Reel the Waste - Reveal the Change

Reel the Waste, Reveal the Change is an AI-powered digital storytelling competition organised by Ecosperity, the Environment Club of the Department of Environmental Studies at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce (SGGSCC), University of Delhi, as part of Ecothon 2027. The competition invites students to imagine how technology can transform waste management by 2035 and to communicate an innovative, practical, technology-driven solution to a real-world waste problem through a short video.

Objective

• Harness digital storytelling to present innovative, practical, technology-driven solutions to real-world waste management challenges.
• Identify pressing waste-related issues, communicate feasible solutions, and show how technology, creativity, and public awareness can drive more efficient and sustainable waste management.

Who Can Participate

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students from all streams and institutions.
• Participation may be individual or in teams of up to 3 members.
• Each participant or team may submit only one entry, and all submissions must be original and created specifically for the event.

Video Requirements

• Duration: 60–120 seconds.
• Format: Vertical video (9:16), suitable for Instagram Reels.
• Resolution: Minimum 720p; 1080p recommended.
• File format: MP4 preferred.
• Language: English or Hindi; other languages permitted with English subtitles.
• The video must focus on a waste-management solution that could realistically be implemented by 2035.

What Every Submission Must Communicate

• The Problem: A specific waste-management concern such as food waste, poor segregation, plastic pollution, or inefficient collection.
• The Innovation: A technology-based solution addressing the problem.
• How It Works: Explanation through demonstrations, animations, flowcharts, voiceovers, simulations, or on-screen text.
• Role of Technology: How AI, sensors, robotics, data analytics, digital platforms, or other technologies contribute.
• Environmental Impact: Expected benefits such as reduced landfill waste, improved recycling, or lower collection-related emissions.
• Practical Application: How the idea could be implemented in a college, neighbourhood, city, or other real-world setting.

Use of AI and Digital Tools

• AI tools, animation software, video editors, digital dashboards, and simulated interfaces are permitted.
• AI-generated visuals are allowed but must support the explanation of the proposed solution.
• Simulated results or conceptual prototypes must not be presented as real-world achievements.
• AI-generated content, datasets, or simulations should be disclosed where relevant.
• AI use is encouraged but does not replace original thinking and clear explanation.

Submission Guidelines

• Submission deadline: 2 November 2026.
• Submission platform: Unstop.
• File naming format: TeamName__TitleofVideo.
• Late submissions may not be considered.
• Video and audio must be clear, and any on-screen text readable.
• A short concept note of up to 100 words must accompany the video, explaining the problem, solution, and expected impact.

Evaluation Criteria

• Innovation and Originality – 25%
• Technical Feasibility – 25%
• Environmental Impact – 20%
• Digital Storytelling – 15%
• Problem Understanding and Explanation – 15%

Disqualification Criteria

• Plagiarism or use of another creator's work without permission or attribution.
• Deliberately misleading claims about the functioning or effectiveness of the proposed technology.
• Submissions that do not address waste management or lack a meaningful technological solution.
• Offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content.
• Entries submitted after the deadline.

Important Instructions

• Futuristic visuals alone are insufficient; participants must explain the actual working mechanism of their idea.
• A functioning physical prototype is not mandatory; conceptual demonstrations and simulated models are acceptable if clearly explained.
• Participants should use credible assumptions and avoid unsupported environmental claims.
• Third-party footage, music, images, or other assets must be used with appropriate permission or licensing.
• The organisers' decision regarding judging and competition results is final.

Prizes and Recognition

• Winner: ₹1,500
• Runner-up: ₹1,000
• Total prize pool: ₹2,500

About the Organiser Ecosperity is the Environment Club of the Department of Environmental Studies at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, a constituent college of the University of Delhi. The department and club run environment-focused academic and outreach initiatives, and Ecothon is their flagship sustainability innovation series. This edition challenges students to combine environmental thinking with emerging technology and digital media skills.

"Create with Purpose, Innovate for Impact, and Tell a Story That Transforms."