Three students from BSc Economics at the School of Economics, NMIMS Bengaluru, have brought pride to their institute by winning the first prize at the inter-college event Synthesize organized by the Economics Association of Christ (Deemed-to-be University) under their flagship event, “1776 Syndrome”. The event focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the producer’s side of trade, and the winning team from NMIMS Bengaluru proposed a product called “Maitri,” which is a biodegradable substitute for sanitary pads that can be synthesized from bamboo fibre along with a unique waste disposal system (corrugated cardboard disposal packs).

Avni Gupta, Rashmi Rajaram, and Savya Gulhare, the proud winners of the first prize, said, “We are thrilled to have won the first prize and are thankful to the endless support we have received from our institute, NMIMS Bengaluru, and the faculty of School of Economics. We are also thankful to the Economics Association of Christ (Deemed-to-be University) for organizing this event. It was a great opportunity to interact, create and compete with the brighter minds of Bangalore- A platform to showcase your skills beyond your curriculum and to excel in doing so is an experience to cherish!”

The brand’s tagline, “Fibres that bind”, indicates that the product aims to bring harmony between women and nature by using a product that is not only good for them but for the environment as well. The innovative idea and its sustainable approach impressed the judges, and the team received high praise for their unique waste disposal system.

The success of Avni Gupta, Rashmi Rajaram, and Savya Gulhare highlights the quality of education and opportunities provided at NMIMS Bengaluru. In fact, a product idea pitched by another team from the institute (Dhawal Khare, Jai Kesarwani and Rochack Jain) received special mention from all judges – they proposed synthesizing “Living Concrete” by extracting a certain fungi (Mycellium) and bacteria (Bacillus Pasteurii) from manure, which, when combined with steel powder and concrete can result in sustainable, self-healing building material. The Institute has always encouraged and supported its students to explore their talents and abilities beyond the classroom, and the results are evident in their achievements.

The teams’ innovative product ideas for Maitri and Living Concrete are a step towards a sustainable future, and the institute hopes that more such ideas will emerge from its students, contributing to society and the environment at large.