Student-led net-zero ideas shine at Solar Decathlon India

The finals of the Solar Decathlon India (SDI) 2024-25 Challenge concluded at Infosys’ sustainably operated Mysuru campus, celebrating student-led innovation for net-zero energy-water buildings and climate resilience. Organised under the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum by IIHS and AEEE, and supported by the Department of Science and Technology, the competition saw participation from 175 teams and over 2,100 students across 150 institutions. 

Infosys hosted the three-day event pro bono, offering carbon-neutral facilities, accommodation, and meals for participants and attendees. “It’s so exciting to see youngsters presenting real-life solutions and cool innovations. Some of these ideas can be implemented,” said Guruprakash Sastry, Associate Vice President and Head – Climate Action, Infosys. 

The event featured the Climate Smart Innovation Exhibition and pitch sessions judged by industry leaders. Lambert Technovation won the Climate Smart Innovation Award 2025 for their modular, chemical-free reactor for wastewater treatment. “It’s mind-blowing to see India as a hub for built environment innovation,” noted jury member Sunita Purushottam, Mahindra Lifespace Developers. 

Team Anvaya from BMS College of Architecture and B.M.S. College of Engineering won the Grand Prize for their modular, affordable solution for construction worker housing. “A true answer to the growing need of our construction workers,” stated the grand jury. Their project, in collaboration with Rohan Builders, exemplified practical application and industry partnership. 

Keynote speaker Ashish Goel, Founder of OctoLife, urged innovators to take action: “Start anyway – imperfect, urgent, now.” 

The SDI career fair on May 25 connected finalists with over 50 organisations offering internships and early career roles in sustainability. 

Division Winners: 

Multi-Family Housing: Team Astitva (BMSCA, BMSCE) 

Educational Building: Team Nirmaan (Manipal SA&P, MIT) 

Office Building: Team MAA-EARTH (MEASI, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent) 

Community Resilience Shelter: Team Centauri (IIT Kharagpur) 

Construction Worker Housing: Team Anvaya (BMSCA, BMSCE) 

Residential Cooling Retrofit: Team Kalpana (Manipal SA&P, MIT) 

SDI continues to inspire a generation of sustainability professionals, offering real-world experience and industry engagement in India's race towards climate goals.