The Acara Challenge is a competition for students with ideas for financially sustainable social ventures that address social and environmental challenges. Students receive intensive training and mentoring to learn how to best pitch their ideas at the competition, then compete for up to $500 in competition prizes and $5,000 in fellowship funding. Applications are accepted from students from all majors and in all stages of project development.

Presentation times will be updated soon. Live stream presentations by clicking here.

International Division:

8:00 – 8:30 am Luminaria‘s vision is to install centralized solar charging stations for mid-sized, portable batteries which will bring electricity to households in rural communities of Nicaragua.
8:30 – 9:00 am Vetiver Solutions strives to increase the income of rural Haitians by sustainably improving agricultural soil through living plant barriers while simultaneously creating jobs for local women.
9:00 – 9:30 am Monsun aims to enable Bangalore residents to install rainwater harvesting, an alternative clean water source, on their home by offering an affordable lease-to-own payment program.
9:30 – 10:00 am Recoop (formerly Kuku Consulting) is a an innovative solution design organization focused on customized One Health solutions to combat global antibiotic resistance at its primary source: animals.
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 10:45 am Takadi is a subscription service that combines sustainable fuel delivery and waste collection in one convenient experience. Takadi reduces deforestation and increases urban waste management.
10:45 – 11:15 am Biochar-Moringa Water Treatment filter is a household water treatment for developing and remote countries who suffer from diarrheal disease, especially in children under the age of five.
11:15 – 11:45 am Afya Uganda educates and incentivizes poultry farmers to use antibiotic alternatives that create cost savings, improve poultry health, and reduce antibiotic resistance.