Ideaz

Climate change is rapidly increasing urban temperatures. Urban heat island is an effect that is created when urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to cities replacing natural landscapes with heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete, asphalt, waste heat generated by vehicles and industries.

One of the most important aspects for cooling cities, filtering air, and storing carbon is the presence of trees. However, thousands of them die every year from heat stress, disease and neglect.  

Since most cities lack the resources to effectively monitor and protect their existing green cover, ReLeaf AI aims to reverse this by creating systems to monitor the green and utilising AI to prevent such significant losses.

Gaps in the current market:-

1. Urban tree health monitoring is still manual and consumes a lot of time.
2. Most initiatives aim to “plant” more trees instead of maintaining and nurturing already existing ones.
3. There aren’t AI tools widely available that predict tree stress or suggest any changes to prevent damage.
4. Most cities lack data-driven decision systems for managing the greenery and fighting heat zones.

How ReLeaf AI solves the problem:

It combines artificial intelligence, IoT(devices that detect and respond to environmental stimuli) and remote sensing to protect and help maintain urban tree life before they reach critical stress levels.

1. AI Image Analysis: Using drones and satellite imaging, the AI models process the image to detect slight changes in leaf colour, shape or any early indicators of dehydration or disease.
2. IoT Environmental Sensors: Soil moisture and temperature sensors continuously send real-time data to monitor the conditions.
3. Predictive Machine Learning Models: Based on the data, pollution levels and previous incidents, these models predict which of the trees are most at risk.
4. Smart Alerts: The system notifies the people at the levels to suggest specific interventions or changes to improve the health of the trees.

Who benefits:-

1. Communities benefit from cleaner air, reduced heat and an improved quality of life.
2. Environmental organisations can gain vital access to accurate data for policy planning, conservation or growth.
3. Local governments can prioritise maintenance and reduce costs with real-time data.
4. Universities and campuses can maintain a much more sustainable, cooler and greener environment.

The problem matters not only to me but to everyone because each summer, as we see more and more trees(once healthy) wither and die, we realise that “planting more trees” is not the only or main aspect regarding sustainability. It is about protecting what already exists.

Festivals and celebrations are meant to bring joy, but the use of firecrackers creates serious problems: noise pollution that disturbs children, elderly people, and pets; air pollution that worsens health; and a huge amount of waste left behind. Every year, we repeat the same problem because there is no exciting alternative.

My idea is to create Virtual Fireworks – a startup that uses AR/VR technology and drones to simulate colorful, realistic firework displays without the noise or pollution. Users can watch these fireworks using AR glasses or even through their phone screens by pointing them at the sky. For large gatherings, synchronized drone light shows can create beautiful patterns, logos, and festive messages in the sky – much safer and cleaner than traditional firecrackers.

This solution is not just eco-friendly but also scalable – schools, societies, campuses, and event organizers can choose from different “firework themes” and customize them. It will also be cost-effective in the long run, as there is no recurring cost of purchasing firecrackers every year.

Who Benefits:

Communities celebrating festivals, event organizers, children, pets, and the environment.

Why It Matters:

This idea combines innovation + sustainability, creates a safer celebration experience, and can inspire a cultural shift towards responsible festivities.

Waste management is a growing problem on university campuses. Students often throw waste into the wrong bins because segregation is confusing or inconvenient. This leads to recyclable materials getting mixed with general waste, increasing the environmental footprint of the campus and making recycling inefficient.

My idea is to develop GreenBin, a smart waste segregation system that uses AI-powered image recognition to detect the type of waste — plastic, paper, metal, food, etc. — and automatically directs it to the correct compartment. The bins will have built-in sensors and a small display showing disposal instructions in real time.

The system will also send data to the campus sustainability office, showing how much recyclable and non-recyclable waste is collected each week. Students could be rewarded with “eco-points” for correctly disposing of waste, which can be redeemed at the campus café or bookstore.

The main beneficiaries are students, campus maintenance teams, and sustainability clubs. It promotes environmental awareness, reduces manual sorting, and helps universities achieve their sustainability goals.

This problem matters to me because I see overflowing trash bins and wasted recyclable material every day on campus. A small technological improvement like GreenBin can make our university cleaner, greener, and a model for sustainable living.

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.

Balcony For Rent?

