High school students from Mallya Aditi International School have emerged as winners of the India edition of the Monash University Change It Challenge 2026, following a competitive finale held in Mumbai. The event, hosted by Nahar International School, brought together some of the country’s brightest young minds to present solutions addressing global challenges.
The winning team—Vidushee, Shravya, and Shloka—stood out for their innovative approach to developing sustainable and affordable prosthetics. Their project focuses on converting plastic waste into high-performance prosthetic materials by combining bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, and basalt derived from stone crushing. The resulting composite material is not only stronger than many conventional fiberglass alternatives but is also cost-effective and recyclable, making it a promising solution for improving accessibility in healthcare.
As part of their achievement, the team will travel to Melbourne, Australia, to represent India at the global finale of the Monash University Change It Challenge scheduled for August 2026. There, they will compete with other winning teams from across the world, showcasing their innovation on an international platform.
Reflecting on their journey, the students expressed excitement about the opportunity to present their work globally and engage with a wider community of innovators. They highlighted how the competition has strengthened their belief in the power of youth-led solutions to address pressing issues such as sustainability and accessibility.
The Change It Challenge is designed to encourage high school students to develop practical ideas addressing critical global concerns, including climate change, geopolitical security, and community well-being. Participants are evaluated on their ability to integrate research, innovation, and cultural understanding into impactful solutions. The finalists presented their ideas before a panel that included Jenny McHendrie, Alphonsa Pakiam, and Abizer Merchant. Judges commended the participants for their creativity, eadership, and commitment to driving meaningful change.
Other top performers included students from Podar International School, The Indian Public School, and Indus International School, who secured the runner-up positions.
With finalists from multiple countries already selected, the competition continues to expand its global footprint, reinforcing its role as a platform for nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
Author
