By AIT Public Affairs & Geoinformatics Center (GIC)
17 June 2025: Plastic waste in waterways is a significant global threat, damaging marine ecosystems, affecting livelihoods linked to fisheries and agriculture, and causing urban flooding due to blocked drainage systems. A critical challenge in addressing plastic pollution is the lack of accurate, real-time data, especially in regions with limited waste management infrastructure. Recognizing this, the AIT’s Geoinformatics Center (GIC) developed an innovative solution, pLitter CCTV, an AI-powered system designed to provide communities and authorities with precise, actionable data on plastic pollution.
The GIC recently showcased its pLitter CCTV technology at the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN) Incubator Program, a prestigious event supported by the Australian Government and implemented by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, in partnership with governments in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Held virtually from 20 May to 17 June 2025, the incubator brought together 31 teams comprising over 80 participants from nine countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, and the Philippines.
Representing GIC at this incubator program were Ms. Ushnish Tuladhar, Mr. Karun Mooksrisai, and Mr. Nguyen Cong Hau.
Over the five-week period, the program provided targeted training and mentorship for researchers, startups, and SMEs focused on plastic waste management innovations. Participants received guidance on customer discovery, market validation, and communication skills, and engaged in collaborative activities designed to enhance their research and business potential.
Each week of the program focused on specific thematic areas. In Week 2, the GIC team explored the Local Ecosystem Deep Dive, gaining valuable insights into waste management landscapes, regulatory challenges, and market opportunities. This enabled the team to refine their vision, identify key stakeholders, and understand potential barriers and enablers for pLitter’s successful deployment.
Week 3 emphasized Design Thinking and Validation, where the team applied empathy-driven methodologies such as stakeholder interviews, customer journey mapping, and iterative prototype testing. These activities helped ensure the pLitter CCTV system aligns closely with user needs, and the team had opportunities to practice their approach with fellow participants.
The fourth week was dedicated to Business Model Refinement and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Integration. Here, the GIC team mapped stakeholders, explored opportunities for inclusive implementation, and designed strategies to engage marginalized communities effectively.
The program concluded on 17 June 2025 with the Plastic Innovation Spotlight event, where the GIC team presented the pLitter CCTV solution. They outlined the technology’s potential environmental impact, business viability, and GEDSI integration strategies. The event facilitated valuable networking opportunities, connecting the team with potential stakeholders and advisors for future collaborations.
pLitter CCTV
pLitter CCTV is an AI-powered tool designed to monitor and manage plastic waste in waterways. Using advanced computer vision technology, it automatically detects, categorizes, and tracks plastic waste types, including PET bottles, straws, plastic bags, styrofoam, and miscellaneous plastics—in real-time. The cloud-based platform pinpoints pollution hotspots, identifies plastic flow patterns, and informs targeted interventions to reduce plastic leakage into rivers and oceans. With minimal infrastructure requirements, it supports eco-design, reuse/refill initiatives, and contributes to regional plastic waste mapping. Currently deployed in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, pLitter CCTV is part of broader efforts to mitigate plastic pollution across the Indo-Pacific region.
For more details, please visit pLitter and our project page PlasticFlow Mekong.
Related articles:
Eyes on the Mekong to Combat Plastic Pollution
Tracking Trash with Tech: AI-Powered CCTV Rolled Out in Mekong Region