Recently, more people are getting into the trend of eating healthier. It may be either for their own lifestyle necessities or cause they want to reduce their carbon footprint and attempt to lead a green life. But wait! They realise they don't have the necessary space or sometimes even tools to begin their farming journey.

Solution? Rent your neighbour's balcony or terrace! Many people don't necessarily use their balcony for much other than drying their clothes, and some might not mind letting their neighbours use this empty space to grow some fruits or vegetables, the same thing with terraces. What my platform intends to do is to bridge this gap of available resources to those in need of it via a simple web page where people can post whether they have a balcony or terrace that they can rent out, and also the tools necessary for cultivating some basic vegetables or fruits.

The audience who benefit are basically everyone, group a, those who need space, now have space. Group B, those with empty space can now profit from it and have cleaner air and a greener, livelier balcony/terrace. Group C, those who have the tools necessary for gardening but aren't using them right now for some reason, can now rent them out and gain some profit off of them too, and finally, group d, those not involved with the platform at all now get increased clean air in their surroundings! (Subject to use of the service in the area)

This problem matters to me as I personally am not really inclined to garden because I don't have the time for it, but I see some friends of mine who are trying to free up time, but don't have the space for actually starting their urban farming dreams. Thus, with this, I can help out my friends who want to grow plants and gain some inspiration to try it myself! (I do have plants at home, cacti count) This idea could also motivate more people like me to take small steps toward greener living while helping others achieve their urban farming dreams.

Problem:

We are currently living in the fast-fashion era,where people buy clothes without a second thought, as a result wardrobes and closets overflow, while tons of clothes that can be used end up as waste. We often think plastics and other harmful stuff creates waste, but today mountains of discarded clothes are piling up, silently becoming one of the  biggest threats of our planet.On the other hand, many people cannot afford even basic clothing or bedsheets. This imbalances not only the environment but it is also social injustice.

People are not giving this problem equal importance as plastic wastes etc so piles of useful yet useless clothes are piling up slowly leading to land pollution and many more .

The gap in current solutions:

Clothes donation drive happens to collect clothes but is not accessible to everyone and also happens irregularly.

Recycling bins for clothes are rare.

Thrift stores exist both online and offline but not helping other clothes that can be upcycled (collect and upcycle).

There is no regular system for collecting,sorting,upcycling and reusing clothes.

solution(idea):  

For collecting, sorting the clothes : clothes collecting vending machines, where the vending machines collects and have sections given  for different clothes materials or category of the clothes(shirt,pants etc),

All we need to do is go to your nearby clothes collecting vending machine by NEXTWEAR and deposit the clothes by sorting them according to materials and the category, if any doubt in the sorting part there is a different section allotted for unsorted clothes where you can deposit all the unsorted clothes in one section which will be sorted later manually.(can be helpful for elders and kids who don't understand the materials and instructions part for sorting)

How to use the vending machine:

• Use the NEXTWEAR app to know your nearby vending machine location.
• Touch the screen on the vending machine or use the QR code scanner to start deposit
• You can select the material or category on screen and deposit one by one .
• Clothes fall into a locked bin/bag inside the machine.
• If unsorted: all go into one bin which later will be sorted manually
• The screen shows deposit successfully with a QR code given which you can scan and earn points to claim rewards or go to the nearest local business store we collaborated with and get some freebies immediately after showing the points earned  and also track the clothes to check if they are getting upcycled or not.

The bins will be cleared regularly,Clothes are sent for cleaning, upcycling, or distribution to those in need.we even collaborate with local businesses and send some upcycled products made out of clothes like bags, bedsheets,new clothes etc.the clothes which are perfectly in good conditions or upcycled clothes to wear will be sent to poor and can be seen the local business (like thrift stores etc).

Key features:

• Users place items by category (shirts, pants, tops, fabric type).
• Unsorted option: For elderly people or those who can’t sort, with later manual sorting by our team.
• Upcycling & reuse:Clothes in good condition → cleaned & reused via thrifting or renting.
• Worn-out clothes → upcycled into new products (bags, bedsheets, accessories).
• Collaboration with local businesses: Sell or distribute upcycled products, creating a sustainable circular economy.
• Dedicated stores or app: Users can buy, rent, or track how their clothes were transformed.
• One-way flap (so nobody can pull clothes back out).
• Camera or sensor to prevent trash dumping.
• Lockable bins that only staff can access.

