Two students from INTI International University, Muhammad Haneef Khalid and Eilyas Shamsheer Shamsuri, secured the Bronze Medal at INNOZILLA 2024, a national innovation competition held at Universiti Sains Malaysia on 6–7 November 2024. Their project, SaveIt!: Smart Pantry App for Minimizing Food Waste, seamlessly combines technology and sustainability to tackle food security, a globally pressing issue.
Muhammad Haneef Khalid (left), a third-year Bachelor in Computer Science (Software Engineering) student from the Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, and Eilyas Shamsheer Shamsuri (right), a second-year Diploma in Business student from the Faculty of Business and Communication, presenting SaveIt!: Smart Pantry App for Minimizing Food Waste, which won the Bronze Medal at INNOZILLA 2024, held at Universiti Sains Malaysia on 6–7 November 2024.
The SaveIt! app is a smart pantry system that uses sensors and an ESP32 controller to monitor perishable food items in real-time. It detects early signs of spoilage—such as changes in temperature, humidity, and gas levels—and sends alerts to users through a mobile app. “The system uses sensors connected to the ESP32 controller to monitor food conditions and notify users when something starts to spoil,” explained Eilyas. “For example, if fruits or vegetables show signs of decay, the app sends an alert so users can act before the food goes to waste.”
The success of SaveIt! reflects a unique collaboration between students from two distinct disciplines. Haneef, a third-year Bachelor in Computer Science (Software Engineering) student, led the technical aspects of coding and development. In contrast, Eilyas, a second-year Diploma in Business student, focused on the app’s market potential.
“At first, Haneef reached out because he needed someone to present the project with him at INNOZILLA,” shared Eilyas. “I struggled to understand the system and coding initially, but Haneef explained everything in simple terms, and I eventually grasped the technical parts. From there, I started brainstorming how to position and market SaveIt! because I saw its real-world value as a sustainable solution.”
Despite coming from different faculties, Haneef and Eilyas showcased their creativity and technical skills to earn the Bronze Medal at INNOZILLA 2024, triumphing over teams from universities nationwide.
Haneef credits Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deshinta Arrova Dewi for her mentorship throughout the project. “Dr. Deshinta was an amazing mentor who supported us at every step. She helped us refine our ideas, solve technical issues, and stay focused,” he said. “INTI also provided us with continuous support and encouragement, which made all the difference.”
(From left) Muhammad Haneef Khalid, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deshinta Arrova Dewi, project supervisor and lecturer from the Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narinderjit Singh, Dean of the Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, and Eilyas Shamsheer Shamsuri celebrate the success of SaveIt! at INNOZILLA 2024.
Reflecting on the experience, both students expressed gratitude and optimism. “Collaborating on SaveIt! with a friend allowed us to share ideas and improve the project together,” said Eilyas. “I hope to work on more sustainable initiatives in the future and contribute to an environmentally friendly economy.”
Haneef added that this achievement is just the beginning for SaveIt! “We have plans to expand its features, like integrating online grocery shopping and suggesting recipes based on what users already have in their pantries. We’re also considering collaborations with grocery stores and kitchen appliance companies to make SaveIt! widely accessible and impactful.”
The achievement of Haneef and Eilyas highlights the power of collaboration, innovation, and determination. Their project demonstrates how solutions to significant challenges—like food waste—can start with student-driven ideas and grow into practical, scalable applications.
INTI’s continued commitment to fostering innovation among its students is evident in successes like SaveIt! The initiative addresses food security and inspires others to think critically, innovate, and create meaningful change—one smart pantry at a time.