Tech for Society: SDG Awareness and Innovation Challenge for Students
The Tech for Society: SDG Awareness and Innovation Challenge for Students unfolded in two phases, with the first phase conducted on 30th and 31st October featuring the inauguration by Dr. Prasanna Devi and Dr. K. Mani, followed by expert sessions from Salvatore Distefano, Radhakrishnan Delhi Babu and Manuel Mazzara, who introduced students to sustainable engineering practices and the relevance of SDGs in modern technological development. The second phase, held on 27th November, included the Ideathon where students proposed SDG-aligned solutions, with prizes distributed by Dr. Prasanna Devi, followed by a technical session by Arun M on Technology for Good. The event concluded with a valedictory ceremony and a vote of thanks by Dr. Mani, emphasizing the event’s impact in enhancing students’ awareness, creativity and responsibility towards sustainable engineering.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
-
Add Event to Calendar
- Panimalar Engineering College, Bangalore Trunk Road, Nazarethpettai
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- India 600123
- Contact Event Hosts
- Co-sponsored by IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology
- Starts 03 October 2025 06:30 PM UTC
- Ends 20 October 2025 06:29 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Salvatore Distefano
Smart and Sustainable Software Systems: Engineering for the UN SDGs.
Smart and Sustainable Software Systems: Engineering for the UN SDGs was a session organized by Panimalar Engineering College in association with IEEE SSIT to help students understand how modern software systems can support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The talk was delivered by Prof. Salvatore Distefano from the University of Messina, Italy, who explained how intelligent, efficient, and well-designed software can create real impact in areas such as energy management, environmental monitoring, healthcare, and smart cities. The session highlighted the importance of building systems that are not only technologically strong but also socially responsible and sustainable. Students gained practical insights into aligning their engineering skills with global needs, encouraging them to think about how their future projects can contribute to a better and more sustainable world.
Biography:
Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University of Messina, Italy
Radhakrishnan Delhibabu
From Code to Community: How Computer Engineers Drive Sustainable Development
From Code to Community: How Computer Engineers Drive Sustainable Development was a session aimed at showing students how technical skills can create meaningful change beyond the screen. Delivered by Prof. Radhakrishnan Delhibabu from the School of Computer Science (SCOPE), VIT University, the talk explained how computer engineers play a key role in bridging innovation with real community needs. He discussed how software solutions, data-driven systems, and thoughtful design can support education, healthcare, environmental protection, public services, and other areas tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The session encouraged students to view coding not just as a technical task but as a tool that can solve everyday problems, uplift communities, and contribute to long-term societal growth.
Biography:
Professor, School of Computer Science and (SCOPE) VIT University India
Manuel Mazzara
Software Solutions for Sustainable Development
Software Solutions for Sustainable Development was a session focused on helping students understand how software can be used as a powerful tool to address global challenges. Delivered by Manuel Mazzara, Dean and Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, the talk explored practical ways in which software systems contribute to sustainability across different sectors. He explained how technologies such as data analytics, automation, intelligent systems, and digital platforms can support areas like environmental conservation, efficient resource management, healthcare, and education. The session encouraged students to think about sustainability as an essential part of software engineering and to design solutions that are scalable, responsible, and aligned with the goals of a better future.
Biography:
Dean, Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, Russia