Innovation Challenge

About Innovation Track

The IEEE YESIST12 Innovation Challenge Track is a global platform that fosters groundbreaking, purpose-driven ideas for a sustainable future. It encourages participants to think beyond conventional boundaries and develop impactful solutions aligned with UN SDG 15 – Life on Land. The track focuses on protecting land ecosystems, restoring biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land use. Participants are invited to explore emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, GIS, drones, and digital platforms. With no requirement for physical prototypes, the track ensures inclusivity and broad participation. Ideas can range from concept to early-stage innovation with real-world applicability. Participants also gain mentorship and exposure to global experts and sustainability leaders. The track promotes collaboration through multidisciplinary teams to solve real-world environmental challenges. It emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and scalability of solutions. Ultimately, the Innovation Challenge Track aims to create measurable environmental and societal impact through responsible innovation.

Theme

Innovation Track: Innovating for Life on Land – Technology for a Thriving Planet

“Time to create a future where cities ,climate, and land thrive together”

This theme emphasizes delivering holistic solutions aligned with the United Nations’ SDGs. It challenges participants to creatively address global challenges with innovative ideas that create a meaningful and lasting impact across various domains.

SDGs Aligned

This track encourages projects addressing one or more of the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

Timeline

Call for Abstracts-1	17th Jan 2026
Deadline for Abstract-1	20th Feb 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	20th Feb - 28th Feb 2026
Call for Abstracts-2	1st March 2026
Deadline for Abstract-2	20th March 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	20th March - 30th March 2026
Announcement of qualified abstract	30th March 2026
Final Call for Abstracts	1st April 2026
Deadline for Final call for Abstract	25th April 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	25th April - 10th May 2026
Announcement of qualified Abstract	15th May 2026

Submit your Abstract now

Open

Call for Abstract-1 Ends: 20th Feb 2026

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Key Focus Areas

Forest Conservation and Reforestation Technologies
Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Health
Urban Ecology
Smart Agro-Ecology
Biodiversity for Better Living
Forest Disaster Management System
Sustainable Agriculture
Smart Irrigation systems and Sustainable Water Management System
Smart Reforestation
Wildlife Tracking and Anti-Poaching Monitoring Solutions
Forest Health and Deforestation Monitoring Platforms
Soil Quality Assessment and Land Restoration Support Systems
Smart Reforestation and Plantation Management Systems
Smart Waste Management Platforms

The Objectives of the Innovation Challenge Track

It is focused on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Key objectives include sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity loss

To Promote sustainable land management by integrating advanced forest conservation, reforestation technologies, and soil-health practices to restore degraded ecosystems.
To Enhance biodiversity and wildlife protection through ecological monitoring, habitat preservation, and smart interventions that maintain balanced natural ecosystems.
To Strengthen climate-resilient agriculture by adopting sustainable farming methods that improve soil fertility, reduce land degradation, and support long-term food security.
To Advance urban ecological well-being by expanding green spaces, fostering nature-based solutions, and developing smart ecological frameworks for healthier urban environments.

Who is eligible?

Teams of up to 4 members, open to undergraduate students and young professionals, encouraging collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation.
Students interested in emerging technologies like AI, IoT, IoE, and Drone to solve real-world problems.

Benefits of participating

Global Recognition & Certification: Participants receive internationally acknowledged certificates from IEEE YESIST12, enhancing their academic profile, research credibility, and professional visibility.
Mentorship from Industry & Research Experts: Teams gain access to experienced IEEE mentors, sustainability leaders, and technical specialists who guide them in refining ideas, strengthening innovation strategies, and building feasible solutions.
Opportunity to Showcase on an International Platform: Selected teams get the chance to present their project at a global stage, interact with international delegates, and gain visibility among organizations, innovation networks, and ecosystem partners.
Skill Development & Practical Innovation Experience: Participants strengthen skills in areas such as problem-solving, research, prototyping, IoT, AI, data analytics, sustainable innovation, and solution modelling preparing them for future careers and entrepreneurship.
Networking, Collaboration & Career Opportunities: Participants connect with fellow innovators, industry leaders, academics, IEEE members, and potential collaborators opening pathways for internships, research partnerships, startup acceleration, and community leadership

Rules for participation

Team size: Maximum of 4 members.
A team may comprise members from varied academic institutions/ Industries and maybe from different countries.
Teams that have actively participated and have enrolled themselves with team members and mentor details will be eligible for the certificates.
The selected teams will be given a chance to present their projects in person to the judging panel.
Coordination and teamwork must be taken care of by the team leader. Further details regarding the venue, platform, and logistics will be updated for you all soon.
Plagiarism at any form or at any stage is strictly prohibited.
Each team is solely responsible for its own cooperation and teamwork.
The projects can be a software solution or hardware integrated.
Please download the rule book here and follow the regulations cited. Failure to comply with the regulation will result in disqualification.

