Mphasis Foundation and Plaksha University hosted the second edition of the TrackShift Innovation Challenge on September 12–13, 2026, in Bengaluru. The event engaged more than 180 student innovators in applied engineering problems.

The 24-hour challenge drew over 3600 applications from institutions including IITs, NITs, and BITS Pilani. Approximately one-third of the applicants were female students. Participants developed proofs of concept at the intersection of artificial intelligence and mobility.

Challenge Focus Areas

Developed as part of Mphasis' association with the TGR Haas F1 Team, the challenge required students to apply emerging technologies to motorsport engineering constraints. The three problem statements focused on:

• Energy & Overtake Intelligence: Building real-time decision engines for optimal energy deployment.
• Track Limits Detection: Developing AI-powered video analysis for track-limit violations.
• Tyre Degradation Intelligence: Creating predictive models for tyre performance degradation curves.

Winners and Prizes

The top three teams received cash prizes and mentorship-based internships at Mphasis. Selected participants will also receive a fully sponsored visit to the TGR Haas F1 Team facility in the United Kingdom.

Veda Iyer, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Mphasis, stated that the initiative builds a talent pipeline by having students from diverse institutions work on complex professional problems. Solutions developed during the challenge will be made available through an open repository on the TrackShift website.

Mphasis has partnered with the SGBS Unnati Foundation and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to support environmental sustainability in Bengaluru. The collaboration focuses on maintaining public spaces along a designated metro corridor.

The initiative involves an MOU signed between SGBS Unnati Foundation and BMRCL for the maintenance of Pier Nos. BP-382 to BP-437. Mphasis is supporting this effort as part of its broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments to address environmental priorities in the communities where it operates.

Partnership Details

SGBS Unnati Foundation, which became the first NGO in India to list on the Social Stock Exchanges of both NSE and BSE in December 2023, leads the environmental initiative. The foundation works on youth employability and community development.

Deepa Nagraj, Senior Vice President & Global Head - ESG, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem, and Communications at Mphasis, stated that building sustainable communities requires shared responsibility. She noted that the association with SGBS Unnati Foundation and BMRCL strengthens the upkeep of Bengaluru's shared spaces.

Dr. Ramesh Swamy, Director of SGBS Unnati Foundation, emphasized that meaningful community development is possible when organizations collaborate. He highlighted the contribution towards cleaner public spaces and stronger community ownership.

Broader CSR Initiatives

This collaboration aligns with Mphasis' ongoing environmental projects in Karnataka. The company supports the planting and maintenance of 100,000 trees at the Doddasagare Botanical Garden. Additionally, Mphasis is contributing to the revival of Bodanahosahalli Lake to enhance groundwater recharge and local biodiversity.

Further water conservation efforts include establishing 1,200 percolation wells across Bengaluru. These wells aim to conserve an estimated 153 million litres of rainwater by 2026.