Special Track

About Special Track

Special Track of IEEE YESIST12 2026 is designed to inspire impactful, technology-driven solutions that address some of humanity’s most pressing global challenges. First introduced in 2020, the track has become a dynamic platform for young innovators to present smarter, scalable, and meaningful ideas that tackle both humanitarian and industry-related problems. For the 2026 edition, the Special Track focuses on elevating the quality of life worldwide by encouraging creative, research-backed, and future-ready proposals. It invites participants to reimagine how technology can transform communities, improve everyday living, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive global society.

Theme

Smart Ideas for a Sustainable Future

“Smart Ideas for a Sustainable Future”

The Special Track at YESIST12 2025 focuses on innovative, technology-driven solutions addressing real-world societal challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It encourages student innovators to develop impactful projects under themes like:

Intelligent Insights (SDG 16)
Smart Mobility (SDG 9)
Next-Gen Healthcare (SDG 3)
Sustainable Living (SDGs 6, 11, 12, 13)

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	31st Jan 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	1st Feb - 7th Feb 2026
Announcement of qualified abstracts	8th Feb 2026
Call for Abstracts-2	8th Feb 2026
Deadline for Abstract-2	31st March 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	01st April to 07th April 2026
Announcement of qualified abstract	08th April 2026

Submit your Abstract now

Open

Call for Abstract-1 Ends: 20th Feb, 2026

Days

Hours

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DOWNLOAD ABSTRACT TEMPLATE Submit Abstract

Top five reasons you should participate

Meet New People - Connecting with others is a great way to get your ideas, talents, and passions out into the world. With passionate people across the world participating in this competition, you will have endless opportunities to get to know people on a professional level.
Tackle a real-world challenge – Unleash your team’s creativity by solving real-world challenges.
Boost Your Project Management Expertise - Take your project management skills to the next level by participating in this competition! This unique opportunity offers hands-on experience in managing long-term investigations and navigating all phases of a project.
Hone Public Speaking Skills - Participants get to showcase their communication and entrepreneurial skills through a short “quick pitch” proposal during the project presentation.
Gain Insights from Industry Experts - Expand your knowledge and gain valuable insights from top industry leaders through our distinguished webinar series. These webinars provide guidance and support to teams, offering a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.

The Objectives of the Special Track

Global Showcase and Collaboration: To create an international platform where young participants can showcase their talents and innovations, connect with peers from around the world, and foster meaningful collaborations that may lead to future academic, technical, and entrepreneurial partnerships.
Next-Generation Innovator Recognition: To identify, recognize, and motivate the next generation of innovators by encouraging creative thinking and supporting the development of viable, impactful solutions to real-world social challenges.
Societal Impact through STEM: To inspire students to apply STEM concepts in designing and developing solutions that address societal needs, while actively contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hands-on Experience and Skill Development: To provide participants with hands-on exposure to technology and engineering projects, enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, technical understanding, and long-term interest in STEM fields.
Teamwork, Collaboration, and Innovation: To cultivate a culture of teamwork and collaboration, encouraging participants to work collectively, think creatively, and approach challenges with innovation-driven and solution-oriented mindsets.

Who is eligible?

Innovators, makers, and doers coming together to showcase their products to the local community.
All types of creators, such as tech enthusiasts, crafters, innovators, and hobbyists.
Students from different technical universities, who wish to participate and showcase their innovations.
Graduate members, capable of delivering solutions to problem statements, are welcome to join this track.

Benefits of participating

Global Recognition: Showcase your innovative ideas and stand a chance to be recognized on a global platform.
Skill Development: Hone critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and professionals who share a passion for sustainability.
Awareness: Gain insights into pressing global issues and contribute to meaningful solutions.

Rules for participation

Teams should consist of up to four 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.
Please download the rule book here and follow the regulations cited. Failure to comply with the regulation will result in disqualification.

Track Structure:

The Special 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 Special 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.

The submission could be related to the following topics

Intelligent Insights

Leverage AI, machine learning, and data-driven technologies to solve real societal challenges. This includes using data analytics, predictive models, automation, and intelligent decision-support systems to improve public services, strengthen governance, enhance education, support economic development, and promote environmental sustainability. Projects should focus on creating impactful, inclusive, and efficient solutions that benefit communities, reduce inequalities, and improve everyday life.

Smart Mobility

Develop innovative technological solutions to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of transportation systems. This includes using smart technologies, connected devices, automation, and intelligent traffic management to reduce congestion, enhance mobility, lower emissions, and create seamless travel experiences. Projects may focus on optimizing public transport, supporting greener mobility, improving road safety, or building smarter, more accessible, and resilient transportation networks for communities.

Next-Gen Healthcare

Reimagine healthcare by developing solutions that make quality care more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered. Use telemedicine, IoT-based monitoring, predictive analytics, and digital diagnostics to improve early detection, streamline clinical workflows, and enable personalized treatment. Projects may address public health challenges, rural and remote care, hospital management, emergency response, mental well-being, maternal and child health, or chronic disease management. The goal is to create smarter, faster, and more equitable healthcare systems that enhance outcomes and strengthen community well-being.

Sustainable Living

Champion innovative solutions that promote greener, smarter, and more resilient living environments. Use technology to improve environmental quality, optimize energy and water usage, and enhance overall urban sustainability. Apply smart home systems, automation, renewable energy, and eco-friendly design to reduce waste, manage resources efficiently, and create healthier living spaces. Projects may focus on smart irrigation, air and water quality monitoring, waste management, energy optimization, sustainable housing, or climate-friendly lifestyle solutions.

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

A low-cost, portable water filtration system for remote communities.
An educational mobile app that teaches coding basics through interactive games.
Smart irrigation system using soil moisture sensors to conserve water.
A mental health chatbot to provide anonymous support and resources.
Wearable device for tracking air quality and alerting users to pollutants.
AI-powered app to identify plant diseases from a simple phone picture.

Previous Year Achivers(2025)

Gallery

For any Queries, please contact

Chair
Ms. Indhumathi Gunasekeran
Chair | Special Track
Email ID: yesist12.specialtrack@gmail.com
+91 9442964170
Co-Chair
Mr. Mithresh Gunaseelan
Co-Chair | Special Track
Email ID: mithreshgp@ieee.org
+91 9488123975

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can participate?

The Special Track is open to anyone passionate about technology, including students, young professionals, start-ups, and hobbyists. Participants can register individually or in teams of up to four members.

2. Can I participate individually?

Yes, though teams of up to four are encouraged.

3. Are hardware projects allowed?

Yes, both software solutions and hardware-integrated projects are accepted.

4. What is the selection process?

Through preliminary evaluation (pilot or direct) followed by the grand finale.

5. Can I reuse ideas from previous competitions?

Projects should be original and specifically tailored for the current theme.

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