Problem Statement - Topics

1. Improving Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings

2. Net Zero Building for a Growing City
3. Low-Energy Cooling and Heating Solutions for Buildings
4. “Sustain-3DCP” - Sustainable Materials for 3D Concrete Printing
5. “Affordable-Lightweight” - Lightweight Materials for Affordable Housing
6. “Resist-Corrosion” - Corrosion Resistant Materials for Coastal Infrastructure
7. “Carbon-Sequester” - Carbon Sequestration for Circular Economy
8. Minimizing Landslides in Hilly Terrain
9. Developing Innovative Materials for Melting Ice on Roads in Snowbound Areas
10. Utilization of Waste Plastic Aggregates in Road Construction
11. Reducing Road Accidents Using AI-Based Policy Enforcement Systems
12. “BuildRight” – AI Advisor for Homeowners Planning Construction
13. “MaterialWise” – AI Platform for Transparent Construction Material Sourcing
14. Ergonomic On-Site Tool for Women Masons and Helpers
15. Net-Positive Building Material for Mass Housing
16. Low-Energy, On-Site Masonry Production Unit
17. Multi-Tier Early Warning System for Landslide & Flash Flood Risk in Uphill Construction
Zones
18. Enhancing the public transport system in a city using Data Analytics and IoT
19. Design of Disaster-Resilient Township (Urban Flooding)
20. Reviving a Dead Tourism Spot
21. Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Management (Waste Management)
22. Urban Flood – Resilient Design (Disaster-resilient design)
23. Smart, Safe & Sustainable Road–Bridge–Highway Infrastructure for India
(Road/bridge/highway innovation)
24. Smart Traffic Monitoring & Route Optimization (Urban Mobility and Transportation System)
25. Inclusive Redevelopment Framework for Affordable Housing (Affordable Housing)

Judging Emphasis:

Technical Understanding | Innovation | Practicality | Presentation | Environmental Impact

Problem Statement 1: Improving Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings

Problem Statement

India’s existing building stock—including residential, commercial, and institutional buildings consumes
nearly 30% of the country’s total electricity, and a substantial portion of these buildings was constructed
before the introduction of modern energy codes, efficient HVAC technologies, and insulation standards. As a
result, many older buildings operate with low energy efficiency and higher electricity demand, highlighting the
need for targeted retrofits and energy-efficient upgrades.
Retrofitting these existing buildings is essential to:

• Reduce electricity demand and peak loads

• Lower operational carbon emissions
• Improve occupant comfort and productivity
• Extend building lifespan
• Support India’s Net Zero 2070 commitments

Your challenge is to design actionable and scalable energy-efficiency retrofit solutions for existing buildings in
Indian cities, focusing on low-cost, high-impact interventions suitable for diverse climatic zones and building
types.

Level 1: College / City Level

Focus: Baseline Assessment & Low-Cost Interventions

Expectations:
Participants must analyze an existing building (residential/office/classroom/hostel) and:

• Identify major sources of energy wastage (lighting, HVAC, envelope, appliances)

• Conduct a basic energy audit (manual or theoretical):
o Connected load
o Daily energy usage
o Peak load patterns
• Propose low-cost interventions, such as:
o LED retrofits
o Weather stripping
o Solar films/shading devices
o Efficient fans
o Daylighting enhancement
• Provide theoretical estimates of energy savings
• Ensure solutions are practical, safe, and compliant with ECBC guidelines (for retrofits)

Deliverables:

• Existing condition analysis (photos, sketches, or layout)

• Baseline energy consumption table
• Retrofit intervention sheet with estimated savings
• 1-page justification note showing cost and feasibility
Problem Statement 2: Net Zero Building for a Growing City

Problem Statement

Indian cities are expanding rapidly, adding over 200 million new urban residents by 2030, which has resulted
in higher energy demand, construction material consumption, and carbon emissions. Buildings account for
33% of India’s total electricity use, and most new constructions still rely on carbon-intensive materials and
inefficient HVAC systems.
Your challenge is to design a Net Zero Building (N-ZEB) suitable for mass adoption in growing Indian cities
that:
• Achieves Net Zero Energy (annual energy consumption ≤ on-site renewable generation)
• Uses low-carbon and locally available materials
• Integrates efficient HVAC, daylighting, and passive cooling strategies
• Minimizes construction cost while ensuring long-term affordability
• Demonstrates clear pathways for scalability, urban integration, and policy alignment
This is a building design & systems-level challenge. Submissions must emphasize energy performance,
material optimization, and real-world implementation feasibility.

