IdeaRun

IdeaRun 2026

IdeaRun 2026

Pitch your idea

Empower communities

Create lasting impact

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.

Learn More

Learn More

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 presenters.

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

" Community-centred and sustainable livelihoods through productive use of electricity, enterprise, and education. "

" Community-centred and sustainable livelihoods through productive use of electricity, enterprise, and education. "

Challenges

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 and endorsed 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 Endorsement

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.

01

01

Submit Proposal

Share your idea & team details

02

02

Shortlisting

Reviewed by the ISV SARC scrutiny

03

03

Online Presentation

Present your solution online before the reviewers

04

04

Awards

Top teams are recognised with cash award

05

Project Grant

Funding to build a pilot

From ideas to impact

Supporting sustainable livelihoods and empowering rural communities.

Explore previously funded student innovations

Explore previously funded student innovations

  • Ecoloop Aquaponics

    Zero Waste Farming Powered by Solar and Insect-Based Recycling

    Develop a solar-powered Aquaponic demonstration unit integrated with Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) farming, creating a zero-waste and sustainable model. The system integrates fish farming and plant cultivation in a closed-loop cycle. BSFL converts organic waste into high-protein fish feed, and excess larvae generate additional income. Digital marketing and sensor-based monitoring are adopted to ensure better income with reduced cost and environmental conservation.

    MITS campus, Varikoli, Kochi, India

    Muthoot Institute of Technology and Science, Kochi, India

    2025 ISV Student Project

  • Bael Tea Production

    As a Potential Rural Empowerment Solution

    Bael (woodapple) Tea production offers a transformative solution to empower rural communities. Despite its exceptional flavor, rich nutritional and medicinal properties, Bael fruit remains underutilized due to its hard shell, sticky texture, numerous seeds, seasonal availability, and limited access to direct markets. This project aims to use a solar-powered dryer, ensuring efficient Bael fruit processing with consistent quality. The project proposes training of farmers and villagers on entrepreneurial opportunities, while equipping local youth with digital marketing skills.

    Niz-Bahjani village, Assam, India

    Tezpur University, Assam

    2025 ISV Student Project

  • Empowering sustainable rural livelihoods

    with a multi-purpose Electric Vehicle startup

    Develop a multi-purpose solar-powered Electric Vehicle specially designed with portable and foldable solar panels and a flatbed aiming to provide cheaper electricity supply to irrigation, transportation and mobile learning centers. The villagers need sustainable methods aimed at reducing irrigation costs as well as expanding access to education through improved infrastructure. The EV reduces overall irrigation costs to a lower price and also improves agricultural productivity while providing skill building for young kids living in far off places.

    Dhoba Gerya, West Bengal, India

    Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata

    2025 ISV Student Project

  • Smart Aquaponic Farming of Leafy Vegetables

    Developed a pilot Aquaponic system for growing vegetables that can’t be grown with traditional farming methods in India in integration with a recirculating aquaculture of fish to demonstrate multiple sources of livelihood for farmers.

    Tathawade, Pune, India

    JSPM’s Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Pune

    2024 ISV Student Project

  • Biodegradable Sanitary Pad Production

    As a Sustainable Livelihood Enterprise in Assam, India

    Developed banana fiber pulp sheet that can be used as an absorbent material in sanitary pad in collaboration with ICAR- Central Institute of Research in Cotton Technology, Mumbai. Three prototypes of the banana fiber pads are made in a participatory design workshop involving the project team, the Department of Design at Tezpur University and Women Self Help Group members of the local community. The SHG women are prepared to undertake the entrepreneurship activity with banana fiber pads and become change agents in the community.

    Tezpur, Assam, India

    Tezpur University, Assam

    2024 ISV Student Project

  • Synergistic Integration of Solar PV Cell and Water Purification Technologies for Sustainable Community Development

    Solar based water purifier system is installed to provide clean drinking water to the villagers at a reasonable price. 400 Liters of purified water is produced daily from a gravity-based community storage system and that is solad @ ₹1.75 per litre, against a market price of ₹4 per litre. The project is handed over to the Village Council for its operation and maintenance.

