EMERGING STUDENT INNOVATORS ADDRESS WATER CHALLENGES AT THE "INNOVATE H2O" IDEATHON
In a compelling demonstration of youthful ingenuity, 88 student teams hailing from various colleges across the region enthusiastically participated in the “Innovate H2O” ideathon challenge. Orchestrated by the Vishnu Foundation Technology Business Incubator (TBI) in partnership with the Krishna Sri Pareena Foundation and IFIA Bharat, this distinctive event empowered young minds to devise inventive solutions for water management challenges.
Commencing on January 21st, 2024, the ideathon witnessed teams presenting their initial ideas encompassing sustainable water use, wastewater treatment, flood mitigation, and more. Following a rigorous selection process, 49 teams progressed to the final presentation round, conducted both online and offline on February 9th and 10th at Vishnu College.
Before an esteemed jury panel featuring academic luminaries such as Dr. Sagar, Dr. Vamsi Nagaraju, Dr. Harika, and Dr. Ganesh, student teams fervently pitched their groundbreaking concepts. The spectrum of ideas ranged from the purification and reutilization of wastewater to the more efficient harnessing of industrial and domestic water.
The top five teams emerged as exemplars of the immense potential harbored by young innovators:
- Team Reenergy, guided by the expertise of Dr. Bapiraju, Dr. Anil Kumar, and Dr. Arjun.
- Team Clear Flow Innovation, presenting a compelling solution under the mentorship of Dr. M. Sudhira, E. Alekha, and A. Bhavana.
- Team Hydro Hero Aliens, backed by mentor Saish Power and Dishank Purandari, showcasing a notable prototype.
- Team Aqua Boat, comprised of 7th-grade students Ishan Gadbole and Sparsha Jain, received a Special Jury Award for their impressive performance.
- Team Pranadatha, was recognized with a Special Jury Award for the innovative approach of Jayant, Tejeshwari, and Yasmin.
The judges lauded the participants for their creativity and foresight, expressing confidence that these ideas would pave the way for the future of sustainable water management.
The judges lauded the participants for their creativity and foresight, expressing confidence that these ideas would pave the way for the future of sustainable water management.
Srilata Pericharla, Founder and Director of Krishna Sri Pareena Foundation, commended the students’ endeavors and urged them to persist in their innovative pursuits, promising additional opportunities in the future.
Dr. Kaushik, CEO of Vishnu Foundation TBI, announced that the top three teams would receive seed funding and professional membership from IFIA Bharat, further bolstering their entrepreneurial journeys.
This successful ideathon not only showcased the brilliance of young minds but also underscored the collaborative efforts of organizations such as Vishnu Foundation TBI, Krishna Sri Pareena Foundation, and IFIA Bharat in fostering a robust startup ecosystem and propelling sustainable solutions.
About IFIA Bharat:
IFIA Bharat represents the Indian chapter of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA). As a non-profit organization, IFIA Bharat is dedicated to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in India. It serves as a platform for inventors and entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. The organization also hosts various events and programs to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in India.