Innovate WaSH: Advancing Water Sanitation and Hygiene Technologies

(WASH-2026)

BITS Pilani GSGS Logo

2nd-4th December, 2026

BITS Pilani, K K Birla, Goa Campus, Goa

1

Welcome

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to Innovate WaSH 2026: Advancing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Technologies, to be held from 2–4 December 2026 at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science – Pilani (BITS Pilani) Goa, India.

Innovate WaSH 2026 is a premier national conference dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations and research in water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and environmental biotechnology. The conference provides a unique platform for researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development organizations, and practitioners to exchange ideas, present cutting-edge technologies, and foster collaborations that address some of the world's most pressing WaSH challenges.

The conference will feature technical sessions covering a broad spectrum of emerging topics, including sustainable water treatment technologies, decentralized sanitation systems, wastewater reuse and resource recovery, circular economy approaches, digital innovations and smart monitoring, climate-resilient WaSH infrastructure, environmental biotechnology, public health, policy and governance, and community-led implementation strategies. Special emphasis will be placed on translating research into practical solutions that can improve access to safe water and sanitation while promoting environmental sustainability.

Innovate WaSH 2026 is jointly organized by BITS-Pilani Goa, in collaboration with the Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS), CEPT University, Ahmedabad, and IIT Roorkee. The conference aims to strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations among academia, industry, government agencies, and international organizations to accelerate the adoption of innovative and inclusive WaSH technologies across India and beyond.

Located amidst the scenic landscapes of Goa, BITS-Pilani Goa offers an inspiring environment for scientific discussions and networking. Goa, renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant cultural heritage, biodiversity, and hospitality, provides an ideal setting for exchanging ideas while experiencing one of India's most beautiful destinations. We encourage participants to explore the rich history, cuisine, and natural beauty of the region during their visit.

The conference will include keynote lectures by distinguished experts, invited talks, oral and poster presentations, panel discussions, industry exhibitions, technology demonstrations, and networking sessions designed to encourage meaningful interactions between researchers, innovators, funding agencies, and practitioners.

The official language of the conference is English.

We warmly invite you to be part of Innovate WaSH 2026 and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene technologies. Together, let us innovate, collaborate, and create solutions that advance public health, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

We look forward to welcoming you to BITS-Pilani Goa in December 2026.

 

Keynote speakers

To be announced...

 

The location

We are proud to host Innovate WaSH 2026 at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science – Pilani (BITS Pilani), K.K. Birla Goa Campus. The campus is in the midst of spectacular and scenic landscapes of Goa, providing an exceptionally inspiring environment that is a perfect blend of rigorous scientific discussions and relaxed and meaningful networking.

Beyond conference halls, Goa is one of the prettiest and must visit tourist attractions of India. It is not only famous all over the world for its beautiful, untouched beaches but also for its biodiversity and warm and welcoming hospitality. This rare combination of academic excellence and natural tranquillity provides the perfect environment to share the latest ideas while enjoying the local charm.

We encourage all attendees to take advantage of the opportunity to explore the region beyond the academic program. During your visit, take some time out to absorb Goa's vibrant cultural heritage, explore its deep and rich history and savour the incredible local food. The location offers an unforgettable experience to complement the conference, whether you are exploring the natural beauty of the coastlines or catching up with colleagues over local delicacies.

Organizers

This premier event is a collaborative initiative jointly organized by BITS-Pilani Goa, working in proud partnership with the Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS), CEPT University (Ahmedabad), and IIT Roorkee.

 

Srikanth Mutnuri

Srikanth Mutnuri,

Convenor and Senior Professor,

BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa campus

Mona Iyer

Mona Iyer,

Co convenor Professor and Dean,

Faculty of Planning, CEPT University

Basant Yadav

Basant Yadav,

Co convenor and Associate Professor,

IIT Roorkee

TOPICS

1. Sanitation Technologies

  • Next-generation sanitation systems
  • Non-sewered sanitation (NSS)
  • Onsite wastewater treatment systems
  • Faecal sludge and septage management
  • Smart and decentralized toilets

 

2. Nature-based Solutions for Water and Sanitation

  • Constructed wetlands
  • Ecological wastewater treatment
  • Blue-green infrastructure
  • River and lake restoration
  • Urban wetlands
  • Climate-resilient nature-based solutions

