PLASTIC & SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Problem Statement 1:

How can we design practical and affordable solutions to reduce the use of single-use plastics in everyday life, especially in households, schools, markets, and public spaces?

Focus:  Reducing plastic consumption at the source through behaviour change, alternatives, and accessible design.

Problem Statement 2:

Design an inclusive and scalable plastic waste segregation and collection system that can be easily adopted by households and communities, including those with limited resources or mobility constraints.

Focus:  Improving segregation and recovery of plastic waste while enabling participation across diverse communities.

Problem Statement 3:

Create a solution that strengthens the plastic waste recycling ecosystem by improving traceability, efficiency, or livelihoods of waste workers involved in collection and recycling.

Focus:  Enhancing circularity and social inclusion within the plastic waste value chain.

AIR POLLUTION & PUBLIC HEALTH

Problem Statement 1:

How can we develop low-cost, easy-to-use air quality monitoring solutions that help communities, schools, or local authorities understand and respond to harmful air pollution levels?

Focus:  Increasing awareness and access to air quality data for informed decision-making and public health protection.

Problem Statement 2:

Design an intervention that reduces air pollution from common urban sources such as traffic, construction activities, small industries, or household fuel use.

Focus:  Practical mitigation strategies targeting everyday pollution sources in Indian cities and towns.

Problem Statement 3:

Create a community-centred or behaviour-driven solution that encourages individuals and institutions to adopt practices that reduce air pollution exposure and health risks.

Focus:  Behaviour change and preventive action to improve respiratory health and quality of life.