Student Teams Shine at India’s Net-Zero Design Challenge

28 May 2025 CW Team

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.

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.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Madurai Corporation Proposes Rs 1,400 Million Plan to Save Vaigai River

In a renewed effort to tackle pollution, the Madurai Corporation has submitted Rs 1,400 million proposal to the state government to upgrade the city’s drainage network and prevent untreated sewage from entering the Vaigai River. The proposal follows growing public concern over the river’s deteriorating condition despite previous mitigation efforts. The Vaigai flows for nearly 12 km within Madurai city limits, with sections obstructed by invasive plants, garbage, and untreated sewage. While multiple inlets contribute to contamination, the Panthalkudi canal in Goripalayam has been identifi..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Building Material

13 Oct 2025

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..