Who benefits?:

Low-income communities → access to free or affordable clothes and essentials.
Environment → reduced textile waste and pollution from landfills.
Contributors (donors) → feel good about reusing clothes and get discounts/rewards at partner stores.

Local businesses → gain from collaborations, shared revenue, and increased footfall.

To the poor who cant afford proper clothing and other products which upcycled like bags, bedsheets etc.

Why this matters to me ?

I’ve often noticed how quickly people buy new clothes for fashion trends while others struggle without proper clothing or even bedsheets. At the same time, the fashion industry contributes massively to pollution. By creating a system that makes donating and reusing clothes easy, we can solve both a social and environmental issue. I want to turn “old clothes” into “new beginnings.” where everyone can afford and have clothes and also which also help to balance environment instead of throwing them away and making it a piles of waste we can simply deposit in the vending machines where the contributors also gets rewards or freebies and the clothes can be upcycled and reused.

 Optional Technical Details:

• Vending machine hardware: With compartments for different clothing categories.
  App integration:
• Shows nearby vending machine locations.
• Tracks what your donated clothes were turned into.
• Rewards system (discounts, offers from partner businesses).
• Upcycling workshops: Employ local artisans and create job opportunities.

Most of us talk about climate change, but very few actually know how much our daily choices contribute to it. The food we eat, the transport we take, and even the devices we charge have a measurable carbon impact. Students often want to live sustainably but lack an easy way to track and improve their habits.

My idea is GreenSteps, a gamified carbon footprint tracker designed for students. Every day, users log simple activities like commuting method (bus, bike, car), food choices (veg, non-veg), and electricity/water usage. The app calculates a daily carbon score based on global emission factors and shows how individual choices add up over time.

Leaderboards make the experience competitive and fun — students, hostel groups, or clubs can compete to maintain the lowest carbon footprint. The app can also offer eco-friendly tips, rewards (like campus café discounts for low-carbon days), and challenges (e.g., “Meat-Free Monday” or “No-Plastic Week”).

Who Benefits:
Students, universities looking to promote sustainability, and the environment.

Why It Matters:
This app will turn climate awareness into climate action by making students conscious of their impact and rewarding positive behavior. Over time, it can create a culture of sustainability across campuses.

Problem: 

Many bridges, water systems, and electrical networks were built decades ago and are now under immense stress from growing populations and heavier usage. When they fail, the consequences can be devastating: bridges collapsing and causing accidents, water pipes bursting and wasting precious drinking water, or power cuts that leave entire neighborhoods in the dark. Most maintenance is reactive. Cities usually wait until something breaks before fixing it. By then, the damage is already done, and the repair costs are far higher. People suffer, money is wasted, and trust in public systems weakens.

Gap in Current Solutions:

Current inspection methods are slow and outdated. Workers can only check so many structures, and many of the hidden weaknesses go unnoticed. High-tech monitoring solutions do exist, but they’re often expensive and limited to large or high-profile projects. Low income housing and middle class urban areas, especially in developing regions, don’t have access to affordable, proactive tools to keep infrastructure safe. This gap leaves lakhs of people in danger. 

Proposed Solution:

I propose a smart and affordable monitoring system that focuses on prevention. Small sensors could be installed on bridges, roads and water pipes to track signs of stress, vibration and leaks. Drones equipped with cameras could scan areas that are hard for people to reach. All this data would be collected and displayed on a simple dashboard for city engineers. If something unusual is detected like a crack growing in a bridge or a drop in the water pressure,the system would send an alert. That way the problems can be fixed before they turn into disasters.

Who Benefits

• Governments and City Planners: For city officials, infrastructure failures aren’t just technical issues there are political and financial crises. A collapsed bridge or burst water main not only costs millions to repair but also damages public trust. By adopting smart monitoring, governments can plan maintenance budgets more effectively. 

• Engineers and Maintenance Workers: These professionals are often left with no technical tools, trying to inspect thousands of structures with limited time and resources. A monitoring system gives them real-time data and clear priorities.
• Communities and Families: Ordinary people are the most affected by infrastructure failures. A bridge collapse can cost lives.

Why it matters:

As a civil engineering student, this issue feels very close to me. Infrastructure is at the heart of what we study it’s not just about concrete, steel, and design equations, but about creating safe, functional systems that people trust with their lives. When a bridge fails, it’s not just a structural collapse it’s a failure of planning, maintenance, and responsibility.