Level 1: College / City Level

Focus: Design Feasibility & Energy Performance Concept

Expectations:
Participants must propose a Net Zero building model for an urban context
(housing/commercial/institutional). They must:
· Present building orientation, form, and passive strategies (ventilation, shading, façade optimization)
· Use low-carbon materials (e.g., AAC blocks, CSEB, bamboo, geopolymer concrete)
· Propose on-site renewable energy (primarily rooftop solar PV)
· Provide basic energy modeling (theoretical or Excel-based)
· Ensure compliance with ECBC, NBC and city regulations
· Demonstrate feasibility at typical Indian climatic conditions (hot-dry, composite, warm-humid,
temperate, cold)

Deliverables:
· Conceptual design & floor plan showing passive design features
· Material choice matrix comparing embodied carbon, cost, and durability
· Energy balance sheet (annual demand vs. solar generation)
· 1-page concept note showing relevance to the city’s growth
Problem Statement 3: Low-Energy Cooling and Heating Solutions for Buildings

Problem Statement

Indian buildings face extreme seasonal temperature variations from 45°C summers in composite/hot-dry
regions to 5–10°C winters in northern states. Conventional mechanical cooling and heating systems (ACs,
heaters, blowers, oil radiators) consume large amounts of electricity, increasing:

• Peak energy demand,

• CO₂ emissions,
• Operational costs,
• Thermal discomfort for occupants.

The challenge is to develop low-energy cooling and heating solutions that:

• Rely primarily on passive design and natural processes,

• Use minimal mechanical energy (fans, pumps, low-power devices),
• Are suitable for Indian climatic conditions,
• Are affordable, scalable, and practical for both old and new buildings.

This is a solution-focused, building-performance challenge, emphasizing physical systems, real-world

feasibility, and adoptability not software tools.

Level 1: College / City Level

Focus: Passive Cooling/Heating Techniques & Simple Interventions

Expectations:

Participants must identify passive, low-cost, low-energy solutions suitable for a typical building
(home/classroom/office), such as:

Passive Cooling Techniques

• Cross-ventilation and stack ventilation

• Shading devices (chajjas, louvers, overhangs)
• Cool roofs (reflective coatings, lime wash)
• Vegetation shading / green walls
• Wet jali / evaporative cooling
• Courtyard ventilation
• Light-colored exterior finishes

Passive Heating Techniques

• South-facing glazing (winter solar gain)

• Thermal mass for heat storage
• Trombe wall or sunspace
• Insulated windows and doors
• Dark-colored walls for heat absorption
Participants will:

• Propose climate-relevant passive strategies

• Provide simple temperature improvement estimates (theoretical)
• Ensure solutions comply with basic building safety norms
• Focus on affordability and ease of implementation

Deliverables:

• Baseline building heat-gain/heat-loss analysis

• Proposed passive solutions with diagrams/photos
• Estimated comfort improvement (°C)
• 1-page justification note explaining climate relevance
Problem Statement 4: “Sustain-3DCP” - Sustainable Materials for 3D Concrete Printing

Theme: Additive Manufacturing | Sustainable Materials | Circular Construction

Interdisciplinary: Civil (construction technology), Mechanical (robotics/automation), Materials Science,
Architecture

Problem Statement: 3D concrete printing can drastically reduce waste and lower labor costs. It also enables
the use of recycled materials (e.g. demolished concrete waste) and low-carbon binders (fly ash, biomass
ash). However, printable mixtures are typically expensive and cement intensive. Your team must formulate a
3D-printable concrete/mortar using sustainable inputs. Possible strategies include low-clinker cement
blends, geopolymers, recycled aggregates, or bio-based fibers. Ensure the mix has appropriate flow
properties and open time for printing, while achieving target strength. Analyze its environmental and
economic performance compared to standard concrete printing.

Level 1: College/City Level

Focus: Sustainable 3D concrete printable mix design and print demo.

• Expectations: Propose a 3D-printable mixture with sustainable components (e.g. partial fly
ash/GGBFS, recycled aggregate, natural fibers). Balance printability (slump, pumpability) with
strength. Print a small component (like a wall segment or beam). Highlight material savings or
waste reduction versus conventional mix.
• Deliverables: Detailed mixture design and printing parameters; photo/video of printed sample;
mechanical test results (compressive/tensile strength). A 2-page concept note on sustainability
features, including any low-carbon content and cost implications.
Problem Statement 5: “Affordable-Lightweight” - Lightweight Materials for Affordable Housing

Theme: Affordable Housing | Innovative Materials | Sustainable Construction

Interdisciplinary: Civil (structural), Architecture (building design), Materials Engineering, Mechanical (prefab
fabrication)

Problem Statement: Rapid urbanization demands affordable, quick-to-build housing. Heavy materials
(brick, concrete) drive up cost and foundation needs. Lightweight construction methods (timber frames,
aerated blocks, prefabricated panels) can slash these costs. For example, 90% of U.S. single-family homes
use timber framing. Your challenge is to develop a low-cost, lightweight structural system or panel for
affordable homes. Possible approaches include engineered wood composites, foam concrete blocks,
bamboo-cement panels, or recycled plastic components. The design must meet strength/durability
standards and provide good thermal insulation, while enabling faster construction and reduced expenses
compared to conventional masonry.

