Model Space Startup Challenge 2025 - South Zone Edition

08 November,2025

Model Space Startup Challenge — South Zone Edition (2025)

Harnessing the Potential of Space Science and Technology for Societal Applications in Kerala

Following the remarkable success of our North Zone edition at Vadakara, we are excited to bring the South Zone edition to Thiruvananthapuram - where India's space journey began. Building upon the engaging 2024 event that impacted 250+ students statewide, this unique initiative empowers students to transform visionary concepts into solutions for Kerala’s most pressing societal challenges.

The Model Space Startup Challenge (MSSC) 2025 South Zone Edition is a prestigious initiative designed to inspire and empower young innovators from South Kerala to harness the transformative power of space science and technology for societal benefit. This challenge invites students from classes 8 to 12, across districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki, to explore real-world problems facing Kerala and develop innovative solutions using satellite data, remote sensing, and space applications.

About the Event

• Theme: Harnessing the Potential of Space Science and Technology for Societal Applications in Kerala

• Host: UL Space Club (registered space tutor of ISRO)

• Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Join South Kerala’s brightest minds to develop entrepreneurial skills, pitch innovative startup ideas, and connect with India’s space leaders.

Why Participate?

• Solve Real-World Problems: Use space science to tackle coastal erosion, pollution, flood management, climate action, tourism safety, and more.

• Learn from Mentors: Get hands-on guidance from UL Space Club leaders and ISRO veterans.

• Build Entrepreneurial Skills: Sharpen idea development, teamwork, and pitching skills.

• Recognition & Awards: Top teams win awards and further mentoring support.

• Networking: Meet like-minded innovators and join a vibrant student-led innovation community.

Problem Statement	Details
Mapping emissions for a greener Kerala	Design a solution combining different types of satellite data to detect and quantify carbon footprint and methane hotspots, enabling targeted climate action and sustainable development.
Tackling pollution in inland waters	Tourism, especially houseboats, is affecting the ecological balance of inland waters like Vembanad Lake. Develop a system with the help of space technology to monitor water quality, detect pollution hotspots, and support evidence-based regulations for inland water conservation.
Smart flood management systems	Remote regions in Kerala face delays in data transmission, affecting timely governance, disaster response, and resource management. Develop a solution leveraging high-speed internet and satellite backhaul to ensure rapid access to critical space-based data across the state.
Coastal erosion monitoring	Coastal erosion is silently threatening Kerala’s shoreline communities. Create a monitoring tool using high-resolution satellite imagery and tidal data to analyze shoreline retreat and provide timely alerts to vulnerable coastal areas.
Safe tourism tracking	With rising tourism in Kerala’s forests, rivers, and hills, safety risks like human-animal conflicts and natural disasters are increasing. Build a system to track tourist movement, assess environmental risks, and trigger real-time alerts for quick rescue response.
Agricultural decision-support tools	Kerala’s rich agricultural heritage is at risk due to declining productivity and climate challenges. Propose a remote sensing platform that assesses crop health, irrigation demand, and pest risks, promoting sustainable and efficient paddy farming.
Fast connectivity for disaster response	Develop a space-based early warning system using satellite data for dam health, rainfall, and river basin monitoring to enhance flood preparedness and rapid response in Kerala.
Urban road asset optimization	Focuses on developing Space based solutions that monitor road damage in urban areas and provide sufficient data to decision-makers for maintenance operations and infrastructure investment.

Registration & Eligibility

• Who can apply? Students of classes 8–12 from South Kerala districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki

• Team Size: 2–4 members (same school or mixed schools permitted)

• Fee: ₹200 per head (refunded if not selected for final round)

• Mentorship: 15 selected teams will receive one-on-one mentoring from UL Space Club student mentors before the finals.

• Submission Requirements: Teams must select a problem statement, propose a space-powered solution, and submit their registration and idea by May 6, 2025.

• Last date to apply: October 25, 2025

• More Details and Queries, send a mail to: program.ulsc@gmail.com

REGISTER NOW