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SDG Youth Challenge - ICBI 2026

“Mobilizing Sri Lankan Youth for Sustainable Tomorrow"

What is SDG Youth Challenge?

SDG Youth Challenge is Organized in line with ICBI 2026 to shape Sri Lanka’s journey toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.

About the Initiative

The SDG Youth Challenge 2026 is a nationwide movement harnessing the creativity and determination of Sri Lanka’s youth. This initiative provides young Sri Lankans with a powerful platform to create cross-border, sustainable solutions to local problems, advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the ground up.
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Who Can Join?

This challenge is fully inclusive! We welcome ambitious undergraduates from both state and non-state universities across Sri Lanka who are ready to drive meaningful change and build a better tomorrow.

Your Mission

Step up as a catalyst for progress! As a participant, you will:

  • Develop Groundbreaking Solutions: Design actionable, sustainable plans tailored specifically to the local context.
  • Pitch Bold Ideas: Present innovative concepts that directly address one of the seventeen United Nations SDGs.

Why Participate?

Winners will not only inspire real-world action but also unlock valuable opportunities to bring their ideas to life:

  • Prestigious Platforms: Earn the chance to showcase your solutions to a wider, high-profile audience.
  • National Recognition: Gain well-deserved acknowledgment for your innovation, leadership, and determination.
  • Contribute to Global Sustainability: Directly engage with national challenges and develop impactful solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Transform Ideas into Reality: Apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering creativity, innovation, and hands-on problem-solving skills.
  • Learn from Experts: Gain invaluable insights from industry professionals and sustainability leaders, enhancing your understanding of real-world solutions.
  • Build Your Network: Connect with like-minded peers, mentors, and industry experts, expanding your professional and academic network for future opportunities.

Win Recognition & Prizes: Outstanding teams will receive cash prizes to further their projects and career growth.

  • Open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in state or non-state universities in Sri Lanka with a valid university student ID.

  • Participants must enter the competition as a team consisting of 3 to 5 members.

  • Each team must nominate an academic staff member from their university as a mentor.

  • Register your team through the following Google form link Registration Link

  • Register your team on or before 10th May 2026.

  • Provide a brief description of your project or idea. (One page Summary)

  • Please upload a letter from your mentor confirming your studentship (to the registration link. (Note: This letter can be issued by the dean/HoD/Mentor. A letter by a mentor is accepted only if he/she is in permanent carder. The letter must be printed on your university’s official letterhead.)

The challenge consists of three rounds, each designed to test creativity, feasibility, and impact.

  • Round One: Concept Paper Submission
  • Round Two: Poster & Prototype Presentation
  • Final Round: Industry Panel Evaluation
  • Team registrations: 10th May 2026
  • 1st Round - Submission of the concept papers: 31st July 2026
  • Announcing of selected teams at the 1st round: 06th August 2026
  • 2nd Round - Poster and prototype presentations: 26th September 2026 (At University of Kelaniya)
  • Announcing the selected teams at the 2nd round: 26th September 2026
  • Final Round— 19th November 2026


  • 1st Awareness Session on Concept Paper Preparation: 07th June 2026 (Via Zoom)
  • 2nd Awareness Session on Poster and prototype presentations: 15th August 2026 (Via Zoom)

Round One: Concept Paper Submission

  1. Relevance to the selected SDG
  2. Originality of the idea
  3. Sustainability of the solution
  4. Creativity and innovation
  5. Environmental and societal impact
  6. Quality of the concept paper
  7. Effectiveness of the presentation
  8. Confidence in the proposed solution

Round Two: Poster & Prototype Presentation

  1. Creativity of the poster
  2. Feasibility of the solution
  3. Quality of the prototype
  4. Team’s confidence in their proposed prototype

Final Round: Industry Panel Evaluation

  1. Commercial viability of the solution
  2. Creativity and innovation
  3. Expected cost of production
  4. Environmental and societal impact of required materials
  5. Quality of the final pitch

 


 


 

  • The winners will be honoured at the ICBI 2026 Awarding Ceremony, with cash prizes sponsored by corporate partners.
  • Additionally, all participants from Round One will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Contact the Coordinator 
Ms. Shashikala Wijerathna
Lecturer
0775287670
shashikalaw@kln.ac.lk