L.E.A.D. – Leading Eco-preneurs for Action & Development
Empowering youth, innovators, and enterprises to design sustainable solutions for water, climate, and the environment. Together, we build a resilient future through innovation and collaboration.
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About the Program
L.E.A.D. empowers youth and startups to create innovative, sustainable solutions for a resilient future, fostering leadership, creativity, and community transformation through collaborative action and mentorship.
Empowering Changemakers for a Sustainable Future
L.E.A.D. is a flagship initiative by Youth4Water Plus , in collaboration with AIC-Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation (AIC-NITF) and guided by UNICEF-Odisha. The program nurtures youth, innovators, and entrepreneurs to design sustainable solutions addressing real-world challenges in climate, WASH, and livelihood.
Through ThinkCamps, Incubation, and Acceleration programs, L.E.A.D. transforms innovative ideas born in classrooms into impactful ventures that drive measurable social and environmental change.
Our Vision
We envision a generation of eco-preneurs leading India’s transition toward a green and circular economy.
Our Mission
Guided by four pillars that empower changemakers to innovate and scale sustainable impact:
Our Partnership for Ecopreneurship
L.E.A.D. (Leading Eco-preneurs for Action & Development) is a collaborative initiative by Youth4Water Plus and AIC-Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation dedicated to empowering young eco-preneurs with the skills, support, and innovation ecosystem they need to drive sustainable change.
L.E.A.D. Program
From ideas to impact, L.E.A.D. guides students and startups through structured programs that nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and scalable solutions for sustainable development.
ThinkCamps
Interactive one-day bootcamps across schools, colleges, and universities introducing students to design thinking, entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation, and leadership development.
Incubation Program
A six-month journey for early-stage innovators to refine prototypes, validate ideas with users, enhance business models, build strong teams, and prepare for market readiness.
Acceleration Program
A three-month scale-up program for startups and MSMEs with traction, focusing on growth, investment readiness, regional expansion, strategic partnerships, market penetration.
Ideal Participants for L.E.A.D Program
L.E.A.D. welcomes passionate individuals and organizations ready to innovate and create sustainable solutions in water, climate, and environmental sectors. Whether you are a student eager to turn ideas into impact, a grassroots innovator driving community-level change, or a startup/SME aiming to scale eco-friendly solutions, this program equips you with the skills, mentorship, and resources to succeed.
Participants gain hands-on experience through ThinkCamps, Incubation, and Acceleration programs, connect with a network of mentors and industry experts, and have the opportunity to transform their innovative concepts into ventures that create measurable social and environmental change.
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Students (Schools, Colleges & Universities)
Students passionate about innovation, sustainability, and solving real-world challenges.
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Grassroots Innovators (Community-Level Change Makers)
Individuals developing eco-friendly ideas and projects with local community impact.
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Startups & MSMEs (Climate, Water & Livelihood Solutions)
Businesses creating innovative solutions in climate tech, water, energy, and sustainable livelihood sectors.
Thematic Areas
L.E.A.D. empowers youth and startups to create innovative solutions for pressing sustainability challenges. Each theme targets real-world problems with scalable, high-impact interventions.
Circular Economy & Waste Management
Innovative solutions for recycling, waste segregation, and circular resource use.
Clean & Affordable Energy
Advancing clean renewable solutions for rural and urban communities, energy independence for all.
Sustainable Livelihoods, Education & Health
Creating livelihood models and skill pathways for rural youth and empowering them.
Water Conservation & Management
Encouraging efficient water use, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater restoration.
Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
Ensuring access to safe sanitation, menstrual hygiene, and decentralized wastewater systems.
Program Timeline
Each phase builds on the previous—starting with ideation, moving to validation, and culminating in growth and investment. L.E.A.D. provides a structured pathway for innovators to transform ideas into impactful ventures.
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Phase 1
ThinkCamps
October 2025 – Interactive one-day bootcamps introducing students to design thinking and entrepreneurship.
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Phase 2
Incubation
November 2025 – April 2026 – Six-month journey for early-stage innovators to refine prototypes, validate ideas, and prepare for market readiness.
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Phase 3
Acceleration
May 2026 – July 2026 – Three-month scale-up program for startups and MSMEs with traction, focused on growth, investment readiness, and regional expansion.
Our Gallery
Explore moments from our initiatives, events, and projects that highlight innovation, sustainability, and youth-led change.
Launching of L.E.A.D. Incubation Program
A joint initiative by Youth4Water Plus, AIC–Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation, and UNICEF, the L.E.A.D. (Leading Ecopreneurs for Action & Development) Program commenced its journey on 22nd November 2025 at Bhubaneswar.
The launch ceremony set an inspiring tone with insightful addresses by:
- Mr. Durga Prasad, CEO, AIC–Nalanda
- Ms. Shipra Saxena, WASH & CCES Specialist, UNICEF Odisha
We were also honoured by the presence of:
- Mr. Sujit Mahapatra, Founder – Bakul Foundation
- Mr. Blorin Mohanty, Director – Youth4Water Plus
During the event, the 10 selected ideas for the LEAD Incubation Program were unveiled, and each team introduced their innovation and vision to the audience—marking the beginning of a purposeful journey toward ecological action and community change.
With the launch complete, we now move ahead into a phase of learning, building, and meaningful impact.
