Indian Institute of Management Jammu hosts Hult Prize 2025, showcasing innovative sustainable business ideas

JAMMU:: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM Jammu) under the leadership of Prof.B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu,hosted the highly anticipated Hult Prize event today. The event was held at the Dronacharya Classroom, where students showcased their entrepreneurial potential through innovative and sustainable business ideas. The event is being organized by International Relations Committee, IIM Jammu.

The event featured a distinguished panel of judges, including Ms. Ranjana Gupta, Assistant General Manager (Sustainability), TATA Power DDL; Mr. Rishu Garg, Program Lead, Water Conservation, Hindustan Unilever Foundation; and Dr. Arvind Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, IIT Jammu. Their presence added immense value to the event. Mr. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, International Relations Office (IRO), felicitated the judges, acknowledging their contributions.

Mr. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, International Relations Office (IRO), welcomed the participants and judges, expressing gratitude for their presence. He emphasized the Hult Prize as a global platform empowering young entrepreneurs to develop sustainable business solutions with lasting social and environmental impact. Encouraging participants to seize this opportunity, he urged them to design ventures aligned with global development goals.

With the formal proceedings concluded, the event moved to the much-anticipated presentations. Each team had seven minutes to pitch their entrepreneurial solutions, showcasing innovation, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to sustainability. The panel of judges evaluated feasibility, scalability, and long-term impact, aligning with the Hult Prize’s vision of driving social change through business innovation.

Every team presented a wide array of innovative and sustainable solutions. Team 1, The Synergy Squad, introduced an algae-based air purifier to combat air pollution and eutrophication, providing clean air, sustainable lighting, and urban cooling. Team 2, Sokkaa, developed EcoWrap, an affordable and sustainable packaging solution. Team 3, Allies, designed an adhesive tape to prevent pad displacement, ensuring comfort and reliability for users. Team 4, NextGen, proposed an AI-driven initiative to connect individuals facing water scarcity with those who have surplus water, fostering equitable distribution. Team 5, EX.0, focused on organic farming by providing organic vegetable solutions and sustainable seed production.

Team 6, MDJS, created Terra Pack, a mycelium-based sustainable packaging solution to reduce plastic waste. Team 7, YC, pioneered a biochar-powered sustainability model that converts organic waste into a stable form of carbon through pyrolysis, addressing SDG 13 (Climate Action). Team 8, Rever, aimed at reviving soil health and empowering Indian farmers with affordable solutions that enhance profitability and reduce environmental harm. Team 9, Parivartan, developed Agri Pack, a sustainable packaging solution that transforms agricultural waste into eco-friendly materials. Team 10, Hustlers, introduced a solar-powered cold storage solution to empower farmers with sustainable refrigeration, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing income, and ensuring food security.

Team 11, Lavender, proposed an affordable, sustainable, and reliable solar energy storage solution to enhance renewable energy accessibility. Team 12, Phoenix, introduced a unique concept integrating live kitchen features with Swiggy and Zomato, transforming the food delivery experience. Team 13, PrithWe, focused on mechanical waste segregation at the source, promoting effective waste management and sustainability. Team 14, Brainiacs, presented plant-based clothing material designed to improve soil health while ensuring eco-friendly fashion. These ideas reflect the students' commitment to innovation and a sustainable future.

The closing ceremony began with an invitation to the judges to share their insights. Mr. Rishu Garg,Program Lead, Water Conservation, Hindustan Unilever Foundationappreciated the innovative ideas presented and highlighted their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), benefiting businesses and the country alike. Ms. Ranjana Gupta, Assistant General Manager (Sustainability), TATA Power DDL commended the participants for their thoughtful approach and thorough research. Dr. Arvind Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, IIT Jammu shared his delight in experiencing such an event for the first time, emphasizing how challenging it was for the judges to make a final decision due to the impressive performances. The judges collectively praised how the teams identified key issues and proposed well-structured solutions.

Next came the much-awaited result announcement. MDJS secured first place, with Team Allies as the first runner-up and Team Phoenix as the second runner-up. The results were announced by Mr. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, International Relations Office (IRO), followed by the prize distribution by the panel of judges. He then expressed gratitude to the guest judges for their valuable time and insights. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, marking the end of a successful and insightful competition.