GLC and Schoolnet India conclude EcoInnovators Ideathon 2026 on AI for sustainability

The EcoInnovators Ideathon 2026, a national student innovation challenge focused on Artificial Intelligence for sustainability, concluded with grand finales for both its school and college tracks. The initiative is officially recognised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, as a pre-summit event of the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026.

Organised by the Global Learning Council in partnership with Schoolnet India, Axilor Ventures, and Pratithi Investments, the Ideathon aimed to empower India’s youth to develop Artificial Intelligence based solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.

The 2026 edition witnessed participation from approximately 5500 students across more than 1000 government and private schools and colleges spanning 23 states, reflecting wide regional and socio economic diversity. Over a three month journey, participants underwent structured Artificial Intelligence masterclasses, mentorship sessions, and multi stage evaluations, culminating in the development and presentation of working prototypes.

School Track Grades 8 to 12 Students built functional mobile and web applications and even games using low and no code platforms to tackle critical environmental challenges. The school track finale was held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.

During the event, Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and Chief Executive Officer of the IndiaAI Mission, said that the government’s support for such initiatives reinforces its commitment to nurturing future ready Artificial Intelligence talent aligned with the People Planet Progress agenda.

The initiative was supported by a strong ecosystem of partners including IIT Madras Centre for Responsible Artificial Intelligence, the Centre for Study of Science Technology and Policy, and Infosys Springboard, bringing together expertise from academia, industry, and the startup ecosystem.

Team A and H Biosen from Bhavan Vidyalaya in Chandigarh, represented by Aditi Sharda and Himank Mittal, along with the team from Espalier Heritage School in Nashik Maharashtra, represented by Yashmit Deshpande and Satej Patil, jointly won the first prize in the school category.

In the college category, Team Aura Sphere from Rajalakshmi Engineering College, represented by Sakthivel R, Akash Vardhan, and Harish T, and Team Dude Coders from IIT Madras in Chennai, represented by S Shriprasad, Saranth P, and B Shruthi, jointly secured the first prize.

The winning teams from both categories will present their innovations at the Villars Symposium in Switzerland in June 2026.