Xavier Institute of Management (XIM), Bhubaneswar, successfully hosted the On-Campus Finale of the Hult Prize 2025 on February 16, 2025, in collaboration with the NHRD Bhubaneswar Chapter as the official HR partner. The Hult Prize, recognized as the world’s largest social entrepreneurship competition, empowers students globally to become changemakers by launching high-impact startups that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Global Competition with a $1 Million Prize
The event saw promising student entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas to a distinguished panel of industry experts. After multiple rounds of rigorous evaluation, the finalists presented their startup concepts with the hope of winning the $1 million prize to bring their vision to life.
Esteemed Panel of Judges
The 2025 edition of the Hult Prize XIM Bhubaneswar featured an elite panel of industry leaders, including:
Shashanka Choudhury – Former CTO, Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA)
Lagna Panda – CHRO, CSM Technologies
Amlan Sahoo – Delivery Manager, Infosys
Innovative Startup Ideas to Solve Global Challenges
The event commenced with an electrifying launch video, setting the stage for an evening of groundbreaking ideas. Each team was given six minutes to present their business concept, followed by a four-minute Q&A session with the judges.
The participating teams tackled pressing global issues, presenting unique solutions such as:
✔️ Water Scarcity Solutions – Specially designed wells for efficient water access
✔️ Healthcare Innovation – An app to streamline blood donation and patient needs
✔️ Food Waste Reduction – Advanced food preservation techniques
✔️ Adaptive Fashion – Affordable clothing for people with special needs
✔️ Sustainability Initiatives – Cutting-edge solutions to reduce plastic waste
After each presentation, the panel delved deeper into the feasibility, scalability, and social impact of the ideas, offering valuable feedback to the participants.
Following an insightful and competitive session, the top three winning teams were announced, recognizing their innovative solutions and entrepreneurial spirit. The event concluded with the presentation of mementos to the esteemed judges and a vote of thanks by the Campus Director of Hult Prize XIM Bhubaneswar.
