The 10th annual Solve For Tomorrow Brazil competition concluded with a bang, awarding top honors to a team of dedicated students from Porto Velho, Rondônia. Their innovative project, NanoFotoCream, impressed judges with its potential to address a critical public health concern while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

These students from a local high school, recognized the alarming rates of skin cancer and premature aging caused by harmful sun exposure, a common concern in their sunny region. Aware of the limitations of existing sunscreens – their potential harm to the environment and affordability issues – they embarked on a mission to develop a novel solution.

A Multifaceted Approach to Sun Protection

“We saw a need in our community,” shared one team member. “Skin cancer is a serious issue, but many people can’t afford expensive sunscreens, and some products can even harm the environment.”

Their creation, NanoFotoCream, utilizes a unique blend of readily available, natural ingredients from their community. As a key sustainable component, the team introduced Crajiru extract, a powerful antioxidant derived from a local fruit, combined with rosin oil. Through a meticulous scientific process, the students harnessed the natural properties of these ingredients to create a cream that offers a unique combination of functionalities: sun protection, insect repellency, and accessibility.

“We wanted to create a product that was not only effective but also affordable and accessible to everyone in our community,” explained another team member.

Young Minds Committed to Sustainability and Innovation

NanoFotoCream extends beyond its scientific ingenuity. The team meticulously designed the project with sustainability in mind, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Their careful selection of natural ingredients and renewable resources minimized the project’s environmental footprint.

“Winning Solve For Tomorrow is an incredible honor,” shared a team member. “But the true reward is knowing that our project can make a difference in our community by protecting people’s health and the environment. We hope our story inspires others to embrace innovation and find solutions to the challenges we face.”

Solve For Tomorrow Brazil fosters a platform for young minds to address real-world issues with creative solutions. It serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how local solutions rooted in science and sustainability can have a global impact.