RENEWATHON
A Series of pan-India competitions, bridging the gap between industry and academia.
Renewathon 2025
Industry Partner: Fourth Partner Energy
Renewathon 2025 was organised across two tracks:
Track 1: Minimizing Soiling Losses in Cement Plants
Target Audience: Students of all IITs
The Challenge: Fourth Partner Energy has deployed solar capacities across multiple cement plants (including Ultratech and NCL), which suffer from significant underperformance due to soiling losses caused by cement dust. Current cleaning methods rely on manual water- and chemical-based cleaning, making the process inefficient and labour-intensive.
We’re seeking technology-driven solutions to extract dust from solar panels efficiently—potentially using electrostatic force or other innovative methods.
Competition Details
- Platform: Unstop
- Format: Submit a detailed solution in a presentation deck
- Registration Deadline: March 7th, 11:59 PM
- Submission Deadline: March 18, 11:59 PM
- Team Size: Maximum 4 members
What's at Stake?
- Top 3 teams: Internship and research opportunities
- 4th & 5th: Cash prizes and goodies
Track 2: Enhancing Safety and Durability for Skylight Meshes
Target Audience: Postgraduates of IITB (for PG Tech Week)
The Challenge: Skylights in rooftop solar installations pose safety risks. Current hot-dip galvanized iron (HDGI) mesh solutions rust and require custom manufacturing. We need a modular, rust-resistant solution adaptable to various skylight sizes.
Competition Details
- Platform: Unstop
- Format: Presentation deck
- Registration Deadline: March 3, 11:59 PM
- Submission Deadline: March 8, 11:59 PM
- Team Size: Maximum 4 members
Rewards
- Top 3 teams: Internship and research opportunities
- 4th & 5th: Cash prizes and goodies