Students from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, won first prize at Azim Premji University’s 10th National Social Enterprise Idea Challenge. The event on October 10 brought together students from across India to present business ideas addressing social problems.
Launched in 2016, the annual challenge promotes social entrepreneurship and gives students opportunities to exchange ideas and interact with mentors and potential funders.
This year, 10 teams were shortlisted from more than 270 entries submitted by universities and colleges nationwide. Their ideas addressed education, livelihoods, health, sustainability and governance.
Finalists and winning ideas
First prize: SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
The winning team presented URAPPU, a service that helps construction workers access government welfare benefits available to them. Trained facilitators and case-management systems support workers with registration, documentation, eligibility checks, renewals, and claims.
Under its primary model, builders pay for the service, allowing workers to use it free of charge. The team is also exploring an alternative model that includes insurance benefits and may require workers to contribute according to their category.
Second prize: Azim Premji University, Bengaluru
The second-prize team presented SuoMoto, a digital platform for visually impaired people and persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD). SuoMoto Academy supports competitive-examination preparation through audio-based learning tools and memory techniques, enabling users to solve problems without pen and paper.
SuoMoto Club connects users with jobs, events and peers while supporting safe navigation. The platform aims to expand access to education and employment and promote independent living.
Third Prize: Azim Premji University, Bengaluru and Lovely Professional University
The third-prize team presented GreenPath, a digital platform that improves waste collection and management in rural areas. It gives households a digital identity, tracks waste collection through QR codes, and monitors waste segregation and payments. The platform also provides panchayats with real-time data to help them manage waste more effectively.
Designed to work offline and in multiple languages, GreenPath aims to strengthen local waste management and make waste collectors’ work more visible and valued.
Samudra Sangkha Gogoi, mentor for the Social Enterprise Cell at Azim Premji University, said: “The Idea Challenge helps us understand the social issues that young people care about. It also shows how they can build sustainable enterprises to address these issues. Reaching the 10th edition inspires us to continue this work.”
