By Dipti Jadhav for BIS Mumbai

Mumbai, March 2026 — Students of the Computer Engineering department of the Don Bosco Institute of Technology, Kurla, secured second place at the Youth Development for Climate Tech (YDCT) Global Summit 2026, earning international recognition for their project EcoLens. The team, comprising Anusha Gupta, Hemal Bhirud, and Om Mahale, received a cash award of $2,000 and was ranked among the top nine teams globally.

The project EcoLens focuses on addressing climate-related challenges through technological innovation. The recognition at the global level highlights the students’ ability to apply engineering knowledge to real-world environmental concerns.

Following their success, the team has been invited to present EcoLens at an upcoming global summit in Singapore. The organisers will sponsor travel and accommodation, providing the students with an opportunity to engage with experts and stakeholders from the fields of government, technology, climate, and innovation.

The YDCT initiative, themed “Transforming Ideas into Climate Impact,” is organised by the Sustainable Living Lab (SL2) Group, with support from industry partners and environmental initiatives. The platform encourages young innovators to develop solutions that contribute to sustainable development and climate action.

Dr Dipti Jadhav, Head of the Computer Engineering Department, mentored the students during their eight-month preparation process. Her guidance supported the team in refining their concept and presenting it effectively at the international level.

Principal Dr Sudhakar Mande expressed appreciation for the students’ achievement and acknowledged the efforts of the department in supporting innovation and research. The institute continues to encourage students to participate in platforms that promote technological advancement and social impact.

The achievement reflects the growing emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary learning within the institute. It also highlights the role of academic mentorship and institutional support in enabling students to compete at global forums.

The recognition at the YDCT Global Summit marks a significant milestone for the students and the Computer Engineering department. It demonstrates the potential of young engineers to contribute to climate solutions through technology-driven approaches.