Who we are
Hi! We’re Knights of the Sun – a group of 4 international students studying at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan. We are all from various backgrounds, but together, Kat, Nala, Pablo, and Nicole, we have something in common: a passion for sustainability and innovation.
Discovering Schneider Go Green 2025
We first came across the Schneider Go Green Challenge through one of the social media posts. Immediately we saw it as the perfect opportunity to combine our interests in business, technology, and environmental impact. Having previously worked together on social and business projects, we wanted to take on something more technical and ambitious. Something that could make a real difference in the world.
That’s how our Go Green journey began. Four students, one shared vision, and a challenge that pushed us beyond our comfort zones to turn ideas into real solutions.
Bringing BanyuSurya to Life
Our idea, BanyuSurya, is a solar-powered Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) designed to provide sustainable water source for farmers in drought-prone areas. The name “BanyuSurya” comes from the Indonesian words “banyu” (water) and “surya” (sun), symbolizing our mission to turn sunlight into life-sustaining water.
The system works by condensing water from humidity in the air, powered entirely by solar energy. It’s supported by AI-based smart irrigation and a rainwater harvesting system, allowing continuous operation in both dry and wet seasons.
Our pilot launching location is in Java Island, Indonesia. To make it accessible for the farmers there, we designed a co-financing model involving village funds, CSR programs, and agricultural loans, ensuring that farmers can use BanyuSurya without financial burden.
By combining renewable energy, water innovation, and inclusive financing, BanyuSurya helps farmers maintain productivity both in the rainy and dry seasons, while contributing to climate resilience and food security in rural communities.
From rough beginnings to refined solutions
Our Solar Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) idea wasn’t the first idea that came to mind. In fact, our journey started a bit rough. As students from non-engineering backgrounds, we struggled to find a feasible yet impactful solution. We brainstormed wildly, trying to imagine something that could truly make a difference in the world. But every time we explored bold ideas, we kept coming back to one essential question: “Is it feasible?”
After research, we came across the concept of Atmospheric Water Generation, a technology that could turn humidity into usable water for farming. Here, we wondered if it is possible to make a solar-powered AWG. We cross-checked our findings, studied existing models, and consulted experts to validate the idea. Once we were confident in our direction, we finalized our concept and submitted our first application.
To our surprise, we made it into the Top 10 finalists, which made our dream feel suddenly real. That’s also when the pressure began. Thankfully, we were matched with an incredible mentor, Hiroki from Schneider Electric Japan’s Sustainability business, who guided us with patience and precision. As an expert in Sustainability, helping leading companies in Japan to implement sustainable strategies, renewable procurement, and ESG data solutions, Hiroki helped us see our idea from a business perspective; how to make it technically sound, sustainable, and market-ready. His advice truly sharpened our vision and gave our project a real-world foundation.
As we advanced to the final stage, the nerves grew stronger, but so did our teamwork. When we found out that we had landed in the Top 3, it felt surreal with a mix of disbelief, excitement, and pride. The final mentoring and preparation sessions were intense, but Hiroki pushed us to refine every detail. When we finally presented on the stage, we knew all those late nights and endless research had paid off.
Biggest takeaways from Go Green 2025: Innovation needs feasibility
Our biggest takeaway from this challenge was understanding the value of transforming ideas into practical, workable solutions. Throughout the process, we learned that even the most creative concepts need to be grounded in real-world feasibility, balancing innovation, impact, and execution.
Through the mentoring sessions, we realized that great ideas aren’t just about thinking differently—they’re about making them truly possible. We constantly asked ourselves: “Can this work? Will it reach the people who need it most?”
We also discovered how deeply interconnected sustainability is. It’s not just about technology or business—it involves education, governance, science, and community collaboration. It truly takes a village to drive change. And this challenge helped us find ours through mentors, peers, and experts who share the same purpose.
Most of all, this journey reinforced our belief that sustainability thrives when innovation meets feasibility. When ideas are not only visionary, but also actionable, inclusive, and impactful.
Beyond the challenge: What’s next for BanyuSurya
Participating in the Schneider Go Green Challenge 2025 has been an unforgettable journey. It pushed us beyond our limits and helped us grow both as individuals and as a team. We learned how to transform ideas into realistic, impactful solutions and discovered the power of collaboration, mentorship, and persistence.
Moving forward, we hope to continue developing BanyuSurya into a fully functional, scalable product that can make clean water access a reality for farmers in need. More than just a competition, Go Green reminded us why we started: to innovate with purpose and create meaningful change for a sustainable future.
Keep your journey going
The Schneider Go Green 2025 competition may have concluded, but your impact doesn’t have to stop here. If you’re passionate about sustainability and creating change in your local community, join our Early Careers Talent Community. You’ll gain access to expert insights, exclusive opportunities for next-gen roles and programs, and stay connected with what’s ahead.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, explore Open Roles today.
About the author
Knights of the Sun
Knights of the Sun is a group of 4 international students – Kat, Nala, Pablo, and Nicole – studying at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan. They are the runners-up of Schneider Go Green 2025.
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