The Kochi city finale of the Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge, a nationwide student innovation initiative by NICMAR, concluded in Kochi with undergraduate engineering and architecture students presenting solutions aimed at addressing infrastructure and built environment challenges.
More than 25 teams from institutions across the region participated in the city-level round. The projects focused on practical approaches to issues in construction, real estate, infrastructure and project (CRIP) sectors, as part of a multi-stage national platform designed to encourage student-led innovation in the field.
Entries were evaluated by an industry jury comprising Prof. Vishnu Namboodiri, Head (HSEM) at NICMAR University of Construction Studies, Hyderabad; Ajith A., General Manager (Procurement and Corporate Planning) at Kochi Metro Rail Limited; and Anson T., Director at Mercadia Projects. The jury assessed projects based on innovation, feasibility, scalability and relevance to current infrastructure needs.
Mangalam College of Engineering, Ettumanoor, secured the first position in the Kochi round. Carmel College of Engineering & Technology, Alappuzha, finished second, while Eranad Knowledge Technical Campus, Malappuram, placed third.
Dr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director-General of NICMAR, said the projects presented during the finale reflected the technical depth and creativity of students addressing real-world infrastructure challenges.
The winning teams will advance to the regional round of the Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge, where they will compete with top teams from other cities across the country.
Supported by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the initiative aims to encourage undergraduate students to develop solutions for infrastructure challenges. The competition offers total prizes worth ₹30 lakh.
