Kochi: Idea Fest 2025, jointly organized by Future Kerala Mission and Jain University, concluded with a strong mission: to identify student-driven solutions to Kerala’s emerging socio-economic challenges. More than 250 colleges participated, and 20 shortlisted teams competed in the final round held at the Jain University Kochi campus.
As part of the event, students attended a special design-thinking workshop that introduced them to structured problem-solving, how to approach an issue, craft an idea and present a practical solution. The final round showcased 12 standout concepts, from which the jury selected Kochi GEMS Modern Academy as the overall winner.
Their winning idea, forming Youth Voice Community Clubs to channel young people’s opinions into local governance, earned them the top prize. Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology secured second place with a ‘pseudo-anonymous’ support platform designed to help overworked youth navigate work-life imbalance, discuss workplace culture, and access counselling. The joint team of Neyyattinkara NIOS and Government HSS won third place for proposing compulsory sports and mental-fitness components in school curricula to address poor access to sports facilities and basic health services.
A 12-member expert jury chaired by former Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary P.C. Cyriac evaluated the entries. The top three winners received Rs 1 lakh, Rs 60,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively. The awards will be formally presented at the Summit of Future, to be hosted by Jain University from January 29 to February 1, 2026.
Special recognitions were also announced in four thematic categories; Education, Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Quality of Life. Kothamangalam M.A. College excelled in Education; Mala MET’s School of Engineering in Youth Empowerment; Rajagiri School of Engineering in Entrepreneurship and Choice School, Ernakulam in Quality of Life.
Apart from P.C. Cyriac, the jury included James Varghese, M.P. Joseph, N. Ramachandran, Tom George, Bimal Chandrabose, Jeswin Jose, Lekha Balachandra, Karthikeyan Subramanian, Dr. Dipu Thomas Joy, Dr. Monu John and Dr. Simmi Kurian.
“Idea Fest is more than just a contest, it’s a space where young people learn how to solve problems through design thinking,” said Festival Director and Executive Coach Mike Cruz. Future Kerala Mission Chairman Venu Rajamony added that the fest aims to empower students to identify real-life social problems and develop sustainable solutions. “This platform has helped prepare youth for meaningful conversations about Kerala’s future,” he said.
Dr. Tom Joseph, Director–New Initiatives at Jain University, said the winners will have the opportunity to present the award-winning ideas before policymakers and industry leaders at the upcoming Summit of Future. He added that outstanding performers from Idea Fest will also receive preference during admissions at Jain University.
