IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park (IITBBS REP), in collaboration with UNICEF Odisha, Ayurarogya Saukhyam Foundation, ActionLab 2050 Foundation, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and the Odisha Menstrual Health & Hygiene Alliance, successfully organized the ReFlow: Menstrual Health Innovation Hackathon 2025 at the Lalitgiri Lecture Hall Complex, IIT Bhubaneswar. Supported by the State Bank of India, this was the first-ever hackathon hosted at IIT Bhubaneswar dedicated to the theme of Menstrual Health and Hygiene.

The event opened with an inaugural ceremony attended by representatives from partnering organisations. Dr. Seema Bahinipati, Convenor of the ReFlow Hackathon and Independent Director of IITBBS REP, delivered the welcome address. Remarks were also shared by Ms. Shipra Saxena, WASH-CCES Specialist, UNICEF Odisha; Prof. Praveen Bist, Chairperson, Board of Advisors, Saukhyam Foundation; Mr. Tapas Mohapatra, ActionLab 2050; Ms. Purabee Purnasha Mishra, COO, Electropreneur Park, STPI Bhubaneswar; and Dr. Meena Som, Health Specialist, UNICEF Odisha. The speakers collectively stressed the importance of innovation in advancing menstrual health equity, sustainability, and community awareness.

The day-long hackathon brought together innovators, start-ups, students, NGOs, and young changemakers from across India to co-create solutions addressing critical challenges in menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). Participants showcased prototypes and ideas across five innovation tracks—Reusable Menstrual Products and Online Awareness Campaigns for Sustainable Period Products; IoT Solutions in Menstrual Health & Hygiene; Menstrual Health as a Livelihood; and Menstrual Health and Faith. From 76 entries received nationwide, 44 teams were shortlisted for the final presentations, featuring live demonstrations and pitches evaluated by an expert jury.

During the valedictory session, jury members shared insights on the creativity, impact potential, and scalability of the solutions presented. The occasion was further enriched by the presence of Ms. Payal Patel, popularly known as the Pad Girl of Odisha, who addressed participants as the Guest of Honour and encouraged them to pursue innovation for social transformation.

The event concluded with the felicitation of winners across all innovation tracks, marking the culmination of a vibrant and impact-driven hackathon aimed at improving how communities engage with menstrual health solutions.

ReFlow 2025 reinforces IITBBS REP’s commitment to fostering socially relevant innovation by providing mentoring, incubation opportunities, and support systems that enable innovators to convert ideas into meaningful real-world impact.