About this event
SUSTAINITE 2026 – The SDG 8 Innovation Summit
Theme: SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
## About the Event
SUSTAINITE 2026 is an initiative focused on sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation, responsible business practices, decent work, and inclusive economic growth, aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8.
The event brings together students from different disciplines to develop innovative solutions that address real-world sustainability challenges while creating business opportunities and positive environmental and social impact.
Date: 29 October 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Peter Drucker Hall
Prize Pool: Up to ₹30,000
Event Highlights
1. Mission Earth – Eco Escape Room
A team-based sustainability challenge in which participants solve puzzles by selecting the correct challenge cards to prevent environmental incidents before time runs out.
The activity tests teamwork, critical thinking, environmental awareness, and quick decision-making. The number of challenges and time limit will be announced by the organizers.
2. Pitch Fest – Pitch to the Planet
A sustainable startup pitch competition where participants present innovative business ideas addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Suggested problem statements:
- Coal-Based Electricity and Carbon Emissions
- Carbon Footprint of Consumer Product Packaging
- Sustainable Last-Mile Delivery Optimization
- Green Employment for Young People
- AI-Based Energy Consumption Optimization
- Smart Waste Segregation Using Computer Vision
- IoT-Based Water Management
- AI-Powered Carbon-Aware Logistics
Participants may also propose their own startup ideas under the Open Innovation category, provided they align with sustainability and relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Pitch Deck Requirements:
1. Problem Statement
2. Proposed Solution
3. Technology / How It Works
4. Why Us? – Team Strengths
5. Business Model
6. Revenue Model
Format: 5-minute presentation followed by 2 minutes of judges' Q&A, making a total of 7 minutes per team.
Ideas will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, sustainability impact, business potential, scalability, and presentation quality.
3. Industry Expert Panel Discussion
An afternoon discussion featuring industry professionals sharing insights on sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation, responsible business practices, and career opportunities. The panel discussion is open to attendees.
Eligibility and Team Formation
- Open to college students from all academic disciplines.
- Students from management, engineering, computer science, and other specializations are encouraged to participate.
- Inter-specialization teams are permitted.
- Inter-college participation is subject to the organizers' confirmation.
- Participants must provide accurate information during registration.
- Team sizes must follow the requirements specified for the selected competition.
General Rules
- Participants must complete the required registration process.
- All submitted ideas and presentations must be original.
- Participants must follow the announced time limits and instructions.
- Judges' and organizers' decisions will be final.
- Misconduct, plagiarism, or unfair practices may lead to disqualification.
- Participants must maintain professional conduct throughout the event.
- The organizers reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the schedule or competition procedures.
Registration and Payment
The competition participation fee is ₹300 per team. Participants must complete the detailed registration form and follow the payment instructions provided by the organizers.
Where applicable, participants must share a screenshot of their payment through the designated contact channel. Access to the participant WhatsApp group will be approved after payment verification.
Dress Code and Sustainability Guidelines
- Traditional wear is encouraged. Formal, casual, and other college-approved attire are permitted.
- Participants should bring their own reusable water bottles.
- A water-refilling station will be available at the venue to reduce single-use plastic consumption.
Awards
The overall prize pool is up to ₹30,000. Award categories and distribution will be communicated by the organizers.
Join SUSTAINITE 2026 to innovate, collaborate, and build sustainable solutions for a better future!