    Hualngohmun, Aibowk Block, Aizawl district, Mizoram
    India

    National Institute of Technology, Mizoram

    2024 ISV Student Project

  • Ecoloop Aquaponics

    Zero Waste Farming Powered by Solar and Insect-Based Recycling

    Develop a solar-powered Aquaponic demonstration unit integrated with Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) farming, creating a zero-waste and sustainable model. The system integrates fish farming and plant cultivation in a closed-loop cycle. BSFL converts organic waste into high-protein fish feed, and excess larvae generate additional income. Digital marketing and sensor-based monitoring are adopted to ensure better income with reduced cost and environmental conservation.

    MITS campus, Varikoli, Kochi, India

    Muthoot Institute of Technology and Science, Kochi

    2025 ISV Student Project

  • Bael Tea Production

    As a Potential Rural Empowerment Solution

    Bael (woodapple) Tea production offers a transformative solution to empower rural communities. Despite its exceptional flavor, rich nutritional and medicinal properties, Bael fruit remains underutilized due to its hard shell, sticky texture, numerous seeds, seasonal availability, and limited access to direct markets. This project aims to use a solar-powered dryer, ensuring efficient Bael fruit processing with consistent quality. The project proposes training of farmers and villagers on entrepreneurial opportunities, while equipping local youth with digital marketing skills.

    Niz-Bahjani village, Assam, India

    Tezpur University, Assam, India

    2025 ISV Student Project

  • Empowering sustainable rural livelihoods

    with a multi-purpose Electric Vehicle startup

    Develop a multi-purpose solar-powered Electric Vehicle specially designed with portable and foldable solar panels and a flatbed aiming to provide cheaper electricity supply to irrigation, transportation and mobile learning centers. The villagers need sustainable methods aimed at reducing irrigation costs as well as expanding access to education through improved infrastructure. The EV reduces overall irrigation costs to a lower price and also improves agricultural productivity while providing skill building for young kids living in far off places.

    Dhoba Gerya, West Bengal, India

    Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata

    2025 ISV Student Project

  • Smart Aquaponic Farming of Leafy Vegetables

    Developed a pilot Aquaponic system for growing vegetables that can’t be grown with traditional farming methods in India in integration with a recirculating aquaculture of fish to demonstrate multiple sources of livelihood for farmers.

    Tathawade, Pune, India

    JSPM’s Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Pune

    2024 ISV Student Project

  • Biodegradable Sanitary Pad Production

    As a Sustainable Livelihood Enterprise in Assam, India

    Developed banana fiber pulp sheet that can be used as an absorbent material in sanitary pad in collaboration with ICAR- Central Institute of Research in Cotton Technology, Mumbai. Three prototypes of the banana fiber pads are made in a participatory design workshop involving the project team, the Department of Design at Tezpur University and Women Self Help Group members of the local community. The SHG women are prepared to undertake the entrepreneurship activity with banana fiber pads and become change agents in the community.

    Tezpur, Assam, India

    Tezpur University, Assam

    2024 ISV Student Project

  • Synergistic Integration of Solar PV Cell and Water Purification Technologies for Sustainable Community Development

    Solar based water purifier system is installed to provide clean drinking water to the villagers at a reasonable price. 400 Liters of purified water is produced daily from a gravity-based community storage system and that is solad @ ₹1.75 per litre, against a market price of ₹4 per litre. The project is handed over to the Village Council for its operation and maintenance.

    Hualngohmun, Aibowk Block, Aizawl district, Mizoram, India

    National Institute of Technology, Mizoram

    2024 ISV Student Project

  • Ecoloop Aquaponics

    Zero Waste Farming Powered by Solar and Insect-Based Recycling

    Develop a solar-powered Aquaponic demonstration unit integrated with Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) farming, creating a zero-waste and sustainable model. The system integrates fish farming and plant cultivation in a closed-loop cycle. BSFL converts organic waste into high-protein fish feed, and excess larvae generate additional income. Digital marketing and sensor-based monitoring are adopted to ensure better income with reduced cost and environmental conservation.