Level 1: College/City Level

Focus: Design of a lightweight housing component.

• Expectations: Propose a lightweight material or assembly (e.g. wall or roof panel, modular
frame) suitable for an affordable housing prototype. Ensure structural adequacy (provide
estimated load capacity or relevant code checks). Describe material composition and
fabrication method. Illustrate weight advantage (e.g. % lighter than traditional). Develop a small
prototype or digital model of the element.
• Deliverables: Design drawings or 3D model of the component; material specs and production
process; prototype photo/video (if built). A 2-page note on regional context and potential cost
savings (foundation, transport, labor).
Problem Statement 6: “Resist-Corrosion” - Corrosion Resistant Materials for Coastal Infrastructure

Theme: Durability | Coastal Resilience | Climate Adaptation

Interdisciplinary: Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Marine Engineering, Chemistry

Problem Statement: Coastal structures (piers, seawalls, bridges) face aggressive corrosion due to saltwater,
humidity, and climate change. Salt-laden air and rising sea levels cause concrete spalling and steel rebar
rusting, compromising safety. Traditional materials require frequent maintenance or replacement. Your team
must design a material system (e.g. novel alloys, polymer composites, or smart coatings) that withstands
marine exposure. Solutions should dramatically reduce corrosion and lifecycle costs, perhaps by using local
materials (e.g. seashell-based composites or treated wood) and by enabling easier inspection or self-healing.
Address the technical requirements of coastal environments and economic benefits (reduced maintenance,
longer service life).

Level 1: College/City Level

Focus: Conceptual design of a corrosion-resistant component or coating.

• Expectations: Propose a material or treatment strategy (e.g. fiber-reinforced polymer beams,

stainless/superalloy connectors, advanced coatings, corrosion-inhibiting admixtures) specifically
tailored to a coastal context. Explain why it resists salt corrosion (e.g. chemical inertness, barrier effect).
Provide basic targets (e.g. corrosion rate reduction, etc.). Develop a concept sketch or small prototype
illustrating the idea.
• Deliverables: Design drawings or CAD model; description of materials and processes; preliminary data
or literature reference for expected performance. A 2-page concept note on local coastal conditions and
how the solution applies.
Problem Statement 7: “Carbon-Sequester” - Carbon Sequestration for Circular Economy

Theme: Carbon Capture | Circular Economy | Low-Carbon Construction

Interdisciplinary: Civil (structures & materials), Chemical (CO₂ processes), Environmental Science,
Architecture

Problem Statement: The built environment is a major carbon emitter: for example, concrete production
(approx. 30 billion tons/year) generates about 8% of global CO₂. Paradoxically, common construction
materials (concrete, brick, plastics, wood) can also store carbon. Research shows that adding biochar or
carbonated aggregates into concrete could sequester large amounts of CO₂. Your team must develop a
building material or structural system that actively sequesters CO₂ (via carbonation, biogenic processes, or
similar) while using local waste resources, embodying circular-economy principles. The solution should
enhance performance or durability and convert waste into economic value.

Level 1: College/City Level

Focus: Conceptualize and prototype a carbon-sequestering construction material or component.

• Expectations: Propose a mix or element (e.g. concrete infused with biochar/biominerals, algae-grown
panels, carbonated blocks) that captures CO₂ during production or curing. Use ≥50% local waste
feedstocks (agro-waste, industrial by-products, biogenic residues) in the formulation. Demonstrate basic
performance targets (e.g. strength >3–5 MPa, stable curing behavior). Show via lab test or simulation how
CO₂ uptake occurs compared to a conventional material.
• Deliverables: Material formulation and production workflow; small-scale prototype and test data (e.g.
strength, CO₂ mass uptake); 2-page concept note linking the solution to regional waste streams.
Problem Statement 8: Minimizing Landslides in Hilly Terrain

Theme: Geotechnical Safety | Disaster Mitigation | Sustainable Infrastructure

Problem Statement:

Stage 1: College / City Level

Hilly regions across India face frequent landslides due to unstable slopes, unplanned construction, poor
drainage, and extreme rainfall events. Develop a practical, community-friendly solution using site observation
inputs (slope angle, soil type, vegetation cover, rainfall pattern) to predict landslide risk zones and
recommend preventive measures such as surface drainage, bioengineering, slope stabilization, and retaining
structures. The solution should be deployable by local authorities, educational institutions, and small
contractors.

