CREDAI BuildSmart Innovation Challenge: Fueling Sustainable Real Estate in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The CREDAI BuildSmart Innovation Challenge, launched by CREDAI Mangalore in partnership with Section Infin-8 Foundation (SI-8) and Mission Utthan, is setting the stage for a new era of innovation and sustainability in India's construction and real estate sectors. Vishwas US, founder director of Section Infin-8 Foundation, told reporters on Thursday, that the aim is to make Mangaluru the IT capital. Close to 30 applications from students, innovators, and early-age startups have already been received ahead of the Nov 30 deadline. Unveiled at the Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), the initiative brings together industry leaders, academic institutions, and government bodies to position Mangaluru as a national model for technology-driven urban development, he said.
The collaboration between CREDAI Mangalore and SI-8 was formalised through an MoU signed at EMERGE 2025, India's first Startup Beach Festival. At the launch, SI-8 also entered an MoU with Nexus Core, which will co-lead programme design, innovation strategy, and execution, ensuring the challenge adheres to global standards. CREDAI Mangalore is the first chapter in the country to partner with an incubation enabler to run a full-fledged innovation challenge focused on sustainable construction technologies.
Adding technical depth, NITK Surathkal has joined hands with the EMERGE team to lead the challenge. Mission Utthan, a national initiative supported by the office of the principal scientific adviser (PSA), government of India, is also part of the programme, said Arjun J Rao, CEO, CREDAI Mangalore. The BuildSmart Innovation Challenge 2025 is a two-phase national programme designed to identify practical, scalable ideas that enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in real estate and construction.
The problem statements include developing a construction waste management platform to ensure traceable recycling and reuse, creating a unified communication and grievance-tracking system for CREDAI members, digitising the RERA single-window approval process to simplify regulatory compliance, and building a verified skilled-labour registry integrating Skill India, ESIC, and PF databases. Innovators are also encouraged to present digital, material, or policy-driven solutions that advance green construction and renewable energy use, said Meraj Yusuf, secretary, CREDAI Youth Wing.
Top participants will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, mentorship from CREDAI industry leaders, pilot opportunities with CREDAI member firms, incubation support from SI-8 and Mission Utthan, and the chance to showcase their work at EMERGE 2026, India's Startup Beach Festival, at Tannirbhavi Beach, scheduled from Jan 9-11. The top 10 teams will be mentored throughout Dec, and their prototypes will be displayed at Emerge 2026. Registration is free for student teams.
