Blerta Dodaj, a 21-year-old Albanian student affiliated with both Harvard and MIT, has impressed the academic community with her innovative environmental project: an AI-powered robot that cleans polluted water. Her prototype, “CleanWatts AI” was recently presented at the Harvard Innovation Labs, where she was one of the few students of Albanian heritage actively participating in the university’s high-level programs.

The aquatic robot is designed to detect and remove harmful substances from bodies of water using artificial intelligence, robotic arms, and solar energy. Dodaj described it as “a fusion of technology and purpose” noting that the device could eventually be deployed globally. “This isn’t just a school project — it’s a vision for cleaner, smarter ecosystems” she said during the presentation.

Currently studying business in California, Dodaj has been involved in various initiatives at both Harvard and MIT, including Harvard’s W3D mentorship program and MIT’s English Partner Program. Through these programs, she collaborated with students from leading institutions like Yale, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania. Her exposure to these environments helped her shape the idea for CleanWatts AI, which she developed over months of research and mentorship.

The robot, designed in a modular drone form, operates using multispectral sensors, robotic arms, and real-time data analytics. “It can be operated remotely from anywhere in the world, giving people direct access to clean up their local waters” Dodaj explained. The project was unveiled at the Community Pitch Event following the Climate Venture Class hosted by the Harvard Innovation Labs.

Proud of her roots, Blerta emphasized how being Albanian has shaped her ambition and work ethic. “Being from Albania is my strength” she said. “I’ve learned to turn every obstacle into motivation.”  She encouraged young Albanians around the world to take risks and speak up: “We have brilliant minds in our community—what we need is the confidence to show it.”