Key Expectations:

• AI/Logic-based slope assessment without requiring complex geotechnical equipment

• Output in regional languages for community awareness
• Integration of soil mechanics, hydrology, and terrain mapping
• Revenue model: consultancy tie-ups, predictive mapping subscriptions, or government partnerships

Deliverables:

• Sample user input: “My house is on a 35° slope; heavy rainfall occurs in monsoon months” → risk map +
stabilization recommendations
• Geotechnical + hydrological + structural stabilization logic flow
• Deployment strategy for district and municipal bodies
• Unit economics and scalability plan
Problem Statement 9: Developing Innovative Materials for Melting Ice on Roads in Snowbound Areas

Theme: Materials Innovation | Transportation Safety | Cold-Region Engineering

Problem Statement:

Stage 1: College / City Level

Roads in snowbound and high-altitude regions face severe ice accumulation, leading to accidents, traffic
disruptions, and increased maintenance costs. Develop and test innovative, eco‑friendly de-icing materials
using locally available resources (e.g., salts, bio-based additives, industrial byproducts). The solution should
demonstrate faster melting, reduced corrosion, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional rock salt.

Key Expectations:

• Eco‑friendly, non‑corrosive, and cost‑effective de‑icing material

• Output guidelines suitable for regional governments and road maintenance teams
• Integration of chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering, and transportation engineering
• Revenue models: bulk supply contracts, licensing, public procurement partnerships
• Deliverables:
• Sample input: “Temperature is −8°C; road is fully frozen” → recommended material + dosage + application
method
• Material composition + melting performance comparison vs. conventional salt
• Large‑scale deployment strategy for cold regions
• Cost model, logistics, and scalability plan
Problem Statement 10: Utilization of Waste Plastic Aggregates in Road Construction

Theme: Sustainable Materials | Circular Economy | Transportation Engineering

Problem Statement:

Stage 1: College / City Level

India generates massive quantities of plastic waste, much of which ends up in landfills or water bodies. Road
construction offers a promising pathway to utilize processed waste plastic aggregates (WPA) as partial
replacement for conventional aggregates. Develop a small-scale prototype mix using shredded plastic waste
to test improvements in durability, flexibility, and water resistance of bituminous mixes.

Key Expectations:

• Environmentally sustainable and cost-effective road construction method

• Incorporation of waste management + highway engineering principles
• Compatibility with IRC and MoRTH pavement guidelines
• Revenue opportunities through recycling units, processing plants, and public procurement contracts

Deliverables:

• Sample input: “10% plastic aggregate replacement in bituminous mix” → performance improvement +
mix design recommendation
• Comparative results: WPA vs. traditional aggregates (strength, rutting resistance, moisture sensitivity)
• Deployment plan for city and rural roads
• Cost, environmental benefits, and scalability model
Problem Statement 11: Reducing Road Accidents Using AI-Based Policy Enforcement Systems

Theme: Intelligent Transportation | Public Safety | AI Governance

Problem Statement:

Stage 1: College / City Level

Indian cities suffer from high accident rates due to speeding, signal jumping, drunk driving, improper lane
discipline, and helmet/seatbelt violations. Develop an AI-based system that uses simple camera feeds or
mobile-captured data to detect basic violations using rule-based and lightweight AI models. The platform
should generate alerts, violation summaries, and safety recommendations. Monetization may include
analytics reports, integrations with local authorities, or subscription-based safety dashboards.

Key Expectations:

• No complex hardware simulations — only rule-based and AI-driven logic

• Regional language outputs for driver communication
• Integration of traffic engineering, public policy, and AI ethics
• Revenue models: government partnerships, analytics licensing, enforcement automation contracts

Deliverables:

• Sample input: “A 4-lane urban road shows speeding spikes during 6–9 PM” → AI suggests enforcement
intensity, patrol allocation, and signage improvements
• Violation detection + accident prediction logic flow
• City-to-state deployment roadmap
• Cost model, enforcement efficiency gains, and scalability plan
Problem Statement 12: “BuildRight” – AI Advisor for Homeowners Planning Construction

Theme: Proptech | Customer Empowerment | Residential Construction

Problem Statement:

Stage 1: College /City Level

Millions of Indian homeowner’s face cost overruns, poor quality, and contractor disputes when building
homes. Create an AI-driven advisory platform that guides homeowners through design, budgeting, material
selection, and contractor comparison—using simple inputs like land size, family needs, and budget. The
solution must generate personalized 2D layouts (by architecture logic), material lists (civil), and basic
electrical load estimates, and be monetizable via lead generation or premium reports.

