An Emerge Auro Initiative
EMERGEFOR GOOD
Innovation Challenge
& Science Model Competition
Got an idea that could fix something real? Bring it. Seven domains, Rs 1,75,000 in prizes, and a live finale at Pondicherry University.
Applications Close
21 October 2026
Open to
All bachelor's degree
college students
Apply by
21 October 2026
Registration deadline
Fee
None
Free to participate
Final
28 October 2026
Pondicherry University
Prize pool
Rs 1,75,000
Bring an idea that matters
Innovation domains
07
domains
01 / ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
A better way
starts with you.
An enterprise can do well and do good at the same time.
Every campus has them: students who look at a dry handpump, an overflowing bin or a village with no clinic nearby and think, there has to be a better way. If that is you, this challenge is yours.
EMERGE FOR GOOD is the student innovation challenge of EMERGE AURO, the conscious capital conclave at Puducherry and Auroville. Conscious capitalism rests on a simple idea: an enterprise can do well and do good at the same time. We are asking you to show how.
You do not need a finished product. You need a clear problem, a sharp idea and a team ready to stand behind it. The finale is live at Pondicherry University on 28 October 2026.
Pick a problem.
Pick a problem you care about.
Build a solution.
Build a solution that works.
Think beyond campus.
Show us how it could reach thousands of people.
02 / WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
Big ideas don’t need a specific degree.
All bachelor's degree college students are welcome.
Any discipline. Every idea.
Any bachelor's degree student, any discipline. Engineering, science, arts, commerce, design: if you have an idea, you are in.
It costs nothing.
There is no registration fee.
Bring your team.
Three members, with a mentor in your corner.
Choose your cause.
Your idea should fit one of seven innovation domains.
A STATE-LEVEL SCIENCE EXPO FOR YOUNG INNOVATORS
EMERGEFOR GOOD
Innovation Challenge 2026
A platform for school students to showcase ideas, solve real-world problems and create a better tomorrow.
03 / SEVEN INNOVATION DOMAINS
Seven problem areas.
Pick the one you cannot stop thinking about. Whichever you choose, we look for the same two things: impact you can measure and a solution that can grow.
Healthcare
Tackle malnutrition, bring preventive care and early diagnosis closer to people, or build health awareness.
Rural Development
Ideas for sanitation, infrastructure, electrification and connectivity, or new ways to earn for rural families.
Waste Management
Reduce, segregate, recycle and upcycle, modernise the circular economy, or help keep waste out of landfills.
Water
Clean drinking water, wastewater treatment, conservation and reuse, or help bring a lake or river back to life.
Skill Development
Financial literacy, vocational skills, employability and entrepreneurship that lead to real jobs.
Women Empowerment
Livelihoods, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, education, safety and leadership.
Responsible Tourism
Eco tourism, alternatives to single-use plastics, habitat protection and animal welfare.
04 / RULES & SUBMISSION
A clear idea.
A ready team.
You do not need a finished product. Here's what your application needs.
Your team
3 members. One team leader.
The team leader is the point of contact.
Name a mentor.
Every team names a mentor.
Record your academic details.
Include the team's college, year and branch of study in the application.
Your submission
Choose one innovation domain.
One innovation domain per team.
Write an elevator pitch.
Your idea in one sentence.
Upload your pitch deck.
Upload it with your application. This is mandatory.
05 / PRIZES
Good ideas deserve backing.
Rs 1,75,000 in cash prizes goes to the top three teams.
1st
Rs 1,00,000
2nd
Rs 50,000
3rd
Rs 25,000
06 / KEY DATES
Mark your calendar.
Two dates. One idea.
Applications open
28 September 2026
Last day to apply
21 October 2026
Finale
28 October 2026
Pondicherry University
An Emerge Auro Initiative
Got a better way?
Bring it.
A clear problem. A sharp idea. A team ready to stand behind it.
Register Now