The Year 13 students, Adit Mital, Anushka Harlalka, and Maanit Misra, were inspired by the potential to repurpose a significant global waste product. Millions of tons of chicken feathers are discarded annually, posing environmental challenges due to their resistance to natural degradation. The team began by collecting feathers from a local farm and experimenting with bacterial decomposition.
Their research involved extensive collaboration with academics and researchers at the University of Sharjah. After months of laboratory work, including experiments conducted during school breaks and even in home gardens, they developed nine nutrient-rich formulations. Early tests on plants like bok choy and radishes showed promising results, with growth measurements indicating a potential increase of 20 to 30 percent compared to commercial alternatives.
The BioFeathers project has moved beyond the laboratory, with trials now being conducted at 16 farms and nurseries in the UAE, Oman, and India. Over 1,200 farmers have participated, providing valuable insights into the practical application of the biofertilizer. The students have also filed a provisional patent for their unique process.
Looking ahead, the teenagers plan to present their findings to Dubai authorities, including the Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Farms programme, with the goal of scaling up their production. They estimate the raw formula to be very inexpensive to produce, though larger-scale costs would include packaging, storage, and transport.