The India EVolve Innovation Challenge, led by the Sustainable Mobility Network in India, set out to tackle the fast-rising emissions from last-mile parcel deliveries—projected to grow 10x by 2030. With support from partners across India, a nationwide youth challenge was launched to crowdsource solutions.

Over 200 teams from 15+ states responded, with 22 shortlisted for a mentorship bootcamp and final pitch. Winning ideas emerged across four themes: Technology, Social Inclusion, Governance, and Finance Models. The challenge concluded with a national pitch event, judged by experts across sectors. Final solutions are now being compiled into a report for policymakers, city governments, and major delivery platforms.

A team from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) Pune won the first prize for their innovative solution, KARA —a solar-powered, mobile micro-fulfillment hub designed to ease last-mile delivery congestion, cut emissions, and enable on-the-go EV charging in urban hotspots. The other winning submissions proposed innovative policy approaches, business models for expanding charging stations, public transport-based freight, and battery tech.

The Sustainable Mobility Network will now continue to work with the participating youth and explore ways to bring some of the most promising solutions to life through collaboration with key stakeholders.