
The ASME Tamil Nadu Section successfully wrapped up ASME TN-NOVATE: SDG Innovation Expo 2024, held at the Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology (SRIT), Coimbatore. The event, which took place on November 8, 2024, brought together over 215 participants from schools, polytechnics, and engineering colleges across India. Focused on solutions aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Expo highlighted the growing role of youth in driving innovation for a more sustainable future.
Spotlighting Innovation Aligned with SDGs
The competition featured three categories: College Projects, Innovative Ideas, and School Innovations, all addressing one or more of the following SDGs: Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9). Each team had 10 minutes to present their project to a panel of expert judges, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.
In the College Project category, Team Quantum Dots from Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology secured first place, winning ₹10,000 for their RFID-Based Milk Vending Machine, a project that offers a sustainable solution to milk distribution. Second place (₹5,000) went to Team AI Alchemist from Kongu Engineering College for their Smart AI-Based Traffic Management
System, while Team Garud from KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology claimed third place (₹3,000) with their Bio-Inspired Ornithopter.
The Idea Category saw Team Green Givers (SRIT) take first place (₹5,000) for their Food Waste Reduction Platform, addressing SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Team Echo Mariners from Dr. N.G.P Institute of Technology earned second place (₹3,000) with their Autonomous River Cleaning Boat (SDG 6), while third place (₹2,000) went to Team TRIOS (SRIT) for their Basic to Brilliance: Adding Features to Existing Cars.
In the School Innovation category, Team Sivakumar RS and Harish V from Sri Sowdeswari Vidyalaya MHSS won first place (₹3,000) for their Gas Leakage Detection System. Other notable winners included SRSI Metric Hr.Sec.School and Sri Ramakrishna Matric HR.Sec.School, who took second and third places (₹2,000 and ₹1,000, respectively) for their innovative solutions focused on safety and water purification.
Special Awards and Recognition
Special recognition was awarded to Team AquaSmart Dynamics from SRIT for their Automation of Aerator and Feeder for Inland Aquaculture and Team Peak Performers from Sri Ramakrishna Polytechnic College for their MARS Rover, each receiving ₹1,000.
Distinguished Guests and Expert Panel
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. R. Venkatesh Babu (Chair, ASME Tamil Nadu), Mr. Mohamed Jailani (MD, Asian Roofing Products), Mr. Jayaprakash (CEO, PAYUNI Canada), and Mr. K. Deepani (CEO, Movezee). Projects were evaluated by a panel of experts, including Mr. Monish S (Senior Product Manager, CodiFi Soft Tech), Ms. Preethi Hariharan (Technical PM), and Mr. Ravinder Kumar N (Data Scientist).
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
Supported by PayFX, PAYUNI, and Movezee Overseas Consultancy, ASME TN-NOVATE 2024 provided a vital platform for emerging engineers to present their ideas and engage in meaningful dialogue on global sustainability challenges. Notable participating institutions included SRIT, Dr. N.G.P Institute of Technology, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kongu Engineering College, and many others.
About ASME Foundation India (AFI)
The ASME Foundation India (AFI), which oversees the ASME Tamil Nadu Section, plays a pivotal role in shaping India's engineering landscape. With the vision to place India's engineers at the forefront of global innovation, AFI is committed to driving solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, from climate change to sustainable development.
About ASME
Founded in 1880, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing engineering knowledge, promoting collaboration, and developing technical standards that drive innovation and enhance quality of life.