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.