Ideaz

College students constantly cycle through books, clothes, and gadgets but most of these end up unused, stored away, or thrown out. At the same time, many students struggle to afford essentials or spend extra money buying new items they only need for a short time. Current solutions like thrift stores or online resale platforms are either unavailable on campus, inconvenient, or unsafe to use within a college community.

EcoSwap solves this by creating a student-only thrift and exchange app where peers can buy, sell, or swap items directly on campus. From textbooks, lab equipment, and calculators to clothes, cycles, and electronics, EcoSwap ensures resources are reused instead of wasted. The platform uses verified student profiles for safety and offers cashless in-app payments or barter options for maximum flexibility.

Who benefits?

• Students saving money: They get access to affordable second-hand essentials.

• Students selling: They earn extra income while decluttering.

• The community: It reduces campus waste and promotes sustainable consumption.

This problem matters to me because I’ve seen so many usable items go to waste at the end of every semester, while new students struggle to afford the same things. By encouraging reuse within the student community, EcoSwap not only saves money but also builds a culture of sustainability on campus.

With features like a product listing feed, swap requests, and eco-points that reward active participation, EcoSwap can transform how students think about consumption and waste.

1. The Real-World Problem

Single-use plastic bottles and cups are a major contributor to waste on college campuses. Even though recycling bins exist, most plastics never get properly recycled. Students and staff often end up buying bottled water or packaged drinks for convenience, leading to tons of unnecessary waste.

2. Gaps in Current Solutions

• Water coolers/fountains exist, but they are often unhygienic, poorly maintained, or inconveniently located.

• Reusable bottles are promoted, but many students forget to carry them or don’t know where to refill them.

• Cafeterias sell bottled drinks, but there are limited eco-friendly alternatives.

There’s no integrated system that makes sustainability both easy and rewarding for students.

3. The Solution: Smart Refill Stations

Install IoT-enabled refill kiosks across campus where students can refill reusable bottles with:

• Cold filtered water

• Flavored water (sugar-free, eco-friendly)

• Affordable beverages in bulk (iced tea, lemonade, etc.)

Each refill station is connected to a mobile app + student ID card system that:

• Tracks the number of plastic bottles avoided

• Rewards students with points (redeemable in the cafeteria, bookstore, or for discounts on campus events)

• Shows real-time refill station locations and status (working/empty)

4. Who Benefits

• Students: Save money, get healthy drink options, earn rewards, and practice sustainability easily.

• Universities/Colleges: Improve their sustainability ratings, reduce waste management costs, and attract eco-conscious students.

• Community: Less plastic pollution around campuses benefits the local environment.

5. Why This Problem Matters (Personal Angle)

As a student, I see plastic waste pile up every day in classrooms, cafeterias, and hostels. Most people want to reduce plastic use but don’t have convenient alternatives. I care about this issue because small changes in student habits can lead to a big cultural shift toward sustainability, and campuses are the perfect place to start that movement.

6. Optional Technical Details

• Hardware: Smart water dispensers with sensors for usage tracking.

• Software: Mobile app + student login for points, rewards, and refill station mapping.

• Revenue Model: Colleges pay installation + maintenance fee, and optional beverage subscription model for flavored drinks.

ReJewl – Sustainable Modular Jewelry

A common problem with jewelry is that people buy multiple pieces for different occasions, but most of them end up lying unused after a few wears. This leads to wasted money, over-consumption, and environmental strain from constant mining of metals and stones. Current solutions either focus on fast-fashion jewelry (cheap but low quality)or luxury jewelry (expensive but limited in use). There is a gap in the market for affordable, versatile, and eco-friendly jewelry that adapts to multiple styles.