Guidelines for Participants

To ensure a smooth and professional competition experience, participants are required to follow the guidelines outlined below. These guidelines are aligned with IEEE standards of ethics, innovation, and technical excellence.

Originality of Work: All submitted ideas, prototypes, and documents must be original. Plagiarism, duplication, or submission of previously awarded projects is strictly prohibited under IEEE ethics policy and will lead to disqualification of the team with long ranging implications such as black listing the institution.
Alignment with Track Theme: Projects must clearly align with the Innovation Challenge Track focus and support SDG 15: Life on Land or its related environmental objectives.
Clear Problem Identification: Participants must define the real-world problem their project will address and demonstrate relevance through research, user needs, or data-backed justification.
Feasibility and Impact Focus: Proposed solutions should be realistic, scalable, and have clear potential for environmental, societal, or community impact.
Proper Documentation and Submission Format: Participants must follow the official submission format for reports, presentations, and prototypes, including adhering to deadlines, naming conventions, and file guidelines.
Professional and Ethical Conduct: Teams are expected to maintain professionalism, respect fellow participants, and follow IEEE Code of Ethics throughout the competition.

Track Structure:

The Innovation Challenge Track follows a structured process to identify and showcase innovative projects, consisting of the following phases:

Phase 1: Call for Abstracts-1

This is the initial phase where the abstract submission is open to anyone interested in participating in the Innovation Challenge Track. The call for abstracts is announced globally, and participants can submit their abstracts through the submission portal available on the website. Phase 1 serves as the first opportunity for participants to showcase their ideas and concepts.

Phase 2: Call for Abstracts-2

Phase 2 is an extended call for abstract submissions. Teams that wish to extend their participation opportunity can do so by submitting their abstracts in this second phase. It also gives a chance for participants who did not advance to the next rounds in Phase 1 to reapply and take part in the competition.

Phase 3: Selection & Registration

Potential and innovative projects that are submitted in the first and second call are selected for finals, and the teams are intimated via mail.

Phase 4: Finale

Selected teams will present their project works before the jury during the finals. Evaluation will be carried out based on the criteria.

Submission Mode

Pilot Entry

Participants from regions with an active YESIST12 Pilot event.
Projects are first presented and evaluated at a preliminary competition.
Winners from the Pilot event get a direct entry into the Grand Finale.

Direct Entry

For participants from countries or regions without a YESIST12 Pilot event.
Submissions (Abstract, PPT, Video) are evaluated directly by the jury.
Selected projects are notified via email and advance to the Grand Finale.

Evaluation Criteria

Relevance to Theme: The project aligns strongly with the given theme by directly addressing its core objectives. It demonstrates clear applicability and purpose within the thematic framework.
Understanding of Problem: The problem is clearly identified with a well-defined scope and context. Underlying causes and real-world implications are thoroughly analyzed.
Novelty/Innovation: The project introduces a creative and original approach to solving the identified problem. It goes beyond conventional solutions by integrating innovative ideas or methods.
Validating of Innovation: The proposed solution is supported through testing, prototyping, or logical validation. Results and observations justify the effectiveness of the innovation.
Scalability: The solution has potential for implementation on a larger scale with minimal modifications. It is adaptable to different contexts and user requirements.
Presentation & Communication: The project is presented in a clear, structured, and engaging manner. Ideas, visuals, and explanations effectively communicate the project’s intent and outcomes.
Sustainability: The project considers sustainability and minimizes negative environmental effects. It promotes eco-friendly practices or contributes positively to environmental well-being.
Results: The outcomes meet the stated objectives and validate the project’s purpose. Results are clearly documented and demonstrate measurable impact or improvement.

Selection Method

The selection process will be conducted in two main stages:

Stage 1 - Abstracts & Prelims

Abstract submission is open to all students via Pilot entry or Direct Entry.

A) Direct entry participants will be evaluated based on abstract submission. Selected innovative projects will be informed via email.

B) Pilot entry participants present projects in a preliminary round conducted by pilots. Winners move to finals.

Stage 2 - Grand Finale

Selected teams will present their projects before the jury during the finals.