Studying civil engineering has made me realize how much of our infrastructure is already nearing the end of its intended lifespan. Many bridges, roads, and pipelines we use today were designed decades ago with very different loads and population demands in mind. Yet they are still in service, carrying far more stress than they were ever meant to handle. This mismatch between design life and current usage is something I find both fascinating and worrying.

Technical Details:

The proposed smart monitoring system combines civil engineering principles with modern IoT and AI technologies. The idea is to continuously measure structural and operational health instead of relying only on periodic inspections.

1. Sensors for Data Collection

   • Strain gauges and accelerometers can measure stress, vibration, and deflection in bridges and buildings.

   • Ultrasonic and corrosion sensors can detect thinning in steel or concrete reinforcement corrosion before visible cracks appear.

   • Pressure and flow sensors in pipelines can track leaks, bursts, or unusual water usage patterns.

   • Sensors would be wireless, low-power, and capable of sending 

     

   • data in real time.

2. Drones and Remote Imaging

   • Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR, and thermal imaging can scan large or hard-to-reach structures such as tall bridges or power lines.

   • Thermal imaging helps detect hidden cracks, water leakage, or heat buildup in power equipment.

3. Data Transmission and Processing

   • Data from sensors and drones can be transmitted through LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) or 5G connectivity, depending on the location.

   • Information would be stored in a cloud-based system accessibl

   • e to engineers and city officials.

4. AI and Predictive Analytics

   • Machine learning models trained on historical failure data can identify early warning signs.

   • For example, unusual vibration frequencies in a bridge deck could indicate 

   • fatigue, while a gradual drop in pipeline pressure could signal a leak.

   • The system would generate alerts, maintenance schedules, and even predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of structures.

5. User Dashboard

   • Engineers and planners would have access to a dashboard showing real-time health scores for different infrastructure assets.

   • Red, yellow, and green indicators could guide decision-making—much like a “health report card” for infrastructure.

With the rapid growth of urban populations, inefficient waste management has become a pressing problem. Overflowing trash bins create unhygienic conditions, attract pests, cause pollution, and degrade the overall quality of life in cities. Current waste collection systems often operate on fixed routes and schedules, which leads to unnecessary fuel consumption and missed pickups.

My idea is to create a Smart Waste Management System using IoT sensors installed in public waste bins that continuously monitor the fill levels. These sensors send data to a cloud-based platform accessed by municipal authorities. Using this real-time data, AI-powered software optimizes waste collection routes dynamically, sending trucks only to bins that need to be emptied. Additionally, a mobile app can alert residents about collection timings and promote effective waste segregation practices to encourage recycling.

This solution benefits city administrations by reducing operational costs, fuel consumption, and environmental impact. Citizens gain from cleaner streets and a healthier urban environment. This problem is important to me because sustainable urban management is critical as cities grow quickly, and technology can play a vital role in improving everyday life.

Technically, this project involves IoT hardware, cloud computing, and AI-driven route optimization algorithms. The system is scalable and can be adapted to various urban settings to help cities move towards smarter, cleaner future living.

One of the biggest challenges faced by university students is daily commuting inside and outside campus. Many students either walk long distances in the heat, wait for irregular shuttles, or rely on expensive ride-hailing services. Current campus transport systems are not optimized, leading to wasted time, missed classes, and unnecessary carbon emissions.

My idea is to create a Smart Campus Shuttle System that uses AI-powered scheduling and electric minibuses to provide an efficient, sustainable, and affordable mode of transport. Students will book rides through a mobile app, which uses real-time data and AI to group nearby requests and suggest the most optimal shuttle routes. This ensures minimal waiting time, lower costs, and reduced congestion.

Unlike traditional fixed-route buses, the smart shuttle adapts dynamically to student needs. It reduces dependency on private vehicles, cutting down traffic and pollution on and around campus. The electric vehicles make the system eco-friendly and future-ready.

The primary beneficiaries are students, faculty, and staff who save time, money, and energy. The university also benefits by reducing its carbon footprint and showcasing innovation on campus. In the long run, this system can be scaled to corporate campuses, IT parks, and residential townships.

This problem matters to me because I personally face issues with unpredictable campus transport, which affects punctuality and productivity. With this solution, I aim to make mobility on campus seamless, sustainable, and student-friendly.

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.

