Kreate - KALIKA KREATE 2025

KREATE: Shape Art. Build Impact.

Kalika Steel is a leading TMT bar manufacturing company in India, with over two decades of growth into a sustainable steel pioneer. To provide an opportunity to aspiring engineering and architecture students, Kalika Steel has created a unique platform, Kalika KREATE.
Kalika KREATE is the prestigious state-level competition organised annually by Kalika Steel, designed to inspire and showcase the talents of future architects and civil & structural engineers. This Kalika Steel contest brings together budding architects, civil engineers, and structural engineers from across Maharashtra. Every year, participants explore a new design theme rooted in sustainability and innovation. With multiple competitive rounds, expert mentorship, and exciting awards, Kalika KREATE fosters creativity, technical skill, and practical learning.

Celebrating Sustainability: A Tribute to The Changemakers

KREATE 2025 – Theme Overview

Design
for a Cause

Got design skills? Channel them into crafting steel trophies for real sustainability legends.
Meet the
Changemakers

Explore the inspiring stories of this year's 3 sustainability champions who are making a difference.
Pick
Your Hero

Choose your favourite and design a trophy using TMT bars that screams impact.
Be the
Champs

Slay the design game! A cash prize of ₹1 Lakh for the top 3 creations each.
Kudos
that Count

The winning trophies won’t just sit on a shelf—they’ll be gifted to the real-life heroes by Kalika Steel.

A Trophy for Nature’s Champions

A trophy that celebrates our planet's better future.
It is a shoutout to the OGs who turn the city's vibes from barren to vibrant.

Ms. Shikha Shah

Founder & CEO of Scrapshala

Shikha Shah is a minimalist, spiritual aesthete, and passionate entrepreneur, best known for her appearance on Shark Tank India Season 1, Episode 31, and as a participant in the IIM Bangalore GS10k Women program. She is the Founder and CEO of Scrapshala, a pioneering brand rooted in sustainability and upcycling. Born and brought up in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shikha completed her schooling in her hometown, followed by graduation from Hansraj College and a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences from TERI University, New Delhi. Her academic journey helped her build a strong foundation in environmental issues and sustainability. She began her professional career in the CSR wing of Reliance Industries Limited, known as the Reliance Foundation, where she worked for two years. This experience exposed her to real-world problems and community-level solutions in rural India. Her entrepreneurial journey took shape when she was incubated at RTBI, IIT Madras (Rural Technology and Business Incubator), which inspired her to build a business from scratch. The values of reuse and sustainability were instilled in her since childhood by her mother, Mrs. Madhu Shah laid the groundwork for Scrapshala. During her days at IIT Madras, Shikha explored places like Auroville, where she witnessed commercially viable sustainability and upcycling initiatives. The personal joy and transformation she experienced while using upcycled products sparked her mission to scale that impact for others. In 2016, she co-founded Scrapshala in Banaras, U.P., alongside her mother. Scrapshala is a homegrown brand that offers innovative, experimental, and eco-friendly products for lifestyle, décor, and gifting. These products are handcrafted from pre-existing raw materials by skilled local Indian artisans. Scrapshala’s flagship store in Ravindrapuri, Varanasi, showcases souvenirs and gift items inspired by the vibrant culture of Banaras and other Indian tourist destinations. From 2017 to 2019, Shikha also successfully managed a backpacker’s hostel, Moustache Hostel, in Varanasi. Outside of her entrepreneurial ventures, she is an avid traveler, reader, and blogger, and is deeply committed to spirituality, animal welfare, and living a minimalist lifestyle.

The Story Behind Scarpshala:

Who Are We?
Scrapshala is a women-led conscious Indian brand dedicated to offering premium, eco-friendly alternatives to all. Our mission revolves around revitalizing traditional Indian handicrafts through sustainable upcycling practices. At Scrapshala, our central focus is to benefit every individual involved, from artisans and promoters to consumers positively. Our products embody a fusion of existing raw materials, authentic artisanal craftsmanship, meaningful livelihood prospects, and unforgettable experiences for those who choose to embrace them.

Join us in supporting sustainability and traditional craftsmanship with every purchase from Scrapshala!

Why Did We Start?
Scrapshala embarked on its journey in 2016 with a clear mission: to address the issue of overconsumption and reduce waste sent to landfills, thus combating environmental degradation. As our thinking matured, we defined our vision as creating a better life for people and the planet through innovative use of materials already available in abundance. Intertwining art, creativity, and waste, we have pioneered innovative functional products that not only benefit you but also contribute positively to the environment. Based in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, our organizational ethos prioritizes gender equality and fosters a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ community. At Scrapshala, we are dedicated to creating a sustainable future through our unique approach to repurposing materials and promoting social inclusivity.

