Mace × Epitech
SOMIN ("the path" in Réunion Creole): an app that turns hotel buffet guests into engaged tourists by putting local produce first and cutting food waste, backed by an AI-powered connected bin.
Result
1st place
Date
03/2026
Format
1 week · team of 10
Context
First edition of the hackathon run by Epitech La Réunion and Groupe Macé. The brief, from the group's hotel division: how can technology turn a consumer tourist into an engaged tourist? The team started from one figure: global food waste emits four times more CO₂ than global air traffic.
What was built
- Local food guide: a QR code on each table opens the app, which tells the story of the local produce and the chef's recipes.
- "Somin" tasting: the app suggests ideal portions (e.g. "3 spoons of pitaya") so guests can taste every local dish without overloading their plate.
- Connected bin: an AI analyses leftovers so kitchens can plan quantities better and favour local purchases.
Results
13.5 tfood saved over 5 years (projection), about 27,000 meals
33.7 tCO₂ avoided over 5 years (projection)