Key Expectations:

• No CAD/BIM—use rule-based design and AI

• Output in regional languages
• Integrate civil, architectural, and basic electrical planning
• Revenue model: affiliate commissions, paid upgrades, or contractor partnerships

Deliverables:

• Sample user interaction (e.g., “I have 1200 sqft, ₹20L budget”) → output
• Architecture + civil + electrical logic flow
• Go-to-market strategy (urban vs. semi-urban)
• Unit economics and scalability
Problem Statement 13: “Material Wise” – AI Platform for Transparent Construction Material Sourcing

Theme: Supply Chain Tech | MSME Empowerment | Circular Economy

Problem Statement:

Level 1 : College /City

Contractors and homeowners struggle to find quality, affordable, and verified construction materials (cement,
steel, bricks) due to fragmented markets and fake products. Build an AI-augmented marketplace platform
that verifies supplier quality, predicts price trends, and recommends optimal buys based on project location,
timeline, and monsoon risk. The platform must generate revenue via lead fees, premium listings, or bulk
procurement partnerships.

Key Expectations:

• Integrate civil material specs + electrical material needs (wires, conduits)

• Use public data (commodity prices, weather) for smart alerts
• Include recycled/demolition material options
• Target both urban builders and rural SHGs

Deliverables:

• Platform concept and user flow

• Sample recommendation for engine logic
• Revenue model and customer acquisition plan
• Pilot city rollout strategy
Problem Statement 14: Ergonomic On-Site Tool for Women Masons and Helpers

Theme: Inclusive Construction | Worker Safety | Gender-Sensitive Design

Problem Statement

Women constitute a significant share of India’s construction workforce—mixing mortar, carrying bricks,
plastering walls, and cleaning sites. Yet, most tools and equipment are designed for average male physiology,
leading to chronic back pain, joint strain, fatigue, and higher injury risk. Your team must design and build a
low-cost, manually operated ergonomic tool that:

• Reduces physical strain during repetitive tasks (e.g., lifting, mixing, carrying),
• Is lightweight (<3 kg), adjustable, and easy to handle for users with smaller statures or lower grip
strength,
• Enhances safety, speed, and dignity of work,
• Costs under ₹5,000 to fabricate using locally available materials.

The solution must be a physical, functional tool or assistive device—not software—and developed with
empathy for real women workers.

Level 1: College / City Level

Focus: Empathy/ Ergonomic-driven design and working prototype

Expectations:

• Identify a specific repetitive task (e.g., mortar scooping, bucket lifting, brick carrying)
• Propose an ergonomic tool that reduces bending, overhead lifting, or wrist strain
• Use locally available materials (bamboo, recycled plastic, mild steel, etc.)

· Ensure usability by women of varying heights and strengths

Deliverables:

• Working prototype or detailed mock-up with assembly guide

• Technical drawings (plan, elevation, key mechanisms)
• 2-page concept note explaining user need and design logic
• Photo/video showing simulated use
Problem Statement 15: Net-Positive Building Material for Mass Housing

Theme: Sustainable Materials | Circular Economy | Affordable Construction

Problem Statement

India’s construction sector consumes vast natural resources and emits ~250 million tonnes of CO₂
annually—largely from kiln-fired bricks. Simultaneously, millions of tons of agricultural, industrial, and
demolition waste remain underutilized. Your challenge is to design and develop a new masonry unit (brick,
block, or interlocking panel) that:

• Uses ≥50% locally available waste (e.g., fly ash, rice husk ash, plastic shreds, C&D debris, red mud,
quarry dust)
• Meets or exceeds minimum compressive strength of 7.5 MPa (per IS 2185),
• Is non-fired or low energy in production,
• Is optimized for easy transport, minimal on-site cutting, and rapid installation,
• And demonstrates a clear path to commercialization and net-positive environmental impact.

This is a materials-first challenge—no digital tools or software prototypes required. Submissions must
emphasize physical innovation, process efficiency, and real-world scalability.

Level 1: College/ City Level

Focus: Material Innovation & Technical Feasibility

Expectations:

• Propose a novel masonry unit using waste materials readily available in your region
• Justify mix proportions and production method (manual/semi-automated)
• Provide basic validation (theoretical or lab-scale) for strength and durability
• Ensure safety and compliance with fundamental Indian standards

Deliverables:

• Material composition & manufacturing process flow

• Prototype photo or 3D model (physical/digital)
• Comparison table vs. conventional brick (cost, strength, carbon)
• 1-page concept note explaining local relevance
Problem Statement 16: Low-Energy, On-Site Masonry Production Unit

Theme: Construction Mechanization | Circular Materials | Affordable Housing

Problem Statement

India’s small-scale construction sector still relies on manual brick-making and inconsistent block
production, resulting in high material waste (10–20%), poor quality, and excessive labor. At the same time,
local waste streams—like demolition debris, fly ash, or rice husk ash—remain underutilized.

Your team must design and build a low-energy, semi-mechanized system that enables on-site or cluster-level
production of uniform masonry units (bricks, blocks, or interlocking panels) using ≥50% local waste and
minimal human effort. The system should significantly reduce process waste, energy use, and total installed
cost, while being affordable for rural entrepreneurs or small contractors.

