ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2025
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 60,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2025 on 7,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 290+ campuses worldwide (less than 5%) were selected to host the 4,500+ Millennium Fellows.
UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT KELVIN SIMON GUM, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2025.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology Kihumuro | Mbarara, Uganda | Advancing SDG 6, SDG 7, SDG 13 & UNAI 6
" I am excited to be a Millennium Fellow because it provides the platform to collaborate, lead, and create sustainable solutions to pressing challenges. I do this work because I envision a future where technology and leadership are used to empower communities and shape a more equitable world. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: Automated Carbon Capture and Neutralization System
This project focuses on the Development of Automated Carbon Capture and Neutralization System in Uganda with aim of address the growing environmental challenges of carbon emissions which contribute significantly to global warming, air pollution and public health issues.in 2023,global carbon emissions rose by 1.1% to reach 37.4 gigatons,with fossil fuel combustion being a primary source .Uganda’s industrial growth and urbanization have also exacerbated local carbon emissions, highlighting the need for innovative solutions.
This project propose a real time automated system designed to capture and neutralize carbon emissions efficiently and economically. The system employs a multi-faceted approach, incorporating a motorized fan with fine strings to increase the surface area for capturing emissions, a neutralization tank using sodium hydroxide solution to chemically treat carbon dioxide and sponge material for filtration.The system is automated using a smoke sensor and arduino-controlled processes to ensure optimal performance in varying industrial environments.
The methodology involves designing, fabricating and testing the ACCNS prototype under controlled laboratory conditions. Key parameters such as emission density, temperature and pressure are measured before and after the neutralization process to determine system efficiency. Initial experiments include calibrating smoke sensors and testing the performance of components such as the motorized fan and sodium hydroxide dispersal mechanism.
A comprehensive risk assessment identifies potential challenges such as high energy consumption, system malfunction and ecological impacts of the residue sludge from the neutralization process. Mitigation strategies include integrating renewable energy, regular maintenance and environmental safeguards, the risk matrix categorizes risks based on their likelihood and impact, ensuring proactive management to enhance the systems reliability.
This project aligns with Uganda’s National Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse emissions by 24.7% by 2025 and support global efforts to mitigate climate change.
By addressing the limitations of existing carbon capture technologies such as complexity and high costs, ACCNS provides a scalable and sustainable solution to industrial carbon emissions setting a benchmark for similar interventions globally.
About the Millennium Fellow
Kelvin Gum is a dedicated and ambitious student with a strong interest in technology, problem-solving, and continuous learning. He is currently pursuing studies in Software Engineering at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda, and actively builds projects that sharpen his programming and analytical skills. Beyond academics, Kelvin is passionate about basketball and athletics, striving for excellence both on the court and in his personal development. With a drive for growth, creativity, and impact, Kelvin aims to combine his technical expertise and leadership potential to make a meaningful contribution in his field and community.
