SGT University Incubated Startup Womenasticco Secures Runner-Up Position at Youth Co National Innovation Challenge 2026

In a significant win for the SGT University innovation ecosystem, Womenasticco Pvt. Ltd.—an incubated startup under the ACIC SGTU Community Innovation Centre—has proudly clinched the Runner-Up position at the prestigious Youth Co National Innovation Challenge 2026. Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, the competition showcased some of India’s most promising young innovators.

Founded by Ms. Uma Sharma, a dedicated Community Innovator Fellow, and Mr. Jatin Sharma, Co-Founder, Womenasticco aims to tackle one of the most critical environmental issues of our time: plastic waste. The startup has pioneered a transformative approach that converts discarded plastic into sustainable 3D printing filament, effectively addressing responsible consumption and waste reduction.

The momentous recognition was announced during a grand awards ceremony at T-Hub, Hyderabad, which celebrated top innovators in the fields of circular economy, sustainable textiles, and food systems. The challenge drew an impressive response, with over 350 applications submitted from 28 states across India, underlining the significance of this achievement for the SGTU-incubated venture.

The awards event was attended by senior representatives from UNDP, AIM, T-Hub, various government institutions, investors, and leaders from the innovation ecosystem. Meraj Faheem, CEO of the Telangana Innovation Cell, emphasized the crucial role of youth-driven innovation in shaping India’s green economy, highlighting the collaborative efforts necessary to overcome real-world challenges through entrepreneurship.

For Womenasticco, this accolade serves not merely as recognition but as a validation of its mission to construct a cleaner, more sustainable future. By converting waste into a valuable resource, the startup is playing an essential role in fostering a circular economy and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

This achievement is a testament to the ACIC SGTU Community Innovation Centre’s dedication to nurturing innovative startups and empowering young entrepreneurs to create meaningful impacts. As Womenasticco embarks on its journey forward, the team aims to broaden its reach and further enhance its contributions toward sustainable development and environmental conservation.