IIT Bhubaneswar Research & Entrepreneurship Park Hosts ‘ReFlow: Menstrual Health Innovation Hackathon 2025’
On November 16, 2025, the IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park (IITBBS REP) successfully organized the first-ever hackathon focusing on menstrual health and hygiene, titled ‘ReFlow: Menstrual Health Innovation Hackathon 2025’. This significant event was held at the Lalitgiri Lecture Hall Complex and was a collaborative effort involving several esteemed organizations including UNICEF Odisha, Ayurarogya Saukhyam Foundation, ActionLab 2050 Foundation, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and the Odisha Menstrual Health & Hygiene Alliance. The initiative was also supported by the State Bank of India.
Inaugural Ceremony
The event commenced with an inaugural ceremony that was attended by representatives from the partnering organizations. Dr. Seema Bahinipati, the Convenor of the ReFlow Hackathon and Independent Director of IITBBS REP, delivered the welcome address. Following her, various speakers including Ms. Shipra Saxena, WASH-CCES Specialist at UNICEF Odisha, and Prof. Praveen Bist, Chairperson of the Board of Advisors at Saukhyam Foundation, shared their insights. They emphasized the critical role of innovation in promoting menstrual health equity, sustainability, and community-driven awareness.
Event Overview
The ReFlow hackathon brought together a diverse group of participants, including innovators, start-ups, students, NGOs, and young changemakers from across India. The primary objective was to co-create solutions that address pressing challenges in menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). A total of 76 teams submitted innovative ideas, out of which 44 teams were shortlisted for the final presentation.
Innovation Tracks
Finalists presented their prototypes and ideas across five key innovation tracks:
- Reusable Menstrual Products and Online Awareness Campaigns for Sustainable Period Products
- IoT Solutions in Menstrual Health & Hygiene
- Menstrual Health as a Livelihood
- Menstrual Health and Faith
Final Presentations
Throughout the day, the finalists showcased their ideas through live demonstrations and presentations. These were evaluated by a panel of experts who assessed the quality, impact potential, and scalability of the solutions presented. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as participants demonstrated their commitment to addressing menstrual health issues.
Valedictory Session
During the valedictory session, jury members provided their reflections on the presentations. The event was graced by Ms. Payal Patel, known as the Pad Girl of Odisha, who served as the Guest of Honour. She delivered an inspiring message on the importance of fostering innovation for social good, encouraging participants to continue their efforts in developing impactful solutions.
Acknowledging the Winners
The hackathon culminated in a prize distribution ceremony where winners across the various innovation tracks were felicitated. This marked the conclusion of a high-energy, impact-driven event aimed at transforming how communities access and engage with menstrual health solutions.
Commitment to Socially Relevant Innovation
ReFlow 2025 is a significant part of IITBBS REP’s commitment to supporting socially relevant innovation. The park offers mentoring, incubation support, and opportunities for creators to translate their ideas into real-world impact. This initiative not only highlights the importance of menstrual health but also encourages the development of sustainable solutions that can benefit communities across India.
Conclusion
The ReFlow: Menstrual Health Innovation Hackathon 2025 at IIT Bhubaneswar stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing crucial health issues. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event has laid the groundwork for future advancements in menstrual health and hygiene, fostering a culture of awareness and empowerment.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the event held on November 16, 2025, and reflects the collaborative efforts of various organizations committed to improving menstrual health and hygiene.