Level 1: College /City Level

Focus: Build a working concept or functional prototype

Expectations:

• Propose a mechanized system (manual, pedal-powered, or solar-assisted) for producing masonry units
• Use locally available waste materials in the mix
• Demonstrate how the system reduces variability and cutting waste vs. traditional methods
• Ensure the unit meets basic strength (≥5.0 MPa) and durability criteria

Deliverables:

• System sketch or 3D model (physical or digital)

• Material composition & production workflow
• Prototype photo or video (if built)
• 2-page concept note with regional relevance
Problem Statement 17: Multi-Tier Early Warning System for Landslide & Flash Flood Risk in Uphill
Construction Zones

Theme: Disaster Resilience | Geospatial Intelligence | Smart Infrastructure

Problem Statement

Rapid construction in hilly or sloped regions, especially uphill existing settlements, has intensified risks of
landslides and flash floods during monsoons. These projects often bypass basic slope stability or drainage
assessments, endangering downstream communities.

Your team must develop a low-cost, operational early warning product—software, hardware, or hybrid which
are modular that could be scalable with the following features:

• Uses freely available Indian data (e.g., Bhuvan for terrain, IMD for rainfall, NGDRS/CGWB for soil),
• Detects risk thresholds (e.g., 72-hour rainfall >100 mm + saturated soil),
• Automatically triggers tiered alerts to:
• Construction teams & project managers (preventive action),
• Local residents (evacuation prep),
• Government administration agencies
• First responders (SDRF/NDRF),
• Municipal & state disaster control rooms,
• Integrates (conceptually or technically) with national systems like NDMA’s Early Warning
Dissemination System,
• Functions via basic mobile phones or community sirens during low connectivity.

Level 1: College / City Level

Concept & Technical Prototype

Focus: Define risk logic and build a functional prototype

Expectations:

• Select a real site in a hilly/semi-urban Indian region with documented risk

• Use open data (Bhuvan, IMD, NGDRS) to model slope stability and flood triggers
• Propose clear alert thresholds (Yellow/Orange/Red) based on NDMA/IMD guidelines
• Develop a working prototype: mobile app screen, dashboard mock-up, or alert simulation

Deliverables:

• Annotated maps (Bhuvan/Google Earth) showing slope, drainage, construction

• System architecture diagram (data → risk engine → alert logic)
• Prototype: app screen, dashboard, or SMS alert flow
• 2-page concept note with technical rationale
Problem Statement 18: Enhancing the public transport system in a city using Data Analytics and IoT

Problem Statement: Usual scenario of public transport in a city is loss making. This stems from various
factors including but not limited to the inappropriate schedules, imbalance of demand and supply,
incoherence of the routes etc.

The challenge here is to optimize the various levels of the city level public transport to reduce the losses
incurred by the government.

Level 1: City

• Understand the loss-making elements of the public transit system holistically

o Routes

o Stops

o Land use

o Imbalance in demand and supply

• Use openly available datasets, take a problem statement of any city

• Demonstrate the bottle necks of cash flow

Deliverables –

• Present the cash flow pattern in the public transit system, with a case example
• Propose the places where data analytics can save money
• Provide a workflow for IoT and public transport integration
Problem Statement 19: Challenge: Design of Disaster-Resilient Township (Urban Flooding)

Problem Statement: Urban flooding has become one of the most frequent and damaging climate-related
disasters affecting Indian cities and townships. Rapid urbanization, inadequate stormwater systems, loss of
wetlands, and poor land-use planning intensify flood risks—leading to large-scale economic losses, service
disruptions, and threats to life.
The challenge aims to push students to rethink township design through data-driven planning, climate-
sensitive engineering, and resilient urban systems to minimize losses and enhance long-term sustainability.

Level 1: City (Foundation Level)

Objective: Understand the holistic causes and impacts of urban flooding in townships.

Tasks:

• Identify and map flooding risk factors, including:

• Topography & natural drainage

• Land use & impervious surfaces

• Stormwater network capacity

• Historical rainfall patterns

• Encroachment on water bodies

• Use openly available datasets (IMD rainfall, Flood Atlas, municipal maps, OSM, satellite imagery).

• Select a case of township/city cluster affected by flooding.

• Demonstrate “points of failure” in drainage, planning, and emergency response.

Deliverables:

Flood risk diagnostic report, showing:

• Peak flooding zones

• Reasons for flooding with maps

o Identification of critical vulnerabilities (housing clusters, roads, infrastructure).

o List of opportunities where data analytics can reduce flood damage, e.g., rainfall
forecasting, drainage monitoring.

o Initial conceptual plan of a resilient township layout, showing natural water flow and eco-
sensitive zones.
Problem Statement 20: Reviving a Dead Tourism Spot

Problem Statement: Many once-thriving tourism destinations across India have declined due to poor
infrastructure, environmental degradation, weak marketing, lack of digital presence, socio-cultural
disconnect, and changing tourist preferences. Reviving such a spot requires a holistic understanding of its
current challenges and a strategic plan that combines data-driven insights, sustainable development,
community engagement, and modern tourism management.
This challenge encourages students to redesign a failing tourism location into a vibrant, economically viable,
socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable destination.