Evaluation will be carried out based on criteria such as novelty, technical implementation, clarity of pitch, and expandability of the idea.

Methodology

The participants will be evaluated in either of the two modes: Pilot entry mode or Direct entry mode.
Direct entry mode is for participants from countries without Pilots and will be evaluated based on their submission of Abstract, PPT, and Video demonstration of their project.
Pilot entry mode will select eligible teams for participation by conducting a preliminary project competition at their venue.
Teams need to submit the problem statement and the detailed solution as a PPT for evaluation by experts/Jury.
Selected teams will be notified and asked to submit an executive summary and video demonstration of their project.
During the finale, teams will present their projects virtually, evaluated by the jury.
Prizes will be awarded based on jury, track chair, and general chair recommendations.

Sample Project Topics

ReGreen Earth: Restoring Local Biodiversity Hotspots
Soil Saviours: Assessing Soil Health for Sustainable Agriculture
Forest Guard AI: Tech-Based Monitoring of Illegal Deforestation
Waste to Wildlife: Creating Habitats Using Recycled Materials
Green Corridors: Designing Safe Passages for Urban Wildlife
Plant-for-Planet: Community-Based Reforestation Model
Soil to Soul: Understanding the Role of Microorganisms in Ecosystem Health
Riverbank Revival: Preventing Erosion Through Natural Methods
Smart Saplings: Using Sensors to Study Plant Growth & Stress
Nature Nurturers: Conservation Awareness Campaign for Schools
“Wildlife Under Threat: Data Analysis of Endangered Species in India”
“ReLeaf: Drone-Based Forest Mapping and Health Assessment”
Smart Drainage Monitoring System to Prevent Urban Flooding
Impact of Blocked Natural Waterways on Flood Intensity in Urban Cities
AI-Based Early Warning System for Urban Flood Management
Smart Energy Management System for Sustainable Cities
Renewable Energy Integration to Control Urban Power Overuse
Smart Public Health Surveillance in High-Density Urban Areas
Design Solutions for Healthy Living in Overpopulated Cities
Urban Sanitation and Disease Prevention in Slum Areas
Urban Expansion and Its Impact on Agricultural Land Loss
Decline of Farming Workforce and Changing Land Use Patterns
Preserving Agricultural Land in Rapidly Urbanising Regions
Mechanisation as a Solution to Reduce Agricultural Land Conversion
Agri-Entrepreneurship: Reviving Youth Interest in Farming
Technology-Enabled Farming for Higher Productivity and Income
Value Addition and Market Linkages for Profitable Agriculture

Previous Year Achivers(2025)

Gallery

For any Queries, please contact

Chair
Dr. Gunjan Varshney
Chair | Innovation Challenge Track
Email ID: ictrackieeeyesist12@gmail.com
+91 98732 52351
Co-Chair
Mr. Sachin Jha
Co-Chair | Innovation Challenge Track
Email ID: jhasachin1307@gmail.com
+91 96504 11734

FAQs:

1.Who can participate in the Innovation Challenge Track?

Students, research scholars, early career professionals, and young innovators from any academic or technical background are eligible to participate. Both IEEE and non-IEEE members are welcome.

2. Do we need a prototype to participate?

No. Participants can submit their original ideas in any form.

3. Can a team include members from different institutions or countries?

Yes. Teams may be formed from the same institution or multiple institutions, and cross-country teams are also allowed.

4. Is having a mentor mandatory?

Yes. teams are encouraged to seek faculty or industry mentorship for guidance and better project refinement.

5. Can we submit more than one project idea?

No, Only one project by one team aligned with the track theme.

6. Is IEEE membership required to participate?

IEEE membership is not mandatory for submission, but IEEE members will receive additional benefits such as reduced registration fee, eligibility for travel grant and other possible benefits from Societies.

7.What types of solutions are expected?

Solutions may include software platforms, IoT systems, AI models, mobile applications, dashboards, data-driven tools, or mixed innovation models. The idea must align with SDG 15: Life on Land and supported SDG’s.

8. How will projects be evaluated?

Projects will be evaluated based on innovation, relevance to the theme, feasibility, environmental and social impact, scalability potential, and presentation quality and evaluated by dedicated team of IEEE YESIST12- Jury member team

9. Will shortlisted teams receive mentorship or support?

Yes. Selected teams may undergo review, feedback, or mentoring depending on evaluation stage and regional guidelines.

10. What happens after submission?

Shortlisted teams will be notified and may be invited for further refinement, virtual rounds, or final presentations based on the event timeline.