Milestones: Transforming Waste into Wonders: Our journey of sustainable innovation at the heart of our mission lies a commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Through innovative design and sustainable practices, we have achieved.

Remarkable Milestones:
Diverse Upcycled Product Line
We have developed an innovative product line encompassing over 12 categories, utilizing various waste materials such as plastic bags, wrappers, and discarded textiles. Transforming these materials into functional and aesthetically pleasing products, we address waste challenges while promoting sustainable living.

Eco-Conscious Design Philosophy:
Our product designs prioritize minimal environmental impact. Ensuring that our products generate negligible non-biodegradable waste upon disposal, we contribute to a circular economy and promote responsible consumption.

Significant Waste Upcycling:
To date, we have upcycled over 100,000 kilograms of waste, converting it into valuable products. This achievement not only reduces landfill burden but also exemplifies the potential of waste as a resource. India Business and Trade

Empowering Local Artisans:
We have empowered more than 100 local Indian artisans by providing them with sustainable livelihoods. Through skill development and fair employment opportunities, we foster economic growth and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

Global Reach:
Our commitment to sustainability transcends borders. By delivering products to over 20 countries worldwide, we share our vision of eco-friendly living on a global scale. These milestones reflect our dedication to creating a sustainable future through innovation, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.

Mr. Puran Singh Rajput

Co-founder & COO of EF Polymer

Puran Singh Rajput is the Co-founder & COO of EF Polymer, a startup born out of a simple yet powerful idea—to help farmers grow more using less water and to turn fruit waste into something useful. Coming from a small farming village in Rajasthan, Puran knows firsthand the struggles of smallholder farmers. That’s why he and his team created Fasal Amrit, a biodegradable soil moisturizer made from natural waste, helping crops thrive even in tough weather conditions. Today, EF Polymer is making waves in India and Japan and has been recognized by global platforms like Forbes Asia and the Gates Foundation. Puran is passionate about innovation, sustainability, and making a real difference from the ground up.

Story Behind EF Polymer:
EF Polymer is more than just a startup—it’s the journey of two childhood friends, Puran Singh Rajput and Narayan Lal Gurjar, from a small village in Rajasthan. Growing up in a farming community of just 50 families, they experienced firsthand the struggles of agriculture amid scarce rainfall. Puran, the first in the village to study science and engineering, inspired Narayan to follow. Their families’ farming hardships deeply impacted them. One day, their parents asked, “Why don’t you use your knowledge to help us?”—a question that changed everything. While studying agriculture, they explored farmers' challenges and discovered the potential of fruit peels, especially orange peel, through discussions with professors. After experimenting with 10–12 types of peels, they began developing super absorbent polymer technology. Their idea matured in Japan, working with polymer scientists. After 5–6 years of research and trials, they created Fasal Amrit—an organic, biodegradable polymer that helps conserve water and improve crop yield. What started as a village boy’s dream is now a global solution, enabling sustainable farming in India and beyond.

Project Summary:
Fasal Amrit – Revolutionizing Water Conservation for Smallholder Farmers Overview Fasal Amrit is a biodegradable, organic soil moisture enhancer developed by
EF Polymer to address the growing challenge of water scarcity in agriculture. Designed for smallholder farmers who struggle with erratic rainfall and limited irrigation, Fasal Amrit is made from fruit and vegetable waste using a patented process, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.

Key Innovation:
Fasal Amrit is a plant-based super-absorbent polymer that can absorb and retain up to 50 times its weight in water. Once applied, it holds water at the root zone and gradually releases it as per the crop’s needs. This helps reduce water loss due to evaporation or leaching, allowing the soil to stay moist for 8–12 days even without irrigation.

How It Works

Mixed into the soil during sowing or transplanting
Absorbs excess water during irrigation or rainfall
Slowly releases moisture back to the roots over time
Fully biodegrades in 4–6 months, enriching the soil

Impact on Farmers

Reduces irrigation frequency by up to 40%
Increases crop yield by 10–20%
Decreases fertilizer loss through better nutrient retention
Improves soil structure and long-term fertility
Completely safe, organic, and chemical-free

Reach

Impacted 40,000+ farmers across India and Japan
Adopted in drought-prone regions like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and UP
Used in over 350+ MT of cumulative product sold

Sustainability Benefits

Converts agri-waste into valuable input (waste-to-wealth)
Enables climate-resilient farming for smallholders
Supports goals of circular economy and regenerative agriculture

Ms. Gauri Mirashi

Co-founder of EcoSattva Environmental Solutions

Gauri Mirashi is an environmental policy specialist and co-founder of EcoSattva Environmental Solutions, a social enterprise dedicated to sustainable waste management and ecological restoration in India. With a background in environmental science and governance, she is deeply committed to fostering sustainable and community-driven approaches to ecological restoration, waste management, and climate resilience. Through her work, Gauri bridges grassroots action with policy advocacy, working closely with local governments, civil society, and citizens to drive meaningful environmental change.

