Business with a Purpose: Student-Led AI for Sustainability
- IVECA Center
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Two classes of high school students from China and South Korea engaged in a virtual collaboration exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to support sustainable product distribution and consumption. While working asynchronously across borders and time zones, the students researched and developed projects that applied AI to real-world environmental challenges, calling attention to the impact individual choices can have. Their semester-long efforts culminated in an exciting Live Class session, where students presented their final presentations to one another.
South Korean students focused on designing sustainable business concepts supported by AI by creating four websites dedicated to locally made foods. One team proposed using barley in various ways as an alternative to wheat and rice, highlighting its incredible environmental benefits. “By purchasing 10 kilograms of barley, you would save 11,090 liters of water,” one student stated. Another group developed a rice cake business with emphasis on their sustainable wax paper packaging, aiming to reduce waste through AI-optimized supply chains. A third team conceptualized a dried seafood retailer, spotlighting reduced carbon footprints and regional sustainability. The final team of South Korean students developed a website for their locally-sourced salt retailer, providing a natural option for health- and eco-conscious patrons. The Korean students as a whole underscored the pivotal role that AI plays in ensuring businesses (especially those that are locally owned) can easily and responsibly manage waste, emissions and environmental circularity. As one student concluded, “AI helps us see how much product we need to make, and how we can help the earth and protect nature at the same time.”
Meanwhile, students in China turned their attention to raising awareness and inspiring innovation. One group summarized the collective efforts well with the statement, “Food waste is the biggest crime", underscoring the shared focus of several presentations that supported the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals #2: Zero Hunger and #12: Responsible Consumption and Production. These student groups explored how AI could raise awareness and reduce waste, proposing solutions such as systems that track consumer purchases and recommend eco-friendly alternatives, and AI-integrated QR codes to help users better understand sustainability labels. Another group explored how popular applications using AI can help identify the environmental impacts of daily purchases and help shoppers make more eco-conscious choices online. Inspired by their own experiences, one group envisioned AI-integrated shopping platforms that highlight greener alternatives in real time, sharing, “Younger consumers driving market change, forcing companies to launch circular services like leasing and trade-in programs.”
Although their approaches varied, the students in both countries shared a common goal: using AI technology to support a healthier planet and encourage responsible consumer choices. Through this cross-cultural experience, they not only deepened their understanding of sustainability and the impact of artificial intelligence, but also strengthened their communication and collaboration skills. The project served as a meaningful example of how young people can come together across borders to imagine a smarter, greener future. As one student from Korea reflected, “Working on solutions for sustainability and sharing different perspectives with you was not only educational but also very inspiring. Even though we live in different countries and speak different languages, I realized that we all care about building a better future together.”
