AB InBev India’s ‘100+ Challenge’ draws youth talent to solve key issues

AB InBev India, the leading beer and beverage company, has announced the culmination of its talent attraction initiative, the ‘100+ Challenge’. The ‘100+ Challenge’ was designed to unearth and nurture the sharpest minds capable of devising innovative and sustainable solutions to our community’s most pressing problems. The Grand Finale, held at AB InBev India’s HQ in Bengaluru last month, was attended by eminent jury members, including Independent Management Consultant Rama Bijapurkar, top leadership from AB InBev India and Budweiser Brewing Co. APAC. The winning team, UK1507 from IIM Calcutta, was felicitated at the event.

Sharing more details about the program, Tanvi Rohatgi, People Director, AB InBev India, said, “At AB InBev India, we strongly believe that our commitment to nurturing talent goes beyond recruitment – it’s about fostering a culture of innovation and empowerment. The 100+ Challenge is an example of this philosophy in action. The program encourages students to use their imagination to change the world by providing a platform for bold, curious, and ambitious minds to channel their creativity into solving real-world challenges. We’re thrilled at the response to this initiative and look forward to continuing to shape the leaders of tomorrow. We’re attracting talent and cultivating a community of forward-thinkers who will drive transformative change and shape a better future for our industry and society.”

The challenge attracted aspiring students from 30+ top universities, inviting innovative, sustainable solutions to pressing issues. Open to pre-final year and final year undergraduates and postgraduates spanning various disciplines, participants were tasked to “Create a new brand (beer/non-alcoholic beverage/alcoholic beverage) for AB InBev that uses local ingredients available in India that positively impacts the environment and communities”. 

The winning team from IIM Calcutta presented a zero-sugar, zero-calorie sparkling water that aims to be carbon-negative, source micronutrients naturally, use smart water sourcing, and recycle cans for environmental benefits. Their victory secured them pre-placement opportunities at AB InBev India, an INR 5 lakh cash prize and access to AB InBev India's sponsored events. Xavier School of Management and S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research teams became the first and second runners-up.