Level 1: City (Foundation Level)

Objective: Diagnose the reasons behind the decline of the tourism spot.

Tasks:

Analyze the tourism spot’s current condition, including:

• Accessibility & connectivity

• Visitor numbers (if available)
• Infrastructure quality
• Safety & sanitation
• Environmental degradation
• Lack of branding or cultural interpretation
o Use openly available data sources, including tourism statistics, Google mobility data, social
media reviews, local news, and geospatial datasets.

o Select any one dead/declining tourism spot (heritage, nature-based, religious, cultural,
adventure, urban, etc.).

o Identify leakages and bottlenecks in economic flow (poor ticketing, lack of amenities, limited
spending opportunities).

Deliverables:

Tourism decline assessment report, clearly showing:

• Root causes

• Visitor’s pain points

• Infrastructure gaps

o Cash-flow mapping of the tourism spot—where money enters and gets lost.

o List of potential interventions using analytics (e.g., footfall, sentiment analysis, visitor
profiling).

o Initial concept plan of a revived tourism experience with focus areas.

Problem Statement 21: Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Management

Problem Statement

India generates an estimated 150–170 million tons of Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste annually, of
which only a small fraction is formally processed. Unscientific disposal contributes to land pollution, air
quality deterioration, illegal dumping, clogging of drains, and resource mismanagement.

There is a strong need for innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that enable efficient collection,
segregation, recycling, reuse, monitoring, and circular use of C&D materials across urban and rural
environments.

Participants are invited to propose solutions across the entire C&D waste value chain, including technology,
policy, logistics, design, recycling systems, digital tools, and business models.

LEVEL 1 — IDEATION STAGE

• Identify a specific pain point in the C&D waste ecosystem (e.g., segregation, onsite reduction, logistics,
traceability, recycling awareness, etc.).

• Propose a conceptual solution grounded in India’s socio-economic context.

• Demonstrate clarity of problem understanding, innovation potential, and feasibility.

• Consider sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.

Problem Statement 22: Urban Flood–Resilient Design

Problem Statement

Major Indian metros such as Bengaluru and Chennai have faced severe urban flooding in recent years due
to:

• Extreme rainfall intensified by climate change

• Encroachment and blockage of stormwater drain, lakes, and wetlands
• High impervious surface coverage
• Inadequate drainage capacity
• Unregulated urban expansion
• Poor solid-waste management
• Loss of natural water networks

Urban flooding causes massive damage to property, mobility, livelihoods, and governance systems. There is
an urgent need for disaster-resilient designs, technologies, and systems that reduce flood risk, improve
preparedness, and enable effective recovery.

LEVEL 1 — IDEATION STAGE

• Identify a specific urban flooding pain point in Bengaluru/Chennai or any other metro city.
• Propose a conceptual solution, which can be:
o A design innovation
o A structural/non-structural measure
o A digital or IoT-based system
o A community readiness tool
o A nature-based solution

• Address constraints of dense urban fabric, mixed land use, low-lying areas, and overstressed
drainage networks.
• Consider cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability.
Problem Statement 23: Smart, Safe & Sustainable Road–Bridge–Highway Infrastructure for India

Problem Statement

India has the second-largest road network in the world, spanning over 6.6 million km, supporting critical
economic, social, and industrial mobility. However, the sector continues to face severe challenges,
including:

• Frequent road failures due to poor subgrade and drainage

• Premature pavement distress and pothole formation
• Congestion and unsafe urban intersections
• Rising road accident fatalities
• Rapid deterioration of bridges
• Overloaded highways and inefficient traffic flow
• High carbon footprint of road construction
• Limited adoption of smart monitoring technologies
• Lack of real-time data for asset maintenance
• Poor pedestrian and non-motorized transport integration
• Climate-change-induced vulnerabilities (flooding, heat damage, slope failures)

India also aims to develop 100+ Smart Cities, Gati Shakti corridors, expressways, and green highways, but
the sector still relies heavily on:

• Conventional materials
• Manual inspection systems
• Fragmented traffic management
• Reactive maintenance strategies
• Poor digital integration across agencies

There is a critical national requirement for:

• Smart roads and bridges • Energy-efficient and low-carbon pavements

• AI- and IoT-based traffic & asset monitoring • Digitally managed smart mobility systems
• Climate-resilient highway infrastructure • Automated maintenance and safety solutions

Participants are invited to propose innovative, scalable, technology-driven, and sustainable solutions across
the entire lifecycle of roads, bridges, highways, urban mobility, and smart infrastructure systems, aligned with
Smart Cities Mission, Gati Shakti, Vision Zero, and Net-Zero targets.

