Ecovate 2026 by SIBM Pune — ₹50,000 Sustainability Challenge — Frequently Asked Questions

It is a sustainability-focused innovation challenge for students, organised by the Social Impact Cell (SIC) of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune. It runs under Nivaan, the cell's annual sustainability initiative, and asks participants to develop practical, scalable solutions to energy, business and sustainability problems. All rounds are held online.

The competition carries a total cash prize pool of ₹50,000. The winner receives ₹25,000, the first runner-up gets ₹15,000 and the second runner-up takes home ₹10,000. These are prize awards rather than grants or investments.

Any student who is pursuing an undergraduate degree or above is eligible, regardless of discipline. Teams must have between one and three members, and all members need to be from the same institute. There is no limit on the number of teams a single institute can enter.

Registration closes on July 31, 2026. The competition itself runs from July 24 to August 8, 2026, so the event window opens slightly before the registration cut-off. Entries submitted after the closing date will not be considered.

No. Every member of a team must belong to the same institute. Teams may have one, two or three members, so a solo entry is also permitted if you prefer to work alone.

Yes. There is no restriction on the number of teams a single institute can send to Ecovate 2026, so your campus can field as many teams as it likes. The only constraint is that an individual student cannot be part of more than one team.

No. Team structure is frozen once registration is completed, so make sure your composition is final before you submit. Any change to the roster after that point is not permitted.

No. Ecovate 2026 is a challenge where the rewards are cash prizes. There is no equity stake taken and no repayment involved — it is not an investment or a loan programme.

Submissions should tackle contemporary issues in clean energy, the circular economy, climate resilience and responsible business practices. The competition is designed to test analytical thinking, creativity and strategic problem-solving through these themes.

Judging is based on three criteria: the practicality of the proposed solution, its scalability, and the impact it can deliver. All rounds take place online, and teams are expected to make a case that holds up on execution and reach.

Registration is handled through the Unstop competition page for Ecovate 2026, run by SIBM Pune. You need to sign up with your team details and complete the process before the July 31, 2026 deadline.

None — this is a student competition, not a startup funding programme. You do not need an incorporated company, incubation, DPIIT recognition or MSME registration. Being a student pursuing an undergraduate degree or higher is the core requirement.

It is organised by the Social Impact Cell (SIC) of SIBM Pune, a student-run body that drives sustainability initiatives on campus, as part of the institute's annual Nivaan sustainability initiative. SIBM Pune is a premier Indian business school known for holistic management education and social responsibility.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Ecovate 2026 by SIBM Pune — ₹50,000 Sustainability Challenge, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.