Puthulir is an Innovation and Ideation Challenge designed to ignite the creative potential and problem-solving skills of school students across Tamil Nadu. Organized by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), Anna University, this statewide initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students from State Board, Matriculation, CBSE, and ICSE/IGCSE/IB schools. The competition will be held in various stages,

Preparedness Round via Quiz

All registered student teams to attend an online quiz regarding Innovation and their chosen theme

Problem Statement Evaluation

All Registered student teams are required to submit their problem statement for next level evaluation

District Level Scrutiny

Selected teams will participate in district level pitch across 38 districts in Tamilnadu

Each district via a sponsor school campus will host competitions where up to 10 teams will be selected for the next level. The evaluation will be conducted separately based on the respective school boards.

380 teams will move forward to the state level.

State Level (Finale)

Selected Teams are required to present a visual presentation/model prototype of their idea for the final pitch

The state-level event will be held at Anna University, Chennai.

380 qualifying teams will compete, and 25 winning teams (20 Teams – INR 10,000 each, 4 Teams – INR 25,000 each and 1 Team – INR 50,000) will be selected from respective school boards.

Eligibility

Students from State Board, Matriculation, CBSE, and ICSE/IGCSE schools across Tamil Nadu, from grades 8 to 12, are eligible.

Team Composition & Registration

Each team may comprise of not more than 3 students guided by a mentor (teacher/guardian).

Registration Fee of Rs. 500 per team (No registration charges for students from TN Government & Govt. Aided Schools)

Key Takeaways to Schools

All registered schools shall be part of Anna University Student Entrepreneurship Club (AUSEC) Student Chapter.

Student Internship Opportunities/Workshops from CED-AU/AUSEC

Key Takeaways to Students

• Cash rewards
• Mentorship opportunities to develop the idea to prototype
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation Club Chapter Membership
• Startup incubation
• Scholarships to entrepreneurial boot camps of CED AU
• Internships with startups
• Access to resources like co-working spaces, funding opportunities, or seed investments

Themes of Interest

Innovative Solutions for Local Problems

Theme: Focus on solving local community issues such as waste management, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, etc.

Format: Students form teams, brainstorm solutions, and develop business models or prototypes.

Judging Criteria: Impact on community, innovation, feasibility, and scalability.

Tech & Innovation Challenge

Theme: Encourage students to develop tech-based solutions, apps, or products. This could be tied to current trends like AI, machine learning, or robotics.

Format: Teams work on a tech solution over several weeks, culminating in a final pitch.

Judging Criteria: Technical innovation, market need, business model, and potential impact.

Sustainability Startup Challenge

Theme: Encourage startups with a focus on sustainability, eco-friendly solutions, and green technology.

Format: Students propose a product or service that helps in reducing the carbon footprint, promoting recycling, or enhancing biodiversity.

Judging Criteria: Sustainability, market potential, and feasibility.

STEM-Based Business Challenge

Theme: Emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to build innovative startups in sectors like health tech, edtech, or agri-tech.

Format: Students work on a STEM-based product idea, develop a prototype, and pitch their startup concept.

Judging Criteria: Innovation, market potential, and technical feasibility.

Creative Arts and Media Startups

Theme: For students interested in media, design, or arts, they can develop startups in fields like digital marketing, design services, or content creation.

Format: Teams work on a creative business concept, develop a strategy for execution, and present it.

Judging Criteria: Creativity, business potential, and presentation skills.

Health and Wellness Startup Competition

Theme: Promote ideas in the area of health, fitness, mental well-being, or nutrition.

Format: Students can develop apps, services, or products aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.

Judging Criteria: Impact on health, feasibility, and market potential.

For queries please each out to Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Anna University @ 044-22359289/cedau.outreach@gmail.com or visit Puthulir