*IIT Kharagpur Hosts National Climate Innovation Challenge 2026*
9 June 2026, Kharagpur: The School of Water Resources (SoWR), IIT Kharagpur, organised the National Climate Innovation Challenge (NCIC) 2026 on the occasion of World Environment Day under the theme “One Earth. One Future. One Responsibility.” The event brought together nearly 200 participants from schools, universities, research institutions, startups, industry, and the innovation ecosystem from across the country.
NCIC 2026 featured five competition tracks spanning school students, undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and startups. Participants showcased innovative ideas and solutions in climate resilience, water sustainability, renewable energy, carbon management, environmental monitoring, waste valorization, and circular economy.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Arvind K. Nema, Deputy Director, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Ajoy Kumar Ray, Padma Shri awardee and former Director, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, as the Guest of Honour. The programme was attended by Prof. Somesh Kumar, Dean of Faculty, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. Brajesh K. Dubey, Dean, Campus and Community Development, IIT Kharagpur; and Prof. Rajib Maity, Chairperson, School of Water Resources and Associate Dean (Outreach), IIT Kharagpur.
Distinguished lectures were delivered by Dr Sarath Guttikunda, an internationally recognised expert in urban emissions and air quality management, and Ms Vanessa Lacayo, Chief Operating Officer, Novasensa, highlighting emerging climate challenges and innovation-driven pathways for sustainable growth.
A major attraction of the event was the Climate Capital Forum, which connected climate-tech startups with investors, industry experts, and innovation leaders. The innovation ecosystem was represented by Prof. Manoj Kumar Mondal, Dean (Innovation and Entrepreneurship), IIT Kharagpur; Ms Jaspreet Kaur, Director, JIS Group; and Ms Chinmayee Satapathy, Senior Analyst, India Accelerator, who shared insights on commercialisation and scaling of climate-focused enterprises.
The event also featured technical sessions, poster presentations, innovation pitches, and an Eco-Quiz, fostering collaboration among students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.
NCIC 2026 reaffirmed IIT Kharagpur’s commitment to advancing sustainability, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation of climate leaders through collaborative action involving academia, industry, startups, and policymakers.
