Solar Decathlon India (SDI), a national student challenge fostering net-zero energy-water and climate-resilient building design, concluded its 2024–25 finals at the Infosys campus in Mysuru. Hosted pro bono by Infosys, the event drew over 2,100 students from 150+ institutions and served as a launchpad for climate-conscious careers in the building sector.

Held over three days, the event included student jury presentations, a Climate Smart Innovation Exhibition, and pitch sessions judged by industry leaders from Mahindra Lifespace, Brigade REAP, Tata Realty, and others. Lambert Technovation Pvt. Ltd. won the Climate Smart Innovation Award for its modular, chemical-free reactor that revolutionises wastewater treatment in buildings.

Six student teams won across the competition’s building and product divisions, with Team Anvaya (BMS College of Architecture and Engineering) taking home the Grand Prize for its modular housing solution for construction workers, developed in partnership with Rohan Builders.

The event was also marked by keynote addresses and a climate career fair connecting participants with 50+ organisations. Ashish Goel, founder of OctoLife, urged students to “start anyway – imperfect, urgent, now,” inspiring rapid climate action.

Infosys ensured the entire event remained carbon neutral. Even the SDI trophies awarded were carbon negative — exemplifying sustainable innovation in practice.

SDI is organised by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), under the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, with support from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

2024–25 Division Winners:

1. Multi-Family Housing: Team Astitva (BMS College)

2. Educational Building: Team Nirmaan (Manipal School)

3. Office Building: Team MAA-EARTH (MEASI Academy)

4. Community Resilience Shelter: Team Centauri (IIT Kharagpur)

5. Construction Worker Housing: Team Anvaya (BMS College)

6. Residential Cooling Retrofit: Team Kalpana (Manipal School)

Solar Decathlon India continues to cultivate future-ready professionals, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world sustainability challenges in the built environment.