IIT Bombay Celebrates Innovation and Impact with ACCESS 2024 Awards

9 Nov 2024

IIT Bombay is delighted to announce the winners of the ACCESS 2024 (ACcelerating Climate, Energy & Sustainability Solutions) Awards Initiative, an exciting program aimed at fostering innovative solutions to tackle the critical challenges of climate change. This initiative is made possible through the generous support of alumni Vinaya Kapoor (B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, 1992) and Dr. Samir Kapoor (B.Tech., Electrical Engineering, 1992), whose commitment to sustainable development continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

The ACCESS Awards shine a spotlight on some of the most forward-thinking projects emerging from the IIT Bombay community, with two key themes for 2024:

  • Climate Impacts and Adaptation
  • Climate Mitigation and Finance.


The winners in both categories have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and a deep commitment to driving meaningful change in the fight against climate challenges.

The following teams picked up the top prizes for the theme of Climate Impacts and Adaptation:

  • The First Prize was awarded to Team SMFI for their groundbreaking work in developing a soil moisture forecasting instrument.
  • The Second Prize was claimed by Team ThermoWatch  for their vision of creating a web-based application to forecast extended heatwaves and assess their potential impact, offering a crucial tool for communities and governments to better prepare for extreme weather events.

In the category of Climate Mitigation and Finance, Team Nirvaan took the 1st Prize for their ambitious project: designing an ultra-low emission, gasification-based crematorium pyre. Their vision not only addresses the need for more sustainable cremation practices but also offers an innovative solution to reduce carbon emissions while preserving cultural traditions.

The ACCESS 2024 Awards are a testament to the incredible talent and drive of IIT Bombay’s students and researchers. With the unwavering support of alumni like Vinaya and Dr. Samir Kapoor, the institute continues to empower young innovators to make meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable future. These winning projects stand as a powerful reminder that creative solutions to climate challenges can lead to lasting impact, and IIT Bombay is proud to be at the forefront of this global mission.

Join us in congratulating the winning teams and celebrating the bright future they are helping to build!