Our Sessions
Where emerging ecopreneurs deep-dive with experienced mentors to work on their innovative ideas and sustainable solutions. An opportunity to learn, engage, and be inspired by youth-led action for positive change.
Innovative Project Ideas
A platform where emerging ecopreneurs collaborate with experienced mentors to refine innovative ideas and build impactful, sustainable solutions for a resilient and responsible future worldwide.
| Sl. No. | Team Names | Title of Your Idea / Project | Which Thematic Area Does Your Idea Fall Under? | Brief of their Idea / Business |
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| 1 | WindowWatt | WindowWatt : Powering the future through Solar Innovations | Clean & Affordable Energy | Team WindowWatt tackles the challenge of limited urban space for renewable energy by converting glass surfaces into transparent solar windows that generate power without blocking light. With a piloted prototype, the solution offers space-efficient, aesthetic, eco-friendly energy generation for high-rise buildings, reducing carbon emissions, grid load, and enhancing sustainability for both people and the planet. |
| 2 | Kronis | Solar Powered Precision Irrigation System | Water Conservation & Management, Clean & Affordable Energy, Sustainable Livelihoods, Education & Health | Team Kronis addresses smallholder farmers’ water, energy, and climate challenges through a solar-powered precision irrigation system integrating IoT sensors and micro-pumps. With a prototype ready, it boosts yields, saves resources, reduces diesel dependence, and improves incomes—creating significant social and environmental impact through affordable, data-driven, climate-smart irrigation. |
| 3 | GutScan | A lateral flow assay-based platform for the rapid detection and differentiation of childhood diarrhea, distinguishing bacterial from non-bacterial causes to avoid overuse of antibiotics | Sustainable Livelihoods, Education & Health | Team GutScan tackles the high burden of childhood diarrhea by offering a rapid, non-invasive test that distinguishes bacterial from non-bacterial cases, reducing misuse of antibiotics. Piloted and practical for low-resource settings, it supports accurate treatment, lowers mortality, combats AMR, and benefits caregivers, clinicians, and public health systems. |
| 4 | AyurAI | AI-powered Ayurveda Easy Health Assessment, Instant Diagnosis, and Smart Therapy Scheduling | Sustainable Livelihoods, Education & Health | Team AyurAI is developing an Ayurveda-first digital platform with AI diagnostics, smart scheduling, and automated marketing to replace paper-based clinic operations. With a ready prototype, it standardizes care, boosts patient adherence, and enables measurable outcomes, benefiting clinics, practitioners, and patients while reducing paper use and supporting sustainable, holistic healthcare growth. |
| 5 | PUNRPUSHP | PUNRPUSHP | Circular Economy & Waste Management | Team Punrpushp is addressing temple floral waste by converting discarded flowers into biodegradable incense sticks, Diyas, and Pooja products. Their circular, eco-friendly model merges spirituality with sustainability while empowering women and self-help groups. Though at idea stage with no prototype, the concept promises strong environmental impact, community benefits, and commercial feasibility. |
| 6 | Algora Sips | Algora Sips | Other (please specify) | Team Algora Sips proposes a next-gen RTD wellness beverage made from sustainably sourced algae, offering proteins, iron, omega-3s and vitamins for energy, brain and heart health. With zero fish dependency and dual functionality, the idea-stage concept targets fitness users and wellness sectors, reducing harmful drink consumption and promoting eco-friendly, low-water, carbon-absorbing nutrition. |
| 7 | MushGro | MushGro: Affordable Nutrition from Fungi | Clean & Affordable Energy, Circular Economy & Waste Management, Sustainable Livelihoods, Education & Health, Other (please specify) | Team MushGro addresses nutrition gaps and agricultural waste by converting paddy straw and bagasse into affordable, long-lasting mushroom powders. Their circular, eco-friendly model empowers rural communities, reduces pollution, and supports sustainable livelihoods. Though at the idea stage, the solution promises strong social impact, environmental benefits, and scalable economic potential. |
| 8 | Nutrinest | Nutrinest | Sustainable Livelihoods, Education & Health | Team Nutrinest addresses the lack of personalized nutrition, time for healthy cooking, and support for medical diets through an AI-driven diet planner, healthy meal kits, and an integrated lifestyle app. With a ready prototype, their solution benefits busy individuals, patients, and fitness enthusiasts, promoting wellness, reducing lifestyle diseases, and encouraging sustainable eating. |
| 9 | Agrohive | Agrohive | Sustainable Livelihoods, Education & Health | Team AgroHive is providing an agritech platform offering organic, chemical-free produce while ensuring fair prices and employment for farmers. With a working prototype and a hub-and-spoke model, it reduces waste, enhances transparency, and promotes sustainable agriculture, improving consumer health, empowering farmers, and strengthening rural communities through an efficient, eco-friendly supply chain. |
| 10 | SalineWatch | iot based IV fluid monitoring and alert system | Sustainable Livelihoods, Education & Health | Team SalineWatch aims to eliminate errors in conventional manual IV fluid monitoring through a system that continuously tracks fluid levels and triggers local and cloud-based alerts when thresholds drop. Their cost-effective solution enhances patient safety, reduces clinical workload, and benefits both patients and medical staff. Currently at concept stage with no prototype. |
Empowering youth, innovators, and startups to design impactful, sustainable solutions while fostering collaboration, innovation, and environmental responsibility for a better future.