 

3. Resource Recovery and Circular Economy

  • Nutrient recovery
  • Energy recovery from wastewater
  • Biochar and biosolids valorization
  • Water reuse and recycling
  • Circular sanitation systems
  • Waste-to-resource technologies

 

4. Emerging Contaminants and Water Quality

  • PFAS and forever chemicals
  • Pharmaceuticals and personal care products
  • Antibiotic resistance genes
  • Microplastics
  • Heavy metals
  • Industrial wastewater treatment

 

5. Digital Water and Smart WaSH

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Digital twins
  • Remote sensing
  • GIS applications
  • Smart monitoring
  • Decision support systems
  • Big data analytics

 

6. Climate Change and Resilient Water Systems

  • Climate adaptation
  • Flood and drought resilience
  • Disaster-resilient sanitation
  • Carbon-neutral treatment systems
  • Green infrastructure
  • Sustainable urban drainage

 

7. Public Health and Hygiene

  • Hygiene behaviour
  • School and institutional WaSH
  • Menstrual hygiene management
  • Health risk assessment
  • Waterborne diseases
  • One Health approaches

 

8. Policy, Governance and Finance

  • Water governance
  • SDG 6 implementation
  • Regulatory frameworks
  • Public-private partnerships
  • Financing sanitation
  • ESG and sustainability reporting

 

9. Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Start-ups

  • WaSH innovations
  • Technology commercialization
  • Incubation and acceleration
  • Industry-academia partnerships
  • Scale-up and deployment
  • Intellectual property and technology transfer

 

10. Community-led and Inclusive WaSH

  • Rural sanitation
  • Gender and social inclusion
  • Community participation
  • Behaviour change communication
  • Indigenous knowledge
  • Inclusive sanitation

 

11. Monitoring, Modelling and Risk Assessment

  • Water quality modelling
  • Process modelling
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Life cycle assessment
  • Techno-economic analysis
  • Performance evaluation

 

12. Future WaSH Technologies

  • Hydrogen and bioenergy from wastewater
  • Electrochemical treatment
  • Membrane technologies
  • Nanotechnology
  • Solar-powered water systems
  • Autonomous treatment systems

 

COMMITTEE

a. Local Organizing Committee

  1. Prof. Srikanth Mutnuri
  2. Prof. Mona Iyer
  3. Prof. Basant Yadav
  4. Prof. Anasuya Ganguly
  5. Prof. Rajesh Mehrotra
  6. Prof. Meenal Kowshik
  7. Prof. Vijayashree Nayak
  8. Prof. Abhishek Sharma
  9. Keyur Kumar Nammdev
  10. Sanam Prabhudessai
  11. Sanvidh Narkhede
  12. Nidhi Mahawar
  13. Shwetakshi Mishra
  14. Haritha Sridharan
  15. Afiya Beig
  16. Maseda Race
  17. Rajashree Yaragal
  18. Yuga Ghotge
  19. Levi Pereira
  20. Sristi Parssekar
  21. Rmit phd
  22. Rmit phd
  23. Brns project
  24. Shashank Dessai
  25. Nikhil Caeiro
  26. Denza Cardozo

 

FOR AUTHORS

a. Key dates

DATES

Call for papers open

1st July 2026

Registrations portal open

1st July 2026

Abstract submission deadline

30th August 2026

Author notification

30th September 2026

Registration deadline

31st October 2026

b. Registration fee and payment

Details

Fee Amount

Academia & Faculty

12,000 ₹

Students & Research Scholars

6,000 ₹

Industry Professionals & NGOs

20,000 ₹

Accompanying Person

8,000 ₹

Registration includes:

  • Admission to all sessions, poster displays, and exhibitions
  • Welcome reception and conference kit
  • Lunches and Tea, coffee, light snacks during breaks

Bank Details: 

Account Name: BITS PILANI FOUNDATION FOR ADVISORY CONSULTANCY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS

Account Number: 926010028242518

IFSC Code: UTIB0000187

Branch Address: Ground Floor, Heritage Building, Swatantra Path, Opposite Sapna Terraces, Vasco Da Gama, Goa-403802

MICR Code: 403211005

Abstract Submission

The abstract submission options are available for oral presentation and poster sessions. Authors must download and use same template for the respective sessions.

