Under the Mentor & Technical Guide of Mr. Prashanta Nanda, HOD, School of Footwear Design & Production (FDP), Ms. Anneasa Manna, a student of the FDP, (B.Des. 2023–27) from FDDI Kolkata Campus, participated in the prestigious Global Sustainability Challenge Finals held at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Garching Campus, Germany, from 28–30 April 2026.
The challenge was organized by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, and the Maker Bhavan Foundation. The international event brought together students, researchers, and innovators from across the globe to address sustainability and climate resilience challenges through innovation and technology.
During the event, Ms. Anneasa Manna participated in orientation sessions, networking activities, and poster presentations, interacting with global participants and sustainability innovators. The programme provided valuable exposure to international research culture, innovation ecosystems, and collaborative problem-solving approaches focused on sustainable development.
A major highlight of the event was her selection among the Top 20 Global Finalists in the Adaptation & Resilience category. She presented her project titled “Atmospheric Water Generator Integrated with Air Purification System,” which focused on integrating atmospheric water generation technology with air purification mechanisms through an innovative three-layer cylindrical system.
The project received appreciation for its innovative design, technical integration, and potential social impact in addressing environmental challenges related to clean air and water accessibility.
The final day included an innovation and entrepreneurship workshop conducted by former Google professionals, focusing on product thinking, scalable innovation models, and sustainable business development.
The participation proved to be a highly enriching academic and professional experience, enhancing research capabilities, presentation skills, global exposure, and intercultural understanding.
Representing FDDI and India at such a prestigious international platform was a significant achievement and contributed greatly to the student’s professional growth and innovation-driven outlook.
