Azim Premji University announces winners of its 5th Social Enterprise ‘Idea’ Challenge

Bengaluru: The Azim Premji University Social Enterprise cell has been hosting a national level Social enterprise ‘idea’ challenge among School, college and University students across India. The 5th National Social Enterprise Idea Challenge was on “Response to COVID - 19 crisis”.  The Cell invited Ideas from students to help institutions, communities and individuals to face and overcome many issues that are coming up with the COVID - 19 crisis.
The 5th year of the National level Social Enterprise Idea Challenge received 85 submissions from students all over India. The Jury members shortlisted 10 teams for final presentations and selection of winners.
Results:
1.      Winner
Jal Kumbi from University of Calcutta
Project Description - Aims to create floating gardens in ponds to cultivate organic vegetables and create employment for the Musahar community which consist mainly of landless labourers.
 
2.      1st Runner Up
Enactus JMI from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Project Description - Aims to manufacture biodegradable face masks and sanitary napkins, both of which would be made from abaca fiber, to reduce the accumulation of waste and offer a cheap and effective alternative to disposable masks and sanitary napkins providing livelihood support to domestic violence survivors.

3.      2nd Runner Up
De-Covify from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.
Project Description - Solution for minimising direct and indirect transmission of COVID-19 through two products named ‘Visage’ and ‘Cov-Ring’. Visage consists of a cotton mask and a PET visor attached to it to prevent droplet transmission. Cov-Ring is a hand gear designed to prevent direct skin exposure to surfaces.

“We have been organizing this Social Enterprise Idea challenge for students for the past last 5 years with an objective to give a visible platform to young and innovative minds with social impact ideas to solve some of our burning social issues. We are glad that these student-led ideas have been noticed by mentors in the social enterprise eco - system and funders. This year brought forth many ideas to tackle issues related to the Covid crisis and we hope that with mentoring and handholding in the initial months, these ideas will realise their true potential." said Nazrul Haque, Faculty at Azim Premji University.
The shortlisted teams are from: