SustAInability: Sustainability and AI

A Cross-Cultural Partnership for Improving Education and Environmental Management

Learning Across Borders: Building a Sustainable Future Together

The SustAInability initiative, funded by the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung within its “Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students – BWS plus” program, strengthens cross-cultural cooperation in engineering and sustainability education. It connects students and lecturers from SRH University Heidelberg (Germany), Paragon International University (Cambodia), and the University of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan).

The project promotes intercultural dialogue, digital competence, and responsible innovation in the fields of science and technology. Through collaborative workshops, study visits, and student-led initiatives, participants explore how emerging technologies can be used to address environmental and social challenges in their local communities.

More than a technical exchange, SustAInability encourages young people to engage with global sustainability goals (SDGs) and to build long-term networks that connect education, environmental awareness, and social responsibility across continents.

Explore Projects Events Join / Contact

Featured Projects

Quantum Technologies for Sustainability

Exploring fundamentals of quantum physics and its applications in technology, simulation tools to model energy systems, optimize resources, and enhance environmental decision-making.

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Global IoT Monitoring Network

LoRa-based sensor stations for air quality, temperature, and soil data, connecting student labs across different cities on the Globe.

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AI for Climate Change Resilience

Machine-learning models for forecasting, anomaly detection, and sustainable energy optimization using open environmental datasets.

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Smart Water Management

Data-driven monitoring and optimization of urban water systems using IoT sensors and machine-learning analytics. Focuses on leak detection, demand forecasting, and water quality insights for sustainable cities. Led by Prof. Ulrike Gayh.

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Climate Change & Education

Integrating sustainability topics into teaching and outreach, linking physics, environmental science, and digital skills for real-world impact.

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Why Sustainability Matters

Sustainability today is not a distant aspiration — it is a responsibility that requires knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. Climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation can no longer be viewed as isolated phenomena. In our partner regions — Central Europe, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia — students and researchers work together to observe, measure, and understand these changes using both scientific and social lenses. Their findings help communities adapt and plan for a more resilient future.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence offers new ways to translate environmental complexity into actionable insight. Within SustAInability, AI is not just a technical tool — it is a bridge between data and decision, between observation and action. By experimenting with open datasets and sensor-driven projects, students learn how technology can empower sustainable choices, support transparency, and promote responsible innovation in their local contexts.

What is “SustAInability”?

SustAInability is an academic partnership connecting SRH University Heidelberg (Germany), Paragon International University (Cambodia), and the University of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan), funded by the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung through the BWS plus programme. The initiative links education, applied research, and intercultural collaboration to address global sustainability challenges. Through summer schools, online workshops, and student-led projects, participants develop both technical and social competences — from climate literacy to ethical innovation. The project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), fostering a growing international network for sustainable impact.

Milestones

  1. Nov 2024 — Kick-off meeting & application info.
  2. Mar 2025 — Online workshop : environmental monitoring • AI • intercultural training.
  3. Aug 2025 — Heidelberg on-site : Heidelberg Summer School 2025.
  4. Nov 2025 — Online workshop : AI & immersive tech, student presentations.
  5. Apr 2026 — Phnom Penh on-site : AI + sustainability & cultural tours.
  6. May 2026 — Round table for researchers & lecturers.
  7. Sep 2026 — Final report & project wrap-up announcement.

Get Involved

Students

Join a study group, build prototypes, present your work internationally.

Researchers

Co-supervise student projects and co-author case studies.

Partners

Pilot real-world use-cases (energy, agriculture, urban). Let’s collaborate.

Contact us

Weekly Project Meeting

Every Friday, 08:00 (Germany time) — online coordination for all SustAInability partners.

Join the meeting →

Open to all project members and partner institutions.