7th National Social Enterprise Idea Challenge | Meet the Winners

Explore the prize-winning ideas from the students of Odisha University of Technology and Research, Bhubaneswar, and Ramjas College, Delhi University.

Campus Bengaluru

Students of Odisha University of Technology and Research, Bhubaneshwar won the 7th edition of Azim Premji University’s National Level Social Enterprise Idea challenge organised at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.

The Social Enterprise Cell of Azim Premji University organises the Idea Challenge event every year with the purpose to provide students of colleges and universities across India an opportunity to explore social entrepreneurship and share their innovative social impact ideas in a rigorous and competitive manner. The event also acts as a great networking platform for young minds to meet each other, exchange thoughts and showcase their talent and skills to some of the early-stage mentors and funders. 

In the 7th year of the event, more than 100 teams participated and submitted their innovative social impact models in the first round. The submissions were broadly in the domains of education, livelihood, health, sustainability and governance. 

15 teams were shortlisted for the finale round which was held at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru on October 13, Friday. 

The jury members for the event were

  1. Suresh Krishna, Co-founder and CEO, Yunus Social Business Fund Bengaluru and Partner, Yunus Social Business India Initiatives
  2. Tony Paul, CEO, Uravu, a bamboo-based social enterprise and 
  3. Amalendu Jyotishi, Faculty Member, School of Development, Azim Premji University

1st Prize: Team Chuliv | Odisha University of Technology and Research, Bhubaneswar

The winners with Manoj P, COO, Azim Premji University

Team Members: Anup Paikaray, Akankhya Dhupal, Priyanka Senapati, Divyanshu

Summary of the Idea: Chuliv is the world’s first heat-powered air blower for mud stoves, reducing carbon emissions by 60% and improving stove performance by 40%. The automatic, non-electrical device absorbs excess heat, enhancing stove performance and contributing to tree preservation. It aligns with SDG 13, SDG 3, and SDG 7, promoting affordable, clean energy without significant changes to cooking methods.

2nd Prize: Team Inayaat | Ramjas College, Delhi University

Team Members: Saniya Gupta, Pragun Kumar, Siya Rai

Summary of the Idea: Inaayat focuses on clean water, climate action, and decent livelihood by converting water hyacinths into handicraft products, promoting sustainable development goals and economic growth.

3rd Prize: Team Waraq | Ramjas College, Delhi University

Summary of the Idea: Project Waraq focuses on sustainability by manufacturing eco-friendly, durable disposable cutlery. The project, which started with a smaller customer base, focuses on waste management. Each item is expertly crafted and molded, with plant seeds inserted during production. The biodegradable items are easy to discard and promote plant growth.

Know more about the 7th National Social Enterprise Idea Challenge here.