Prototypes for Humanity

A project developed by IE University students and researchers from the School of Business and School of Science and Technology Sci Tech, Green Navigation, has gained international recognition at the prestigious Prototypes for Humanity event. Green Navigation, a cutting-edge AI-powered routing system for maritime vessels, was one of only 100 projects selected from over 2,700 global applications to be showcased at the 10th-anniversary edition of the program, held in Dubai.

The team behind Green Navigation—Javier Jiménez, Duarte Barbosa, Paz González, Simão Varandas, Paolo Martino, Louis Bu, David Gómez-Ullate and Daniel Precioso—has created a transformative solution designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the shipping industry. Dubbed the "Google Maps of the Ocean," the project leverages artificial intelligence to analyze real-time weather and ocean conditions, providing optimal navigation routes for vessels. This innovation can reduce fuel consumption by 5-10%, leading to significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and improving safety at sea.

By combining data from sources such as the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and vessel-specific models, Green Navigation offers a cost-effective, easily deployable solution for the maritime industry. The system helps ship operators make smarter decisions, aligning environmental sustainability with economic objectives. Its potential for decarbonizing the shipping sector supports both immediate and long-term goals of reducing environmental impact while promoting industrial growth.

The project was presented by Daniel Precioso, a data scientist specializing in machine learning and data analysis, who accompanied the project to Dubai. Doctor Precioso, also a professor at IE University, was instrumental in guiding the team as they integrated computer science and mathematical optimization to solve the complex routing problems associated with the project. This research is led by professor David Gómez-Ullate, vice-dean of research, and funded by the BBVA Foundation under the project “Mathematical optimization for a more efficient, safer and decarbonized maritime transport”.

This is not the team's first big achievement for Green Navigation. Last year, the project was chosen as one of the five best solutions for the ecological transition in Europe, resulting in Daniel Precioso pitching the idea at the European Parliament.

With its focus on AI, sustainability, and decarbonization, the project embodies IE University’s mission to be at the forefront of innovation and social responsibility.

Congratulations to the team for their remarkable achievement at the Prototypes for Humanity, and for driving innovation to tackle a pressing environmental issue.