Join us for an inspiring session showcasing the impactful work of the Centre for Innovation and Social Transformation (CIST) at KG Reddy College of Engineering & Technology — recipient of the 2024 Quanser Global Sustainability Award. This webinar will explore how CIST is redefining engineering education by integrating community-based problem solving into the undergraduate curriculum to address real-world challenges in nearby villages.
Through strategic partnerships, immersive rural experiences like Gyan Shodh, and hands-on innovation courses, students are empowered to design sustainable solutions for local issues — from food preservation and flower waste to women’s entrepreneurship and traditional crafts. These initiatives not only enhance student learning and civic responsibility but also drive lasting socio-economic development.
The session will highlight:
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- CIST’s award-winning model of sustainable community engagement
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- Student-led innovation projects and their measurable impact
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- Collaborations with non-profits, Engineering Without Borders, and local villages
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- Lessons learned from aligning engineering education with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Whether you are an educator, policymaker, or student, discover how engineering for social good can reshape institutions, uplift communities, and cultivate the next generation of socially conscious innovators.
Samyuktha Penta is an Associate Professor and Head of the Center for Innovation and Social Transformation (CIST) at KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology. Currently pursuing a PhD from JNTUH in Renewable Energy Sources, her areas of interest include sustainable energy solutions, service learning, and engineering education.
A certified Design Thinking practitioner from IIT Delhi and an Innovation Ambassador, she has also completed advanced entrepreneurship training through the U.S. Consulate. Her dedication to sustainability and social impact has earned numerous accolades, including the 2024 Quanser Sustainability Award for the project “Bridging Classrooms and Communities through Sustainable Partnerships.”
She is also a recipient of the Intinta Innovator Award from the Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC), further cementing her contributions to regional innovation and societal impact. She has also contributed to designing and integrating Design thinking and service-learning courses into the engineering curriculum, promoting hands-on, community-focused education.
Samyuktha has guided numerous students to launch successful startups, empowering them to become changemakers and drive impactful societal transformations. Her extensive contributions also include leading government-funded projects, publishing advanced research in renewable energy, and championing community-focused education initiatives. She remains committed to inspiring engineers to innovate for a sustainable and equitable future.
Samyuktha Penta, 2024 Sustainability Award Winner
WEEF 2024 | Sydney, Australia
Learn more about the 2025 Sustainability Award
The IFEES-GEDC global webinar series usually takes place on Wednesdays, with support from Dr. Krishna Vedula and the Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE). We welcome ideas and suggestions and are always looking for weekly presenters. If you’re interested in presenting on a specific topic, please reach out to the IFEES-GEDC Secretariat.