An open innovation challenge to unleash the changemaker within you!
Congratulations to the Shortlisted Teams - National and CMRU! Click here to download.International (outside India) Submissions Open. Register Now and Submit by April 13th
An open innovation challenge to unleash the changemaker within you!
International (outside India) Submissions Open. Register Now and Submit by April 13th
CMRU's Cause 2025 is an open innovation challenge for students across the globe to Care, Collaborate and Create a better world. This challenge encourages students to work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs’) by applying the Design Thinking Process to local problems in their city that they would like to see changed.
Please refer to the themes to know more.
Cause 2025 allows you to unleash the changemaker within you by developing an innovator's mindset. We believe that everyone has the ability to create positive social impact- here is your opportunity to develop your creative problem solving skills by applying the design thinking process! Teams who are shortlisted for the final round have a chance to showcase their projects and make friends with other like minded young people. Students have a chance to win cash prizes from a pool of over Rs. 1,30,000/USD 1500.
This competition is open to students across the globe who are in University (UG/PG)- welcoming all those who are taking gap years as well! However this competition is not open for working professionals. Students can apply as a team of min 2 to max 6 members.
online AMA SESSIONS
online submissions
ANNOUNCEMENTS
in person event*
*AMAs & Expert Talks: Scheduled between key events.
*International participants can join remotely
31st Mar'25
7th Apr’25
13th Apr’25
16th - 17th Apr’25
Changemakers Bootcamp + Final PitchDuring the Challenge we encourage teams to apply the Design Thinking Process - A human and planet centric approach to problem solving in order to create innovative solutions. Here are the steps to help you understand and apply the Design Thinking process while you problem solve!
Learn More about the Process!
CAUSE 2025 explores the transformative power of design thinking in shaping the future of cities. Inspired by the World Design Protopolis (WDP)™ themes from the World Design Organisation, the six focus areas align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), driving positive change and enhancing civic well-being. Pick a theme that is relevant to your city!
A cash prize from a pool of over Rs. 1,30,000 / USD 1500 to be won.
Yes, every team shortlisted for the final showcase will receive a participation certificate.
This will be decided by CMR University based on the No. of Registrations
We are sorry, the competition is only for groups. Collaboration is a vital component of Design Thinking, and we expect it to be reflected in your projects. A minimum of 2 members and a maximum of 6 members per team are required.
No, only one project will be accepted per team.
We believe the Design Thinking Process is innate to human beings, and we are open to all applications. To learn more about Design Thinking, please refer to the brief.
All intellectual property rights of the applicants are retained by the applicants throughout their time working at CMR CAUSE 2025. By submitting a solution to one of our challenges, you still keep your intellectual property rights.
We recommend thinking carefully before joining another team, as this may disrupt the team dynamics. However, we have provided the option to add/remove team members (except for the primary member) until the last date of registration, February 17, 2025, on your user dashboard once you sign up.
The first round will be an online submission. For the final round and showcase, participants from India must be physically present at CMRU, Bagalur Campus on March 20, 2025. International participants can choose to participate either physically or virtually, but CMRU will not provide funding for travel or accommodation
No, there is no application fee for participating in the Cause Challenge.
Participants are responsible for their projects, and there will be no reimbursement for any costs incurred by participants.
Each team can submit only one project.
After verifying your ID/Student ID, the cash prize will be granted. The mode of the transaction will be informed.
Plagiarism will be checked. Any violation of state/national laws will result in immediate disqualification. CMR University reserves the right to cancel or modify the rules of the event without prior notice. The university's decision will be final regarding awards, prizes, and disputes.
President & Senior Vice President of Product Management & Innovation @ WDO, Oregon Tool, USA
Designer, Value Creator, Professor and Director, School of Architecture @ CMR University
Associate Dean and Faculty Member @ Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology
With a vision ‘To nurture creative thinkers who will drive positive global change’, CMR University strives to ensure their students are equipped with the 21st Century competencies required to become changemakers. Towards this end, the Design Thinking Team from the Dept. Common Core Curriculum strives to equip students across all streams with the Design Thinking mindset to approach problem solving.
Copyright © 2025, CMR Jnanadhara Trust. All Rights Reserved.
Download The Challenge Brief