Every day, college canteens and hostels throw away large amounts of untouched food. At the same time, many underprivileged people outside the campus struggle for their daily meals. This mismatch between waste and need inspired my idea.

My idea is to create a Campus Food Waste Tracker & Redistribution App that connects campus kitchens with NGOs, volunteers, or local shelters. Using a simple interface, canteen staff can quickly log leftover food (e.g., “20 meal boxes ready”) before it is wasted. The app then alerts nearby NGOs or student volunteers who can pick it up and distribute it within a short window of time.

The app will use features like:

• Real-time notifications to NGOs/volunteers

• Pickup scheduling to avoid delays

• Food safety checks & expiry timers

• Impact dashboard showing meals saved from waste

Who benefits?

• Canteens/Hostels → Reduce food waste and costs

• NGOs & Volunteers → Easier food collection and distribution

• Communities in need → Access to meals that would otherwise be wasted

• Universities → Build a sustainable, socially responsible campus culture

This problem matters to me because I’ve seen how much food goes into the bin during hostel dinners while so many outside our campus go hungry. With this idea, we can create a win-win situation: less waste, more meals, and a more sustainable campus.

Edible Smart Expiry Tags – Ending Food Waste at Homes

Problem:

In every household, food often goes to waste because expiry dates on packaging are vague. “Best before” doesn’t mean spoiled, but most people throw items out early to be safe. On the other side, some accidentally eat expired food because labels are small, confusing, or faded. This creates two problems: huge food wastage and health risks.

Gap in Current Solutions:

•Printed expiry dates are static → they don’t reflect actual storage conditions.

•Smart fridges exist, but they are too expensive and not widely adopted.

•No low-cost, everyday solution that works for everyone.

Proposed Solution:

My idea is Edible Smart Expiry Tags:

•Small, non-toxic, edible tags/stickers placed on food packaging.

•The tag changes color naturally (green → yellow → red) depending on real freshness, not just printed dates.

•The tag can be dissolved in water (safe, biodegradable) when discarded, leaving no waste.

Who Benefits:

•Families/Students: Avoid throwing away safe food, save money, eat healthier.

•Retailers: Reduce wastage in grocery stores and improve stock rotation.

•Environment: Less food waste → less methane release from landfills.

Why It Matters to Me:

At home, I’ve seen perfectly good food thrown away just because of unclear expiry dates, while sometimes spoiled items went unnoticed until too late. A simple color-based solution would make food safety obvious and help everyone waste less.

Optional Tech Details:

•Tags made from safe biopolymers + natural pH-sensitive compounds (like anthocyanins from red cabbage).

•Low-cost, scalable, eco-friendly.

•Works on packaged goods, dairy, meat, and even fresh produce.

• Problem: People run out of basics (soap, shampoo, detergent, cooking oil, etc.) and rush to buy new plastic bottles every time → waste of money, plastic, and effort.

• Solution: A network of smart refill stations placed in apartments, campuses, and local stores.

  • Customers bring their own reusable containers.

  • Scan QR code → choose product & quantity.

  • Pay digitally, refill instantly.

• Tech Angle: IoT-enabled dispenser tracks usage, prevents spillage, and sends alerts when stock runs low.

Market Gaps:

• Current refill options are rare, limited to niche eco-stores.

• No tech-driven, convenient system for students, hostels, and busy professionals.

• Most sustainability solutions focus only on recycling, not on reducing single-use plastics at source.

Who Benefits:

• Students & working professionals: Save time + money on small, frequent purchases.

• Retailers: Cut packaging costs and attract eco-conscious customers.

• Community & Environment: Huge reduction in plastic waste.

Why It Matters to Me:

• I’ve seen my hostel dump dozens of shampoo/detergent bottles every week.

• Small changes at campus/community level can scale massively if made convenient.

• It connects with my interest in tech + sustainability → solving a real problem I live with daily.

Solve a Real-World Problem

Water scarcity is a growing global crisis that affects millions of people every day. Despite advancements in infrastructure, a huge amount of clean water is wasted due to pipeline leakages, inefficient distribution, and lack of awareness among consumers. Many cities lose up to 30–40% of treated water before it even reaches households. This not only stresses existing resources but also increases the cost of supply for governments.

 Gaps in the Current Solutions/Market

Current solutions such as large-scale treatment plants and public awareness campaigns do not address the root of the problem—real-time monitoring and efficient usage. There is very little technology deployed at the household or city distribution level to track leaks, optimize water allocation, or provide actionable insights to users. As a result, both governments and citizens lack the tools to actively manage and conserve water.