Download templates:

For Abstract Submission: 📥 Abstract Submission Template_Innovate WaSH Advancing Water Sanitation and Hygiene Technologies
For Poster: 📥 Poster Template_Innovate WaSH Advancing Water Sanitation and Hygiene Technology

Note that authors are responsible to bring their physical poster at the conference venue [print dimensions:121.9 cm × 91.4 cm].

 

Google form link to submit abstract

https://forms.gle/ypQYyyXXatmHV6H68 ↗️

PROGRAM DETAILS

To be updated soon….

USEFUL INFO

a. Venue

The Innovate WaSH 2026 conference will take place at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science - Pilani (BITS Pilani), in the K.K. Birla Goa campus. The campus covers an area of 180 acres, situated within lush green hills along the beautiful Zuari River. Moreover, the surroundings are very picturesque providing breath-taking vista views of neighbouring rivers, hillocks, water courses and verdant landscapes. Our precise address is Bypass Road, Zuarinagar Goa on N.H.-17B, providing tranquillity and ease of access to all who visit us.

You will find our campus equipped with modern auditoria for the purpose of hosting scientific conferences; seminar rooms; and large areas available for network building activities etc. The Birla Radha Krishna Mandir is located just adjacent to the campus and contributes further toward providing a feeling of being part of a cultural experience whilst at this academic institution.

b. How to reach BITS Goa Campus

Goa is well-connected state which makes travel easy through air, rail, or road. The following are some most convenient ways to reach our campus:

By Air

Goa runs two international airports i.e. Dabolim International Airport (GOI) and Manohar International Airport, Mopa (GOX). We encourage delegates select Dabolim International Airport (GOI), which is the closest and most convenient airport, located just 5 km from the campus for a hassle-free experience. Note that Ola/Uber services are not available in Goa, instead cabs can be booked using the state’s official GoaMiles app. The pre-paid taxis services are also available at the arrival terminal, and it’s only a 10-minute drive to reach campus.
If coming via Manohar International Airport, Mopa (GOX), it is located in North Goa around 55 km away from campus. The taxi rides are readily available and costs around 3000 ₹ for a ride of 1.5 to 2 hours.

By Train

The nearest station from campus is the Vasco-da-Gama Railway Station (VSG), which is about 10km form the BITS Campus. Cabs can be booked using the state’s official GoaMiles app. The pre-paid taxis and auto-rickshaw services are also available at station. However, a bigger railway hub is Madgaon Junction (Madgaon Railway Station (MAO)), which is well connected to all major cities across India. It is 24 km away from campus, and local trains and intercity buses are available to reach Vasco-Da-Gama city. Pre-paid taxis can be a comfortable ride to reach campus.

By Road

Our campus is located on National Highway 17B (Bypass Road), Zuarinagar. If you arrive at Panjim or Margao bus stands by intercity bus, the easiest way to cover the last mile of your journey is to hire a local taxi. Local buses do operate but do not drop right on campus gates. But a taxi will take you to the main gate of the campus with at most convenience.

c. Accommodations

There are plenty of hotels, resorts and guest houses in the vicinity of BITS Pilani Goa campus to accommodate everyone comfortably, and suit a variety of budgets and tastes. Hotels such as Hotel Navil Exotica, Argo by Trance are located in Zuarinagar itself which are only 3 to 5 km away from BITS Goa Campus. Those who want to be closer to the city centre and railway station, great facilities and easy airport access can find them at hotels like The Flora Grand, Hotel Royal Altis, The HQ and Hotel Supreme Goa in the main Vasco-Da-Gama city, around 7-11 Km from the main venue.

 

We request to visit BITS Pilani Goa official website to get more details (BITS Goa Campus portal --> Quick links --> Hotels around BITS). Please note that Christmas and New year celebrations make Goa a peak tourist location in December. Thus, last moment bookings may not be feasible option with inflated charges or unavailability of hotel space. We strongly recommend booking your accommodation and travel well in advance, thank you.

Contact

  • Prof Srikanth Mutnuri, Convenor Innovate WaSH 2026: Advancing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Technologies, Water Sanitation and Hygiene Laboratory, Department of Biollogical Sciences Birla Institute of Technology and Science – Pilani (BITS Pilani) K K Birla Goa campus Goa 403726

  • wash2026@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in

  • www.bits-pilani.ac.in/goa/WASH2026/