Trident Group partners with Panjab University for national-level HACKATHON "DECARBONIX 1.0"
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 22, 2026: Trident Group partnered with University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology (Dr. SSBUICET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, for DECARBONIX 1.0, a national-level HACKATHON focused on sustainability and industrial decarbonisation. The Grand Finale, held on 18 and 19 September, brought together 23 finalist teams from leading institutions across India to address real-world industrial decarbonisation challenges.
The finalists were selected through a nationwide preliminary round that attracted participation from 174 teams representing 86 institutions across 21 States and Union Territories. The shortlisted teams represented leading institutions such as IIT Roorkee, IIT Jammu, IIT Mandi, NIT Jalandhar, NIT Hamirpur, Anna University, Lovely Professional University and Panjab University, among others.
Conceived as a platform to connect students with a live industrial challenge, DECARBONIX 1.0 encouraged participants to develop practical and economically viable solutions. The challenge was centred on an integrated textile and paper manufacturing campus, requiring teams to identify decarbonisation opportunities and assess their commercial viability and implementation potential.
DECARBONIX 1.0 was organised and managed by UICET, Panjab University, Chandigarh, while Trident Group supported the initiative as the Industry Partner and Prize Money Sponsor.
Addressing the participants during the Grand Finale, Pooja Luthra, Group CHRO, Trident Group, shared an encouraging message and commended the participants for their innovative thinking, creativity and commitment towards developing sustainable industrial solutions.
The Grand Finale entries were evaluated by a panel comprising industry experts from Trident Group and academic experts. The competition carried a total prize pool of ₹1.75 lakh, comprising ₹75,000 for the First Prize, ₹50,000 for the Second Prize and ₹25,000 each for two Third Prize positions.
Following presentations and deliberations by the jury, the winning teams were announced. MIT-World Peace University , Pune secured the First Prize of ₹75,000 ,
IIT Roorkee received the Second Prize of ₹50,000.
ACTECH Campus, Anna University, UICET Panjab University, Chandigarh, jointly won the Third Prize of ₹25,000 each.
The winning teams were recognised for their innovative approaches to industrial decarbonisation and their ability to develop practical solutions for complex sustainability challenges. Through its association with DECARBONIX 1.0, Trident Group provided students with an opportunity to engage with real-world manufacturing challenges and apply their knowledge to industry-relevant sustainability issues.
The initiative demonstrated how collaboration between industry and academia can foster innovation, nurture future-ready talent and support the development of solutions for a low-carbon economy.