The theme of the Inaugural Idea Challenge is ‘Linking Sustainability with Urbanization’.

You are free to choose absolutely any area that matches the aforementioned theme.

For example, you can choose from one of the following areas or even something that is multidisciplinary  / hybrid.

Urban Areas

• City Master Planning

• Transportation

• Electricity

• Water and Waste Water

• Healthcare

• Safety and Security

• Housing & Commercial Development

• Urban Poverty Alleviation

• City Governance and Finance

Rural Areas

• Bringing at par Economic Opportunities in Rural India

You are also requested to check out the Resources Section for your reference purposes.

Please ensure that your ideas are realistic, implementable and take into account the existing policies / frameworks. You are free to propose from something that is very specific to a particular city/urban area or something that is more general and applicable to more than one city/urban area.

Please read the file, “Linking Sustainability with Urbanization.pdf” (click to download) for a detailed problem statement.

The indicative but not exhaustive criteria for evaluating responses includes:

• Feasibility & Depth of Idea

• Level and Quality of Social, Environmental and Economic Impact that is possible

• Awareness about Topic & Incorporation of Currently Existing Frameworks

• Exploring of the often Overlooked Resources of a City that could potentially add Intangible Value

• Treatment of Various Idea Implementation Challenges

Award Details

The first stage of the competition will yield a shortlist of 5 finalists whose entries shall be exclusively presented during the 3-day symposium to various public-figures to discuss actual implementation. The finalists will also receive an acclamation, a memento and will vie for the ‘Nivritti Sustainable Urbanization’ award which carries a cash prize and a citation.

Executive Level Travel and Accommodation will be provided for the finalists

This competition is open for all persons currently enrolled in a recognized educational institute in India. Participation can be in teams or as individuals.

However, multi-disciplinary teams would be preferred as their composition will be part of the evaluation process.

Process of Entry & Timeline:

a. All entries must be sent to nivritti@technovanza.org, with the subject, “Ideas Challenge” or delivered personally in the format as given below.

b. Total file size should not exceed 50MB

c. Upon receipt of your entry, a confirmation email will be sent to the team leader

d. Deadline for applications is 15th January, 2010.

e. During the shortlisting stage, we may need to call you for clarifications.

f. Results will be announced on 20th January, 2010.

g. The 5 finalists will undergo a brief mentoring session and they will make detailed preparations for the symposium.

Format of Entries:

Choose from atleast one of the following. Total size must not exceed 50 MB:

You also need to fill in the following entry-form, and attach individual as well as team CVs’.