Her work with EcoSattva has been instrumental in transforming waste management practices in cities like Aurangabad. By implementing innovative strategies such as the BOTRAM (Bottom-Up Trash Management) method, she has helped establish efficient waste collection systems and material recovery facilities, empowering waste pickers and improving environmental outcomes.

Gauri holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Development Practice from TERI School of Advanced Studies, where she focused on integrating sustainability principles into development initiatives. Her academic background has provided her with a strong foundation in environmental policy and sustainable development, which she applies in her professional endeavors.

In addition to her work with EcoSattva, Gauri has been involved in various projects aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Her efforts have not only improved waste management systems but also enhanced the livelihoods of waste workers by providing them with training and formal employment opportunities.

Story and Ideology Behind the Founding of Ecosattva:

Gauri was born and brought up in Aurangabad / Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and is committed to having her work contribute to the city and its development. During her days at UWC Mahindra College, Gauri developed a systems-thinking approach to problem-solving. The liberal arts education at Whitman College, Washington State, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree gave rise to a multi-disciplinary approach. Her Masters in Urban Policy & Governance at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences provided a chance to dive into urban development in India. Her work at the Riverside School in Ahmedabad provided an introduction to the power of design thinking. All these experiences contribute to her pursuit at CARPE | EcoSattva. In partnership with Natasha Zarine, Gauri established CARPE | EcoSattva to bridge the gap between well-intentioned environmental policies and their on-ground implementation. Recognizing that local governments often needed assistance and expertise to manage waste and restore ecosystems effectively, they developed scalable, data-driven solutions to empower these bodies.

EcoSattva Focuses On:

Waste Management: Implementing efficient systems that not only manage waste but also integrate waste workers into formal structures, ensuring their dignity and fair compensation.
River and Wetland Restoration: Designing projects that revive ecosystems while strengthening communities against climate shocks.
Green Cover Management: Enhancing urban green spaces to improve ecological balance and community well-being.

By fostering collaborations between communities, local governments, and other stakeholders, EcoSattva aims to create resilient, equitable, and sustainable systems.

Key Sustainable Project - Kham Riverfront Development:

The Kham River, once a vital waterway in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, had deteriorated into a dumping ground, symbolizing urban neglect. This degradation threatened the environment and the social fabric of the city, with minimal community engagement in its restoration and no clear path for sustainable management. In 2020, the Kham River Restoration Mission was launched through a collaboration among the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, Varroc Industries, the Cantonment Board, and EcoSattva Environmental Solutions. This mission aimed not only to restore the river ecologically but also to transform it into a beacon of social cohesion, sustainability, and cultural revival.

The Mission Focused on Multiple Fronts:

Ecological Restoration: Riverbanks were cleaned and transformed from waste sites into green hubs featuring native plants, community murals, and recreational areas.
Social Integration: Marginalized communities, particularly women waste pickers, were empowered through dignified work conditions and training at newly established material recovery facilities.
Community Engagement: Educational campaigns, cultural programs, and festivals along the riverbanks nurtured civic pride and ownership among residents.
Governance and Data Transparency: The implementation of EcoSattva’s BOTRAM app provided real-time data to enhance community participation and improve decision-making.

The Kham River project has driven a remarkable social and cultural shift in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The transformation of the riverfront from garbage-vulnerable areas to recreational green spaces has fostered environmental stewardship through educational programs and cultural events. The inclusion of marginalized groups has not only improved their livelihoods but also reshaped societal perceptions, recognizing waste pickers as essential frontline professionals.

The Mission Has Achieved Significant Milestones:

The revitalization of the Kham River has created safe spaces for residents to connect with nature.
Building a visual identity of the river through a program emblem and a song, in addition to changing perception via transformed spaces has helped residents view the river as a shared resource.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar became the first city outside the Ganga basin to implement an Urban River Management Plan with the National Institute of Urban Affairs.
Member of the River Cities Alliance: The project’s success earned Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar a place in this esteemed network dedicated to sustainable river management.
Global Recognition: The mission was awarded the prestigious St Andrews Prize for the Environment in 2024 and was a finalist for the WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities.

