Empowered Startups Celebrates the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
For pair of Empowered Startups’ founders, the proverbial apple did not fall far from the entrepreneurial tree. Now…
For pair of Empowered Startups’ founders, the proverbial apple did not fall far from the entrepreneurial tree. Now their children have collaborated to make sure every apple, orange, or grape juice container ends up in the right place.
Amy Bach and Sunny Huynh, both children of Empowered Startups alumni, are finalists in the prestigious 2024 Youth Innovation Showcase, a virtual STEM competition that highlights youth in BC and the Yukon who leverage science to solve challenges in their communities. The two young innovators have developed Bin Genius, an AI-powered smart bin system designed to promote sustainable waste-sorting habits in schools.
Amy is the daughter of Harley Bach, co-founder of GSB Systems, a smart building management system that reduces energy costs for building managers. Sunny is the son of Nova Khaai, co-founder of Avid Connection, a marketplace dedicated to reducing food waste.
Both Harley and Nova, originally from Vietnam, launched their ventures during incubation in Empowered Startups’ Canada Start-up Visa Program, contributing to sustainability in innovative ways. With Bin Genius, Amy and Sunny have launched their own entrepreneurial startup, which is focused on educating students about proper waste-sorting techniques and fostering sustainable habits that will last a lifetime.
Introducing Bin Genius
Bin Genius uses sensors and AI technology to detect waste entering recycling, compost, and garbage bins. If waste is improperly sorted, the system provides real-time feedback, helping students learn proper sorting techniques and fostering lifelong sustainable habits. The system is paired with the Bin Genius app, which features an educational game for students and a dashboard for school administrators to track progress and target areas for improvement.
The innovative project has garnered significant attention. The team was a finalist in the British Columbia and Yukon Youth Innovation Showcase and was most recently featured on CBC News. Despite having already achieved a measure of success, Amy and Sunny are not stopping there. The duo has ambitious plans to expand Bin Genius to schools across the Lower Mainland and eventually throughout Canada.
“Initially, I thought the idea of a smart trash bin to promote proper waste sorting in schools was ambitious for high school students. However, their determination has proven me wrong, and I couldn’t be prouder. With plans to expand Bin Genius across BC and Canada, I am confident they will achieve their goals.”
Harley Bach, Founder, GSB Systems
Empowered Startups: Fostering Entrepreneurship Across Generations
The connection between parents and their children in this entrepreneurial journey exemplifies how values of innovation and environmental responsibility can be passed down through generations. As an environmentally conscious company built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Empowered Startups is proud to support initiatives that emphasize the importance of sustainability through entrepreneurship.
“Amy and Sunny are shining examples of how entrepreneurship, when combined with a focus on sustainability, can create real, positive change. Their journey reflects how the innovative spirit of our alumni has a lasting impact in Canada and highlights the boundless potential of young innovators.”
Matthew Pattinson, Director of Incubation and Innovation, Empowered Startups
With Bin Genius, Amy and Sunny are proving that the entrepreneurial legacy of Empowered Startups alumni doesn’t just inspire – it builds a more sustainable future for all.
