Opportunity brief
About the Event
Ecosperity, the Environment Club, Department of Environmental Studies of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, University of Delhi proudly presents an AI-powered digital storytelling Competitive Event - Reel the Waste, Reveal the Change under Ecothon 2027. The event seeks to inspire students to imagine how technology can transform waste management by 2035. Participants must present an innovative, practical and technology-driven solution to a real-world waste-management problem through a short video.
Objective
To encourage participants to harness the power of digital storytelling to present innovative, practical and technology-driven solutions to real-world waste management challenges. Through compelling and impactful videos, participants will identify pressing waste-related issues, communicate feasible solutions, and demonstrate how technology, creativity, and public awareness can contribute to more efficient and sustainable waste management practices.
Participation Rules
- Participation may be individual or in teams of up to 3 members
- Each participant/team must submit only one entry
- All submissions must be original and created specifically for the competitive event
- Students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduation from all streams and institutions are eligible
Video Requirements
- Duration: 60–120 seconds
- Format: Vertical video (9:16), suitable for Instagram Reels
- Resolution: Minimum 720p; 1080p recommended
- File format: MP4 preferred
- Language: English or Hindi. Other languages may be used with English subtitles
- The video must focus on a waste-management solution that could realistically be implemented by 2035
Submission Requirements
- Every submission must clearly communicate:
- The Problem: Identify a specific waste-management concern, such as food waste, poor segregation, plastic pollution or inefficient collection
- The Innovation: Present a technology-based solution to address the problem
- How it Works: Explain the process through demonstrations, animations, flowcharts, voiceovers, simulations or on-screen text
- Role of Technology: Show how AI, sensors, robotics, data analytics, digital platforms or other technologies contribute to the solution
- Environmental Impact: Explain the expected benefits, such as reduced landfill waste, improved recycling or lower collection-related emissions
- Practical Application: Demonstrate how the idea could be implemented in a college, neighbourhood, city or other real-world setting
Use of AI and Digital Tools
- Participants may use AI tools, animation software, video editors, digital dashboards and simulated interfaces
- AI-generated visuals are permitted, but they must support the explanation of the proposed solution
- Participants must not present simulated results or conceptual prototypes as real-world achievements
- Any AI-generated content, datasets or simulations should be disclosed where relevant
- The use of AI is encouraged but does not replace the need for original thinking and a clear explanation
Submission Guidelines
- Submission Deadline: 2 November 2026
- Submission Platform: Unstop
- File Naming Format: TeamName__TitleofVideo
- Late submissions may not be considered
- Participants should ensure that the video and audio are clear and that any text displayed is readable
- A short concept note of up to 100 words must accompany the video, explaining the problem, solution and expected impact
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on the following basis:
- Innovation and Originality – 25%: Uniqueness and creativity of the proposed idea
- Technical Feasibility – 25%: Clarity of the technology and how the solution would function in practice
- Environmental Impact – 20%: Potential to reduce waste and support sustainability
- Digital Storytelling – 15%: Creativity, visual quality, engagement and clarity of presentation
- Problem Understanding and Explanation – 15%: How effectively the video identifies the problem and explains the proposed solution
Disqualification Criteria
- Plagiarism or submission of another creator's work without appropriate permission or attribution
- Deliberately misleading claims about the functioning or effectiveness of the proposed technology
- Submissions that do not address waste management or lack a meaningful technological solution
- Videos containing offensive, discriminatory or inappropriate content
Entries submitted after the deadline
Important Instructions
- Futuristic visuals alone will not be sufficient; participants must explain the actual working mechanism of their idea
- A functioning physical prototype is not mandatory. Conceptual demonstrations and simulated models are acceptable if clearly explained
- Participants should use credible assumptions and avoid unsupported environmental claims
- Any third-party footage, music, images or other assets must be used with appropriate permission or licensing
- The organizers' decision regarding judging and competition results will be final
Prizes and Recognition
- Winner - Rs. 1500
- Runner-up - Rs. 1000
"Create with Purpose, Innovate for Impact, and Tell a Story That Transforms."