Who Benefits 

• Households: Save money by reducing wastage and get insights into their water usage patterns.

• Governments/Utilities: Detect leaks quickly, optimize distribution, and reduce costs associated with emergency water supply.

• Communities: Enjoy fair distribution of water, especially during times of scarcity.

• Environment: Conservation of water ensures sustainability for future generations.

Why This Problem Matters to me

Water is a fundamental necessity of life, yet it is often taken for granted until shortages occur. With climate change, population growth, and rapid urbanization, the demand for water is only increasing. This problem matters to me because ensuring sustainable water use is essential not just for today, but for the survival of future generations. Tackling water wastage now can prevent severe crises later.

Technical Details

The Smart Water Management System will use IoT sensors embedded in pipelines to detect leaks in real time. Smart meters installed in homes will record water consumption and share data through a mobile app. AI algorithms will analyze consumption patterns, forecast demand, and dynamically redirect supply to areas in greater need. The system will be scalable for both small towns and large metropolitan cities.

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.

EcoCharge — Powering mobility, cutting carbon.

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common among students and staff, campuses face a growing challenge: inadequate charging infrastructure. Existing setups often have long queues, inefficient energy use, and no integration with renewable energy sources. This discourages EV adoption, increases dependence on fossil-fuel vehicles, and creates avoidable downtime for students.

Current solutions and why they don’t work

• Basic plug-in stations: First-come, first-served; no smart queueing or load balancing.

• Paid public chargers: Expensive and far from campus, making them impractical for daily use.

• Standalone solar charging pilots: Not integrated with demand management or campus energy grids.

These gaps make EV charging unreliable and unsustainable, reducing the incentives for greener mobility.

Proposed solution and why it works better

EcoCharge is a smart EV charging network designed specifically for campuses. It manages demand through real-time scheduling, integrates with rooftop solar or renewable energy inputs, and uses an app to optimize charging slots. Unlike conventional charging, EcoCharge ensures fair access, maximizes green energy usage, and provides transparent billing.

Who it benefits

• Students & staff with EVs: reliable, scheduled, low-cost charging.

• Campus sustainability teams: measurable carbon reduction data and energy optimization.

• Administration: reduced grid dependency and smoother energy usage.

• Community: cleaner air, lower emissions around campus.

Why this matters to me

As EV adoption grows, I’ve seen peers struggle with finding working chargers or waiting hours for a free slot. Solving this directly encourages sustainable transport on campus while saving time and reducing emissions.

Solution: what EcoCharge does?

EcoCharge combines IoT-enabled chargers with a campus energy app:

1. Smart charging stations: equipped with load sensors and programmable controllers.

2. App interface: lets users book slots, view availability, and get real-time updates.

3. Energy integration: prioritizes renewable energy usage, shifts charging to off-peak hours.

4. Admin dashboard: analytics on usage, carbon savings, and predictive maintenance.

Technical details (simple & deployable)

• Hardware: IoT-enabled EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) with RFID/QR authentication.

• Connectivity: chargers linked to a central campus server over Wi‑Fi or LTE.

• Backend: cloud-based scheduler with load-balancing algorithms.

• App: React Native app for users + web dashboard for admins.

• Energy layer: smart meters + solar inverters feeding into the system.

Minimum Viable Product

• Phase 1: Install 3–4 smart chargers at high-demand hostels/parking areas. Launch with slot booking + basic load balancing.

• Phase 2: Measure average wait times, renewable share of energy use, and charger utilization rates.

• Phase 3: Expand to all major parking lots with 20+ chargers, integrate solar panels, and scale to dynamic energy pricing.

Cycling is one of the easiest and most healthy ways to travel in a city. It saves money, reduces pollution, and helps keep one fit. But actually, cyclists often feel unsafe because there are no proper lanes for them. They have to ride beside buses, cars, and bikes. This makes people avoid cycling even when they want to.

Current solutions are painted cycle lanes which exist in a few places but they are still poorly maintained and broken midway or are even taken by parked vehicles. This shows a major gap: people are interested in cycling, but current infrastructure does not support them.

That’s why I thought of CycleSafe Tracks.