    MITS campus, Varikoli, Kochi, India

    Muthoot Institute of Technology and Science, Kochi

    2025 ISV Student Project

  • Bael Tea Production

    As a Potential Rural Empowerment Solution

    Bael (woodapple) Tea production offers a transformative solution to empower rural communities. Despite its exceptional flavor, rich nutritional and medicinal properties, Bael fruit remains underutilized due to its hard shell, sticky texture, numerous seeds, seasonal availability, and limited access to direct markets. This project aims to use a solar-powered dryer, ensuring efficient Bael fruit processing with consistent quality. The project proposes training of farmers and villagers on entrepreneurial opportunities, while equipping local youth with digital marketing skills.

    Niz-Bahjani village, Assam, India

    Tezpur University, Assam

    2025 ISV Student Project

  • Empowering sustainable rural livelihoods

    with a multi-purpose Electric Vehicle startup

    Develop a multi-purpose solar-powered Electric Vehicle specially designed with portable and foldable solar panels and a flatbed aiming to provide cheaper electricity supply to irrigation, transportation and mobile learning centers. The villagers need sustainable methods aimed at reducing irrigation costs as well as expanding access to education through improved infrastructure. The EV reduces overall irrigation costs to a lower price and also improves agricultural productivity while providing skill building for young kids living in far off places.

    Dhoba Gerya, West Bengal, India

    Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata

    2025 ISV Student Project

  • Smart Aquaponic Farming of Leafy Vegetables

    Developed a pilot Aquaponic system for growing vegetables that can’t be grown with traditional farming methods in India in integration with a recirculating aquaculture of fish to demonstrate multiple sources of livelihood for farmers.

    Tathawade, Pune, India

    JSPM’s Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Pune

    2024 ISV Student Project

  • Biodegradable Sanitary Pad Production

    As a Sustainable Livelihood Enterprise in Assam, India

    Developed banana fiber pulp sheet that can be used as an absorbent material in sanitary pad in collaboration with ICAR- Central Institute of Research in Cotton Technology, Mumbai. Three prototypes of the banana fiber pads are made in a participatory design workshop involving the project team, the Department of Design at Tezpur University and Women Self Help Group members of the local community. The SHG women are prepared to undertake the entrepreneurship activity with banana fiber pads and become change agents in the community.

    Tezpur, Assam, India

    Tezpur University, Assam

    2024 ISV Student Project

  • Synergistic Integration of Solar PV Cell and Water Purification Technologies for Sustainable Community Development

    Solar based water purifier system is installed to provide clean drinking water to the villagers at a reasonable price. 400 Liters of purified water is produced daily from a gravity-based community storage system and that is solad @ ₹1.75 per litre, against a market price of ₹4 per litre. The project is handed over to the Village Council for its operation and maintenance.

    Hualngohmun, Aibowk Block, Aizawl district, Mizoram
    India

    National Institute of Technology, Mizoram

    2024 ISV Student Project

Submission Details

Deadline

31 October 2026

Queries & Contact

idearun.isvsarc@gmail.com

Result

24 February 2027

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Your Idea Could Change a Community

Your Idea Could Change a Community

Join students across South Asia in building practical, sustainable solutions that empower underserved communities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Empowerment through Enterprise

IEEE Smart Village Symposium 2027 is managed by EQUINOCT

Contact- help.symposiumkochi@gmail.com and team@equinoct.com

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IEEE, not-for-profit organization, is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

Empowerment through Enterprise

IEEE Smart Village Symposium 2027 is managed by EQUINOCT

Contact- help.symposiumkochi@gmail.com and team@equinoct.com

Explore More

IEEE.org |

IEEE Xplore Digital Library |

IEEE Standards |

Brand Experience |

Sitemap |

Contact |

Accessibility |

IEEE Ethics Reporting |

Nondiscrimination Policy |

Site Feedback

IEEE Privacy Policy |

Terms & Disclosures |

© Copyright 2027 IEEE – All rights reserved.

IEEE, not-for-profit organization, is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.