As we look ahead, the Kham River Restoration Mission exemplifies how environmental resilience can be achieved through cultural and social transformation. By uniting communities, businesses, and local governments, it has established a sustainable model for urban river restoration that is replicable nationwide. With plans to expand from 8 km within city limits to encompass the entire 52 km stretch of the river, we invite more partners to join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can restore not just a river but also a community's connection to its natural heritage.

Meet the Changemakers

Ms. Shikha Shah

Founder & CEO of Scrapshala

Born and raised in Varanasi, Shikha Shah has founded Scrapshala — a homegrown brand crafting sustainable lifestyle and gifting products from pre-used materials, handcrafted by Indian artisans. With academic roots in Hansraj College and TERI University, her passion for sustainability deepened during her stint at Reliance Foundation and incubation at RTBI, IIT Madras. Inspired by her mother’s habit of reusing, Shikha launched Scrapshala in 2016 with a vision to scale the joy of upcycled products. Her journey took her to sustainability hubs like Auroville and later to Shark Tank India S1. Today, Scrapshala also offers hands-on DIY upcycling workshops across India.

Know More

Mr. Puran Singh Rajput

Co-founder & COO of EF Polymer

Puran Singh Rajput is the Co-Founder & COO of EF Polymer, a startup rooted in a simple yet impactful vision — helping farmers grow more with less water by transforming fruit waste into something valuable. Hailing from a small farming village in Rajasthan, Puran understands the daily challenges faced by smallholder farmers. It inspired the creation of Fasal Amrit, a biodegradable soil enhancer made from natural waste, designed to support crops even in extreme weather. Today, EF Polymer is creating impact across India and Japan, with global recognition from platforms like Forbes Asia and the Gates Foundation. Puran remains driven by his passion for sustainability, innovation, and grassroots change.

Know More

Ms. Gauri Mirashi

Co-founder of EcoSattva Environmental Solutions

Gauri Mirashi, co-founder of EcoSattva, drives impactful environmental change through sustainable waste management and ecological restoration. A policy expert, she bridges grassroots action with governance, empowering communities and local bodies. Her award-winning Kham River project in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar exemplifies inclusive, scalable urban transformation that unites environmental sustainability with social equity—redefining how Indian cities manage their natural resources and restore ecosystems.

Know More

Who Can Register?

Graduate/postgraduate civil, structural engineering, and architecture students.

A fam of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 of your cool buddies.

How to Form a Team?

Architects + Civil Engr. / Structural Engr. = Dream Team Vibes

Registration Process

Kindly follow the KALIKA KREATE registration process as below:

Registration Starts On: 1^st July 2025 | Ends On: 15^th August 2025
No Registration Fees Are Required

THE DETAILED OVERVIEW OF ALL ROUNDS

ONLINE DESIGN SUBMISSION

Participants must submit a sketch, drawing, or image of the trophy design, clearly reflecting the chosen sustainability achiever.
An abstract (max 1 page) must accompany the design, covering inspiration, materials, sustainability aspects, and how it honours the achiever.
The design should strongly connect with the achiever’s sustainable practices.

First Round:

15^th August - 31^st August 2025
Declaration of 1^st round results:

2^nd September (Will be declared on Kreate’s portal)

BOM Submission

Finalists must submit the Bill of Materials (BOM) form and the list of machinery & equipment that is required to create a trophy via the portal after the Round 1 results.
BOM Submission Window:
2^nd to 5^th September 2025.

Finale - Trophy
Creation in Jalna

Finalists must build their trophy design using TMT bars at Kalika Steel’s Jalna plant.
Participants must reach Jalna by 15^th September; Kalika Steel will arrange a stay.
Trophies will be crafted on-site using TMT bars provided by the company.
15^th is for a plant visit; 16^th for building the trophy.
Final presentations and evaluations will be held on 17^th September at a live exhibition.
Each participant gets 5 minutes to present, followed by a 1-minute Q&A.

Submission Guidelines for the Finale Round

Model Size

The size of the model should be a maximum of 1ft (width) × 1ft (length) × 1.5ft (height).
Participants must strictly adhere to these dimensions for uniform judging.

Materials

A minimum of 80% of the trophy must be made using TMT bars, while 20% can be made with other materials.
Kalika Steel will provide TMT rebars and binding wires.
Participants should bring the remaining 20% of the material for the finale.