Solutions may cover:

• Materials
• Design systems • Maintenance automation
• Construction technologies • Digital twins
• Traffic management • Policy models
• Safety engineering • Business and PPP frameworks
• Asset health monitoring
LEVEL 1 — IDEATION STAGE

Participants must:

1. Identify ONE critical real-world pain point, such as:

• Urban traffic congestion

• Bridge corrosion and fatigue failure
• Flooded highways during monsoon
• Pothole detection and repair delays
• Accident-prone black spots
• Poor pedestrian and cyclist safety
• Carbon-intensive pavement construction
• Traffic signal inefficiency
• Unauthorized roadside encroachments
• Poor last-mile connectivity

2. Propose a conceptual innovative solution, which may include:

• Smart materials
• AI/IoT-based systems
• Sensor-driven infrastructure
• Automated machinery
• Renewable-integrated roads
• Digital traffic optimization
• Structural health monitoring
• Smart tolling and mobility platforms
• Policy-tech or governance innovation

3. The solution must demonstrate:

• Clear problem understanding

• Strong technical innovation
• Indian contextual relevance
• Environmental sustainability
• Cost-effectiveness
• Scalability across cities & highways
Problem Statement 24: Smart Traffic Monitoring & Route Optimization

Problem Statement: Smart Mobility for a Local Area

Theme: Urban Mobility | Low-Cost Transport Technology | Small-Scale Mobility Zones

Context

In many local areas—such as town centers, market zones, institutional districts, or dense neighborhoods—
traffic congestion, irregular public transport, weak last-mile connectivity, and lack of real-time information
create daily mobility problems.
High-end smart traffic systems used in major metros are too expensive and complex for such small zones
with limited infrastructure.
As a result, traffic is often manually controlled, mobility data is outdated, and buses/autos follow inefficient
routes.

Objective

Design a Low-Cost Mobility Monitoring & Optimization System for a selected area that can work with
simple sensors, low-cost cameras, and basic traffic engineering principles.

Stage 1: College / City Level

Area-Level Assessment Tool

Develop a basic mobility tool that:

• Uses simple sensors or low-cost AI cameras to record traffic volume, delays, and queue lengths at
important junctions.

• Maps movements of buses, autos, e-rickshaws, two-wheelers, and pedestrians.

• Identifies choke points and suggests quick interventions (lane marking corrections, signal timing
tweaks, bus-stop relocation, one-way conversions).

• Produces a mobility map showing real movement trends of the selected area.
Problem Statement 25: Inclusive Redevelopment Framework for Affordable Housing in Metro TOD
Corridors

Problem Statement: Redevelopment & Housing Affordability in TOD Zones

Theme: Urban Redevelopment | Affordable Housing | Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

Context

In metro cities, land around metro stations (typically within a 300–500 m influence zone) becomes highly
valuable because of:

• Better accessibility and reduced travel time

• Higher allowed FSI/FAR

• Increased demand for high-end housing and commercial spaces

However, this often leads to:

• Reduced supply of affordable and middle-income housing

• Overloaded infrastructure (water, sewage, traffic)
• Lack of balanced land use planning
• Limited open spaces and poor pedestrian connectivity

Goal

Develop a Redevelopment & Affordable Housing Framework for a single TOD influence zone (300–500 m
radius) that ensures:

• Inclusive mixed-income housing

• Financially viable redevelopment

• Sustainable infrastructure

• Walkable and transit-supportive built form

Stage 1: College / City Level

Baseline Redevelopment Study (TOD Zone – 300–500 m)

1. Map Existing Conditions

• Land use: residential, commercial, mixed-use, institutional

• FSI utilized vs. permissible FSI

• Building conditions: old buildings, underutilized plots, low-rise structures

• Existing housing typologies: affordable, mid-income, rental, informal units

• Open spaces, walkability, and last-mile connectivity

2. Identify Key Gaps

• Shortage of affordable or rental housing

• Underutilized parcels with low FSI usage

• Poor infrastructure capacity (water, sewage, stormwater)

• Lack of safe pedestrian pathways

• Absence of integrated mixed-use development

3. Low-Cost Interventions to Improve Viability

• Modular & prefabricated construction for faster execution

• Shared utility corridors to reduce underground service costs

• Optimized building footprint to increase usable open spaces

• Rooftop/community gardens for environmental improvement

• Adaptive reuse of existing structures where feasible

4. Concept Layouts for Mixed-Income Redevelopment

• Mixed-use blocks with mandatory % of affordable units

• Ground-level active frontage (shops, services)

• Mid-rise and high-rise combinations for balanced density

• Central green spine for walkability.