⇑ [News] CT-Wang research on AI-assisted wastewater energy conversion receives Gold Medal for Scientific Excellence in Paris.
CT Wang, a distinguished professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at National Ilan University, received the Stevie Awards Gold Medal for Technology Excellence in Paris for his research on "AI-Driven Digital Twin and Bioelectrochemical Innovations Applied to Sustainable Wastewater Energy Conversion Systems," which integrates interdisciplinary technologies.Wang, former head of the Science and Technology Division at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in India, received the Gold Medal in the Green and Clean Technology category of the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence, specifically the "Sustainability and Energy-Saving Computing Excellence Award," for developing a wastewater energy conversion technology combining artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, and bioelectrochemistry. He accepted the award today in Paris.
He stated that this technology, centered on a microbial fuel cell, combines AI prediction, real-time sensing, digital twins, and heat flow analysis. The system not only treats wastewater and removes pollutants but also recovers electricity by utilizing the energy generated when microorganisms decompose organic matter.
In a telephone interview with the Central News Agency, Wang Jin-can said that receiving the Stevie Award represents recognition of his research integrating interdisciplinary and cutting-edge technologies. His laboratory comprises researchers with diverse academic backgrounds, covering biology, environmental engineering, materials science, chemistry, and electrical engineering. His own expertise lies in aerospace engineering, and he hopes to apply his research findings to the space field in the future.
He stated that future technological trends require the integration of different individual technologies into systems to maximize system benefits and achieve substantial empowerment. Digital technology and AI can reintegrate existing capabilities. "The development of AI does not make existing technologies disappear, but rather allows many technologies to be reintegrated (across disciplines)."
Wang Jin-can said that his research team uses AI to analyze the relationship between water quality, flow rate, voltage, and operating conditions to predict energy output, pollutant removal efficiency, and system performance changes. They also use digital twin technology to simulate actual systems, helping to improve operational efficiency and stability.
He hopes that these technologies will be applied to decentralized wastewater treatment, smart factories, recycling, and energy systems in remote areas in the future.
Wang Jin-can has long been dedicated to research in microbial fuel cells, hydrogen energy, thermal science, and sustainable energy. In recent years, his research has extended to bioenergy conversion under simulated microgravity environments and resource recycling technologies required for future life support systems in space, gradually developing an interdisciplinary research direction of "space bioelectrochemical energy and intelligent thermal systems."
He stated that the research team will continue to deepen its research in AI digital twins, bioelectrochemical energy conversion, and space sustainable technology, expanding collaborations with teams in India, Japan, Thailand, and Australia. They hope to gradually apply laboratory results to real-world applications, providing new technological options for Taiwan's green energy technology and international sustainable development.
The Stevie Award for Excellence in Technology is a global business and technology award that recognizes individuals and teams demonstrating outstanding innovation in artificial intelligence, information technology, green technology, and biotechnology. (Edited by Tang Sheng-yang) 1151029
⇑ Promotion to IEEE Senior Member
⇑ Talent Exchange of New Southbound Policy
⇑ ResearchSat and National I Lan University’s Thermofluid Bio-energy Lab Sign MOU to Advance Space Life Science and Frontier Thermofluid Research
Yilan, Taiwan – September 23, 2025 — ResearchSat Pty Ltd, an Australian space technology company, and the Thermofluid Bio-energy Lab (TFBE Lab) of the Department of Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering at National I Lan University have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the beginning of a collaborative partnership in space life science experiments and technical consulting services.
The MOU outlines the mutual intent to cooperate, with ResearchSat providing TFBE Lab a suite of space life science services, including the operation of in-orbit biological experiments and professional technical support. This partnership not only symbolizes a fusion of research capabilities between Taiwan and Australia, but also injects new momentum into Taiwan’s development in space biotechnology.
ResearchSat, headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, is a leading company specializing in the design and execution of life science experiments aboard microsatellite platforms. TFBE Lab, based at National I Lan University in Yilan, Taiwan, has long been dedicated to research in thermofluid and bio-energy systems. The lab possesses strong interdisciplinary engineering capabilities and academic foundations, and has recently developed Taiwan’s first microgravity simulation system, actively contributing to frontier space research.
Professor Chin-Tsan Wang, who has an aerospace engineering background and currently serves as Director of the Space Computing Technology Center (SCTC) at National I Lan University, stated:
“Through this collaboration, TFBE Lab will be able to leverage ResearchSat’s spaceflight platform to conduct unprecedented in-orbit life science experiments. We aim to explore biological reactions and energy conversion mechanisms under microgravity conditions, further enhancing Taiwan’s global competitiveness in space technology and bioengineering.”
Both parties emphasized that this collaboration is just the beginning. Future plans include deepening technical exchange, joint research initiatives, and talent cultivation, while exploring new space applications and experimental innovations. Through this MOU, ResearchSat and TFBE Lab will jointly promote the advancement of space life science research, laying a stronger scientific foundation for humanity’s exploration of the universe.