Presentation of Steel Properties

The structure should highlight the ductility, bendability, strength, and resilience of steel.
Participants are encouraged to incorporate features, such as curved or twisted elements, to showcase the flexibility of steel.

Overall Submission Guidelines

All submissions must be made through the official competition portal.
Abstracts should be in PDF format.
All submissions must have drive access open to all.
Drawings and designs can be included as appendices or separate files if necessary.

Important Dates

Awards and Recognition

Prizes for the Top Three Teams: ₹ 1,00,000 for each team.
Two consolation prizes: ₹ 10,000 for each.
Certificates of Participation for all participants.
Kalika Steel will present the winning trophies to sustainability achievers.
Finalists will get an opportunity to visit the Kalika Steel factory.

KREATE 2025: Celebrate Sustainability. Ace the Game.

Glimpses from the KREATE’s Journey

KALIKA KREATE 2024 was the innovative endeavour of Kalika Steel that inspired aspiring engineering and architectural candidates to uphold the idea of sustainability. The theme of KREATE 2024 challenged participants to integrate one or up to three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their designs using TMT Steel rebars. The SDGs are a UN framework aiming to tackle global challenges by 2030, including ending poverty, promoting sustainable consumption and production, combating climate change, etc.

Photos

The First Rank was secured by The Team SteelScape of
Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College Of Architecture(BNCA)

The Second Rank was secured by The Team
Arc Aspire of SPSMBHS College Of Architecture

The Third Rank was secured by The Team
Steel Nexus MVPS College Of Architecture

Videos

Terms and Conditions

All participants agree to abide by the competition rules and guidelines.
Plagiarism in any form will lead to immediate disqualification.
The organizers reserve the right to change/alter/amend the competition structure and guidelines, which will be communicated promptly.
Participants grant the organizers the right to use their submissions for promotional and educational purposes.
TMT bars required for model making will be provided by Kalika Steel.
Estimated materials required for the model must be submitted in the BOM format before the deadline.

Create the
Extraordinary.
Conquer New
Horizons.

Meet The
Winners of
KREATE 2024.

KREATE: Shape Art. Build Impact.

Celebrating Sustainability: A Tribute to The Changemakers

KREATE 2025 – Theme Overview

Design
for a Cause

Meet the
Changemakers

Pick
Your Hero

Be the
Champs

Kudos
that Count

A Trophy for Nature’s Champions

Meet the Changemakers

Ms. Shikha Shah

Mr. Puran Singh Rajput

Ms. Gauri Mirashi

Who Can Register?

How to Form a Team?

Registration Process

Registration Starts On: 1^st July 2025 | Ends On: 15^th August 2025
No Registration Fees Are Required

ONLINE DESIGN SUBMISSION

First Round:

Declaration of 1^st round results:

BOM Submission

Finale - Trophy
Creation in Jalna

Submission Guidelines for the Finale Round

Overall Submission Guidelines

Important Dates

Awards and Recognition

KREATE 2025: Celebrate Sustainability. Ace the Game.

Glimpses from the KREATE’s Journey

Photos

Videos

Terms and Conditions

Create the Extraordinary. Conquer New Horizons.

Meet The Winners of KREATE 2024.

KREATE: Shape Art. Build Impact.

Celebrating Sustainability: A Tribute to The Changemakers

KREATE 2025 – Theme Overview

Design for a Cause

Meet the Changemakers

Pick Your Hero

Be the Champs

Kudos that Count

A Trophy for Nature’s Champions

Meet the Changemakers

Ms. Shikha Shah

Mr. Puran Singh Rajput

Ms. Gauri Mirashi

Who Can Register?

How to Form a Team?

Registration Process

Registration Starts On: 1st July 2025 | Ends On: 15th August 2025 No Registration Fees Are Required

ONLINE DESIGN SUBMISSION

First Round:

Declaration of 1st round results:

BOM Submission

Finale - Trophy Creation in Jalna

Submission Guidelines for the Finale Round

Overall Submission Guidelines

Important Dates

Awards and Recognition

KREATE 2025: Celebrate Sustainability. Ace the Game.

Glimpses from the KREATE’s Journey

Photos

Videos

Terms and Conditions

Create the
Extraordinary.
Conquer New
Horizons.

Meet The
Winners of
KREATE 2024.

Design
for a Cause

Meet the
Changemakers

Pick
Your Hero

Be the
Champs

Kudos
that Count

Registration Starts On: 1^st July 2025 | Ends On: 15^th August 2025
No Registration Fees Are Required

Declaration of 1^st round results:

Finale - Trophy
Creation in Jalna