifying where food resources are most often wasted. Kadar Rahming explained that root health stood out as a critical yet largely invisible problem. 鈥淔armers can鈥檛 easily see what鈥檚 happening underground before planting,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat can lead to wasted time, effort and resources.鈥�
Originally formed as two separate teams of four, the group merged just days before the deadline after realizing their projects could be combined into a single, more powerful solution: one focused on sustainable greenhouse systems and the other on root health monitoring. The newly formed team quickly divided responsibilities based on individual strengths, ranging from coding and hardware development to design and research.
Despite the intense time constraints, students described the experience as both challenging and energizing. 鈥淵ou鈥檇 be surprised how much you can accomplish in 48 hours,鈥� said JU junior Dani Lebron-Morales. 鈥淚t felt like an invention speed run: stressful, but really fun.鈥�
Faculty advisor Dr. Mini Zeng played a key role throughout the process, offering guidance, feedback and hands-on support. Students credited her with helping refine their ideas and keeping the team focused under pressure. 鈥淗er support was invaluable,鈥� Diaz said. 鈥淪he helped shape both our concept and our final presentation.鈥�
Beyond the competition, students said the experience reshaped their understanding of global food systems. Many noted a deeper appreciation for the complexity of agriculture and the scale of waste and inefficiency within current systems.
鈥淚 never fully considered how much food is wasted or how critical these systems are,鈥� Rahming said.
While the prototype is still in its early stages, Team Rooted Future believes their solution has real-world potential. As they prepare for the international finals, the students hope their work will contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for global food production.
