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In the persistent fight against global food wastage, Dr. Somdip Dey, an Indian born scientist and the visionary behind Nosh Technologies, has recently secured a significant victory by being awarded the Innovate UK Unlocking Potential grant. This £50,000 grant is not merely a financial boost but a recognition of the potential impact that Nosh Technologies can have on reducing household food waste on a global scale.
Dr. Dey, who currently serves as a Lecturer in Data Science at York St John University, has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence to address some of the most pressing environmental issues. The Innovate UK Unlocking Potential Award is bestowed upon those who bring innovative solutions to critical global challenges, and Dr. Dey’s work with Nosh Technologies perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this award.
Under the joint leadership of Dr. Somdip Dey and Software Engineer Suman Saha, Nosh Technologies has created the innovative Nosh app, leveraging sophisticated machine learning algorithms to assist households in reducing food waste. By keeping track of the contents of their fridges and cupboards, the app empowers users to make informed decisions, thus reducing waste and lowering their carbon footprint. The significance of this innovation cannot be overstated, especially considering that over 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted annually worldwide, contributing to almost 10% of global carbon emissions.
The Nosh app, born during the challenging times of the first COVID-19 lockdown, was a response to the changing dynamics of food shopping habits. Its ability to help consumers save more than 590,000 different food products, thereby preventing over 290 tonnes of carbon emissions, has already established it as a pivotal tool in the quest for more sustainable eating habits. Publications like The Independent and Delish have lauded Nosh as one of the best food waste apps for fostering sustainable eating habits.
The Innovate UK grant will facilitate the further enhancement of the Nosh app’s AI algorithms. This development promises to deliver even more personalized and precise insights to users, taking into account their consumption patterns, purchasing habits, and even the availability of regional seasonal produce. Such tailored recommendations aim to drastically reduce waste and carbon emissions while also enabling households to economize on food expenses.
Dr. Dey envisions a future where technology empowers individuals to make choices that are not only good for their wallets but also beneficial for the planet. “By leveraging the power of machine learning, we hope to pave the way for smarter consumption patterns, one household at a time, ensuring that food ends up on plates, not in bins,” Dr. Dey remarked.
Moreover, Nosh Technologies is not solely focused on the technological aspect. There’s a significant emphasis on community engagement, with the Nosh app serving as a platform for users to share success stories, tips, and recipes that align with the overarching goal of reducing waste. This community-driven approach is pivotal in fostering a collective consciousness towards sustainability.
Aside from his ground-breaking work with Nosh Technologies, Dr. Dey continues to contribute to the academic and technological communities. Holding the Danah Zohar Chair Professorship of Quantum Philosophy at Woxsen University and a Lectureship in Computer Science at the University of Essex, Dr. Dey’s academic endeavours are as diverse as they are impactful. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning him a Life Fellowship at the Royal Society of Arts, the title of an MIT Innovator Under 35 in AI/Robotics in Europe, and the title of an Outstanding Achiever at 2023 India UK Achievers Honours.
Dr. Dey’s recent achievement with the Innovate UK Unlocking Potential Award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to leveraging technology for societal betterment. Through Nosh Technologies, he is setting a precedent for how innovative solutions can address environmental challenges, making significant strides towards a sustainable future, one household at a time.
This article is from Entrepreneur.com