This idea is simple and practical: we create dedicated cycle lanes on main roads which are separated from traffic by using low, flexible rubber dividers (like speed bumps along the road). These dividers are cheap, easy to install, and also will prevent cars from entering the lane, while still allowing emergency vehicles to cross if required.

At night, these lanes can use glow-in-the-dark paint and solar-powered lights for visibility. At intersections, we could have push buttons for cyclists which link to traffic signals, giving them a green light for a safe crossing. In crowded areas, 3D zebra crossings can automatically slow vehicles, protecting cyclists and even pedestrians.

This solution benefits cyclists by providing them with safety and even families who want their children to ride without fear, and the environment by reducing dependency on cars and pollution. Governments also benefit, as CycleSafe Tracks are affordable, cheap, and show progress to smart city goals.

This problem matters to me because I’ve seen many people avoid cycling mainly due to danger and not because they don’t want to try it. With CycleSafe Tracks, we can make cycling safe, practical, and plausible.

                                                                                                  Reclaiming waste and restoring earth

Problem

Landfills release methane a greenhouse gas that is about 80 times stronger than CO₂. They also leak toxic liquids into the soil and water which can harm plants, animals, and people. Cities are producing more waste than they have space to handle. Current waste to energy systems burn trash, which releases CO₂ and does not fully reduce pollution. Because of this landfills are still major sources of climate change and pollution making it harder to achieve netzero goals.

Market Gap

Current methods to capture methane are mostly for big sites, expensive, and hard to scale. Recycling does not reduce methane from landfills and struggles with mixed waste. Carbon capture usually does not focus on landfill gases, which make up 11% of the world’s methane. Right now there is no single system that can capture methane, clean waste, and reuse resources all together.

 Solution : ReClaim units

Modular units deployed at landfill sites to:

• Capture methane via biofilters and membrane systems that actively extract methane from landfill surfaces and gas vents.
• Convert methane into renewable fuels through catalytic reformers (which reform methane into syngas) and microbial bioconversion, where specialized microbes produce upgraded biogas.
• Mineralize captured CO₂ by reacting it with alkaline industrial waste or minerals to form stable solid carbonates, creating carbon negative construction aggregates.
• Treat toxic leachates using a combination of biological (aerobic and anaerobic microbial digestion), chemical (oxidation and precipitation), and physical (membrane filtration, adsorption) technologies, monitored and controlled by integrated bio-indicator sensors (BITE tech) that detect heavy metals and toxins in real-time for adaptive management.
• Stabilize residual waste into inert construction bricks by employing waste solidification and stabilization techniques, binding contaminants into a safe matrix while producing durable, carbon negative building materials.

Scientific Mechanism

• Methane from waste in landfills is pulled out using suction and filters with microbes that consume methane.
• Membranes separate methane to concentrate it for energy use.
• Methane is converted into a fuel gas called syngas using catalysts.
• Microbes break down organic waste into biogas, which is cleaned and turned into renewable gas or hydrogen.
• CO₂ reacts with waste materials to form solid carbon that stays locked in building materials.
• Toxic liquids from landfills are cleaned by microbes, chemicals, filters, and activated carbon.
• Sensors track pollution continuously to keep treatment safe and effective.
• Heavy metals and harmful chemicals are removed to protect soil and water.
• Leftover solids are mixed with binders and hardened into bricks.
• These bricks reduce landfill size and can be used for eco-friendly construction

Who Benefits?

• pollution in cities reduced, land is reclaimed and gain the carbon credits.
• Waste companies access new revenues.
• Carbon credit buyers get verifiable impact credits.
• Communities enjoy cleaner air, water, and repurposed land.
• Construction receives carbon negative materials.

Why It Matters to Me

I want to reduce pollution and fight climate change by controlling methane from landfills, one of the fastest ways to slow global warming. I am motivated to stop toxic liquids from leaking into soil and water, keeping ecosystems and communities safe from harmful contamination. This project lets me turn a growing environmental problem into a local solution that improves air quality, cleans water, and turns waste into clean energy and useful materials. It’s about making real, visible benefits for people and the planet in their own communities.

Road Map

• Prototype modular methane capture and leachate treatment unit with sensors.
• Pilot with mid-sized city landfill demonstrating full system and monetization.
• Scale to multiple sites and improve efficiency.
• Monetize renewable energy, carbon credits, and recycled bricks.
• Expand globally in rapidly urbanizing regions.