What is the main theme of the International Conference?
The International Conference revolves around the themes of waste management, recycling, waste supply chain and low carbon pathways.
When and where will the conference be held?
Dates: 16–17 January 2026 and Venue: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India 110003
What is the submission deadline for paper submission?
Early submission deadline: 15 October 2025
Standard submission deadline: 15 November 2025
When will acceptance decisions be communicated?
Decisions will be provided within 15 days of paper submission, regardless of its early or standard submission
When and what are the registration deadlines for accepted papers?
Early registration deadline: Within 15 days of acceptance, but no later than 15 November 2025 Standard registration deadline: Within 15 days of acceptance, but no later than 15 December 2025
What’s the difference between Early and Standard Submission?
Early submission (on or before 15 October 2025) qualifies you for discounted registration fees compared to standard submission, while also securing priority review of your work.
What formats of presentation are supported?
We encourage presenter to present In-person (face-to-face). However, online (virtual) mode is also available for those unable to attend in person due to travel or other constraints.
Is there an opportunity for publication beyond presentation?
Yes. High-quality papers may be invited to be included as chapters in an edited book published by Springer Nature. These papers will undergo a second round of blinded peer review, and authors may be asked to resubmit per the publisher’s formatting requirements.
Can I submit more than one paper?
Yes, multiple submissions are allowed, but each paper must be submitted separately and will be reviewed independently. If accepted, each paper requires its own registration.
What is the plagiarism policy for submissions?
All papers must be original and free from plagiarism. Submissions will be checked using plagiarism detection software, and papers exceeding the acceptable similarity index will be rejected. For more information, visit Paper Review Criteria
What is the registration fee?
The registration fee differs for Early Bird and Standard registration and varies by
participant category.
To view the complete fee structure, please visit: Registration fee
Will I get a certificate of paper presentation?
All paper presenters will receive a certificate of paper presentation
Will the certificate be valid for my PhD requirement?
Yes. It can also be helpful for academic promotions and other professional advancements.
Are there any awards for the best paper presentation?
Yes. Awards will be given for the best paper presentations. The winners will be decided by the Session Chair and a jury, based on the evaluation made during the presentation.
I am a master’s student. Can I submit a paper for the conference?
Yes, master’s students are welcome to submit papers for the conference.
What is the process of registration in the conference as paper presenter?
Please visit: Registration Process
Is there any social media page that I can join to get updates on the International Conference?
Yes. You can follow the official LinkedIn page to stay updated: LinkedIn Page
What is “CustoIDEAns of Tomorrow”?
It is a youth ideation competition, organised as part of International Recycling Incubation Summit (IRIS) 2026. Students in the age group of 16-25 years are invited to present solutions to manage difficult categories of waste material that currently do not have a sustainable supply chain. The participants will undergo various levels of screening, mentoring (optional) and top teams will present their solutions at the international platform at India Habitat Centre on 16th January 2026.
What themes can participants focus on?
Participants can address under-managed waste streams such as textile waste, e- waste, wet waste, tyres, batteries, medical/sanitary waste, metals, glass, construction debris, etc., with solutions aligned to the circular economy.
What should the solutions aim for?
Solutions should be sustainable, strategic, innovative, scalable, ground in local realities, and ideally foster mindset and systemic change
How do teams submit their ideas?
For complete information, visit: Registration Guidelines
How are submissions evaluated?
Submitted entries will be shortlisted by a review committee. The shortlisted entries will go through another round of screening; top 10 ideas will be selected to represent their schools/ colleges and make digital presentations at the IRIS in New Delhi.
Will the junior and senior categories be judged separately?
Yes, the Junior category (16–20 years) and Senior category (21–25 years) will be judged separately and will compete within their category.
Is mentorship provided?
The shortlisted teams may opt to receive mentorship support from subject matter experts. ICWMR will arrange the mentorship support for the participants. However, it is optional and paid.
Are there international exposure opportunities?
Yes—there’s a chance for participation in an International Youth Cohort through
global project partnerships.
For more information, visit: International Youth Cohort
Do we have to define the problem in our entries?
Yes. Briefly provide the overview of the problem, solution idea, and potential impact.
What is the registration deadline?
Early Bird Registration: 15 September 2025
Standard Registration: 15 October 2025
Can two teams submit from one school?
Yes. Multiple teams from the same school are welcome to submit entries.
Can we take help from a teacher?
Yes. Guidance from a teacher is allowed, though the idea and execution should primarily be the work of the participating students.
What is the timeline for the competition?
For complete information, visit: Timeline
What are the different ways in which I can present my solution?
You can choose any of the following formats to present your solution: Short Video /Reel, Interactive Presentation / Digital Poster / Infographics (Slides), Digital Storyboard / Photo Essay, Stop Motion Video
I am 15 years old and studying in Class 9. My classmates are 16 years old. Can I still apply?
Yes. Since you are in the same class as other students who meet the Junior category age range (16–20 years), you are considered eligible to apply.
Can I partner with another student from a different school?
No. Team members must be from the same school.
If we do not qualify after the online presentation, will we still get a certificate?
Yes. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.