Thu Apr 17 14:59:38 UTC 2025: ## Global Open Innovation Challenge at CMR University Showcases Student Innovations
**Bengaluru, India (April 17, 2025)** – CMR University’s lakeside campus in Bagalur hosted a highly successful two-day Global Open Innovation Challenge on April 16th and 17th. The event, part of the university’s Design Thinking Day celebrations under CAUSE 2025, drew over 3,000 students from 770+ teams representing 124 institutions across 13 countries.
The “Reimagine Your City” themed challenge focused on creating inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban solutions. Participants showcased over 75 projects, many incorporating AI and sustainability. Notable innovations included an AI-powered drone for afforestation, smart helmets with IoT capabilities, accident alert systems for vehicles, food waste reduction platforms, and UV-enabled AI cleaning robots for healthcare.
The winning teams were: “Power Pair” (CMRU) for sustainable food packaging; “Luminous Pathfinder” (National) for self-charging road markings; and “Sanad” (International, UAE) for a patient-focused transport service.
The event, inaugurated by Ajay Krishnan (Vice President – ESDM, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission), Vice Chancellor H.B. Raghavendra, and Registrar Praveen R., highlighted the potential of design thinking to address urban challenges and underscored the significant societal impact of student-led innovation.