IdeaRun
IdeaRun 2026
IdeaRun 2026
Turn your innovative ideas into real-world solutions for underserved communities across South Asia. IEEE Smart Village invites student teams to design sustainable technology-driven projects that create livelihoods through electricity, enterprise, and education.
Application Window Closes In
Time remaining to submit your IdeaRun 2026 proposal.
51
days
:
17
hours
:
36
minutes
:
59
seconds
For Enquiries Contact :
idearun.isvsarc@gmail.com
Milestone Timeline
Call for Proposals
September 01, 2026:
Upcoming
Last Date of Submission
October 31, 2026
Online review
To be Announced
Pending
Notification of Shortlist
To be Announced
Pending
Final Presentation
February 24, 2027
Event
What You Can Win
IdeaRun 2026 Cash Awards
Recognising the most promising community-driven solutions.
Present at ISV Symposium 2027
Present your ideas at ISV Symposium 2027 with travel support for selected teams.
2027 Student Project Grants
Receive funding to transform your idea into reality.
Overview
IEEE Smart Village empowers underserved communities around the world through local enterprises to generate income as fees for goods and services that uplift their members. ISV's Three Pillar approach consists of electricity, enterprise and education.
Despite efforts for development, many rural communities in the South Asia remain underserved. Advent of technologies can address rural development challenges. IEEE Smart Village – South Asia Regional Committee (ISV SARC) invites young minds to propose ideas of productive use of technology to serve the underserved through community engagement. The proposal should address the theme and suggest a solution leading to potential livelihood opportunity.
Theme
Three pillars, one mission
IdeaRun invites students to design and deploy solutions operating at the crucial intersection of our three developmental pillars.
Electricity
Reliable, clean access to energy that enables productive community activities, light, and power.
Enterprise
Innovative, sustainable business opportunities that improve local livelihoods and generate income.
Education
Knowledge and skills that empower communities for long-term sustainability.
Who Can Apply
IdeaRun invites students to design and deploy solutions operating at the crucial intersection of our three developmental pillars.
2-5 Students
per team
Form a cohesive unit of 2 to 5 active student members committed to executing the project.
Faculty Mentor Required
Every student team must be guided by a faculty mentor from their home institution.
Undergraduate & Graduate
Open to currently enrolled undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.
Multi-disciplinary Teams
Encouraged to merge skills across multiple disciplines.
Open Across South Asia
Institutions located anywhere in the IEEE South Asia region are fully eligible to apply.
What Should Your Proposal Include?
Ensure your pitch document covers each of the core requirements below to provide the reviewers with a clear understanding of the social and technical feasibility.
Project Title
Team Details
Mentor Details
Background Survey
Problem Statement
Proposed Solution
Expected Outcome
Estimated Budget
Proposal Length: Maximum 1000 words
Project Duration (6–12 months)
Submission Journey
Follow our five-stage program roadmap from abstract submission to fully funded field implementation.
Submit Proposal
Shortlisting
Shortlisted proposals are evaluated by the ISV SARC panel
Presentation
Project Grant