ReJewl solves this by introducing modular jewelry pieces designed with detachable and interchangeable parts. For example, a single chain can be styled as a necklace, bracelet, or anklet by adjusting its links; earrings can have removable pendants that transform them from simple studs to festive danglers; rings can be layered or stacked to create different looks. Customers can buy a “base set” and add modules over time, instead of purchasing entirely new jewelry 

How ReJewl Works

1. Base Piece Purchase

• Customers buy a base jewelry set (like a chain, stud earrings, or a simple ring).
• Each base piece is designed with hidden connectors, clasps, or magnets.

• Customers can add detachable parts—like pendants, charms, colored stones, or layered rings.
• Example: Stud earrings → add a hanging piece → instantly turn into festive danglers.

• A single necklace can become a bracelet or layered choker by rearranging links.
• Rings can be stacked or swapped with colored inserts for different occasions.
• Bracelets can attach pendants or beads to match outfits.

• All pieces are made from recycled metals, lab-grown stones, and eco-friendly alloys, making them durable and sustainable.

The beneficiaries are:

• Young professionals and students who want variety in style but on a budget.
• Environmentally conscious buyers who prefer sustainable, long-lasting products.
• The community and artisans, since the jewelry can be made from recycled metals, lab-grown stones, and locally sourced beads.

This idea matters to me because I’ve seen how people spend on multiple accessories but rarely use them all. A system where one piece of jewelry can transform into many styles not only saves money but also reduces waste, making fashion more mindful.

One of the biggest problems in today's world is the over-packaging in plastics, specifically in food packaging. From takeaway boxes to grocery wrap, packaging finds its way mostly to landfills or oceans and takes centuries to decompose. This is not just harmful to the marine life and nature but has direct consequences on our health by putting microplastics into our food supply. While alternatives like paper or reusable boxes are available, these are largely too costly, breakable, or non-existent. This is where the idea of Eco-Friendly Food Packaging comes into the picture.

The idea is to create biodegradable durable and low-cost packaging from agricultural byproducts like rice husk, or corn starch. The packaging wouldn't contain harmful residues like plastic when it will break down naturally in a few months. The packaging will be in the form of cups, plates, or boxes and wrappers and is applicable to restaurants and cafeterias as well as households.

This idea benefits multiple groups. Consumers get safer packaging without harmful chemicals. Restaurants and food vendors can market themselves as eco-friendly, attracting more customers. Communities and governments benefit from reduced waste and pollution. Even farmers benefit, since agricultural byproducts that are usually discarded can be sold to manufacturers, giving them extra income.

This issue is important to me because I observe plastic trash everywhere – on the streets, in rivers, and even on my campus. For a sustainable tomorrow, packaging is one of the simplest but highly effective areas to innovate. With the advancements in material science and manufacturing technology, manufacturing such environmentally friendly packaging at large is no longer a fantasy but a reality.

By advocating for biodegradable products, we're not only fixing a problem of trash—we're creating a cleaner world. A cleaner world. A world of greater responsibility.

As a day scholar at Mahindra University, I face a common problem every evening. My classes often finish around 6:30 PM, and at that time it becomes difficult to book a reliable cab or auto. Even when I do manage to book, many rides get cancelled at the last moment, causing delays and unnecessary stress. At the same time, I see many students coming to campus in their own cars, often driving alone with empty seats.

This gap gave me the idea of creating a Campus Ride-Sharing App exclusively for Mahindra University students. The app would connect students traveling to similar locations so they can share rides. Vehicle owners can list their available seats, while riders can request to join. The cost of fuel can then be shared among everyone, making the trip economical for both sides.

Unlike general ride-sharing platforms, this app will be limited to verified Mahindra University students and staff, ensuring trust and safety. Features such as in-app verification, live location sharing, SOS alerts, and secure payments will make the system reliable.

The direct beneficiaries are students like me, who will save money, avoid last-minute cancellations, and reach home on time. Vehicle owners also benefit by reducing their fuel costs, while the community gains through reduced traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.

This problem matters to me because I face it every single day. A student-focused ride-sharing solution will not only save time and money but also foster stronger connections within the Mahindra University community.