In the heart of Colombo, tucked within the modern workspace of Access Towers II, a quiet revolution is taking place. It thrives on one thing – ideas that can change the world.
This is IdeaNest, an initiative by Access Engineering PLC that nurtures minds daring enough to re-imagine the future of engineering.
Among those minds are Dr. Nadeesha Chandrasena and her team, who have set out to tackle an issue that has plagued urban landscapes for years: flooding. We have all seen it: roads turned into rivers after heavy rains due to clogged drains, and our oceans eventually suffering from overflowing waste. It’s an issue that disrupts daily life.
And the solution? A smart drain that does more than just channel water away and keeps drains from clogging – it thinks, adapts, and responds to the environment, using sensors and alert systems to prevent blockages before they escalate.
But first, why IdeaNest?
Access Engineering isn’t just a company that builds roads, bridges and transforms skylines; it wants to make an impact. Through IdeaNest, we extend a hand to undergraduates, postgraduates and engineers with a promise: if you have an idea that can revolutionize the industry and make a difference, we have the platform to help you bring it to life.
It’s more than just funding or mentorship; it’s an ecosystem where concepts evolve into real-life prototypes and where research has the space to grow.
Since its launch, IdeaNest has been key in advancing some of the company’s most forward-thinking collaborations. One example is the partnership with the University of Moratuwa, supported by the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, to introduce fibre optic monitoring technology to Sri Lanka. This research explored using advanced sensors to assess structural integrity in bridges, high-rise buildings, and heritage sites. This innovation could reshape how we manage infrastructure in the country. IdeaNest has also supported local efforts to develop autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, contributing to more sustainable and efficient construction practices.
In addition to engineering projects, IdeaNest serves as a hub for national partnerships. Working alongside the National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka (NASSL), Access Engineering is helping rebuild public trust in science by raising awareness about the tangible benefits of research and innovation. This partnership responds to a broader societal challenge, where science is often inaccessible, expensive, or disconnected from everyday life.
Through this growing ecosystem, Access Engineering is giving engineers and researchers the tools and the space to turn thoughtful questions into impactful solutions.
And sometimes, these ideas begin with something as simple as a blocked drain. In the case of one project, a persistent urban nuisance inspired a bigger question: What if a drain could think for itself? This was the beginning of the Smart Drain.
Before diving into the technology, let’s get to know the minds behind the idea.
Dr. Nadeesha Chandrasena is an urban innovator and environmental specialist based in Brisbane. Passionate about sustainable development and community empowerment, she focuses on improving urban living conditions and connecting people through practical, science-led solutions. She leads Urban Inventors, a team of like-minded researchers and engineers who believe innovation should be grounded in social relevance and community impact.
The ‘AI’ in DRAIN
There is nothing as mundane as a drain. But IdeaNest’s drain is anything but.
Equipped with mesh nets that trap solid waste while allowing water to flow freely, the smart drain doesn’t just prevent urban flooding, it keeps plastic and other debris from reaching rivers and ultimately our oceans, where marine pollution is a growing crisis.
But the smart drain isn’t just about stopping waste; it’s about real-time responsiveness. When blockages due to waste accumulation occur, the advanced technology in this system immediately alerts municipal authorities and communities so they can step in, either by organizing clean-ups or holding officials responsible. In a country where clogged drains have long been challenging, this system transforms drainage from a passive infrastructure into a community-driven solution.
The Smart Drain is still in its testing phase, with retrofitting trials underway. But even before its full rollout, the project has already begun to turn heads beyond Sri Lanka. In early 2025, Dr. Nadeesha Chandrasena and her team, known as Urban Inventors, were named one of just 30 global finalists for the prestigious WIPO Global Awards, selected from over 780 entries across 95 countries. It was more than just a recognition; it was a signal that ideas born from local challenges could hold global relevance.
Smart drain is one story, but it’s only the beginning.
“Passion ignites innovation, and at IdeaNest, we try to drive this towards sustainable and innovative engineering solutions that drive value, contribute to nation-building and benefit society,” Christopher Joshua, Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Access Engineering, says, explaining the purpose of IdeaNest.
By opening its doors to researchers, innovators and dreamers, Access Engineering is creating a space where groundbreaking solutions that reshape how we build, sustain and enhance our world are not just encouraged but truly belong.
If there’s a message behind it all, it’s this: innovation doesn’t need to be flashy. It needs to work. And with the proper support, young engineers and researchers in Sri Lanka can design solutions that work and last.
The question for all of us at IdeaNest remains: What’s the next simple idea that can have a big impact?
Thenuli Vihara Tennakoon is a Management Trainee at Access Engineering PLC. She is currently awaiting graduation for her BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering.