TERI Inaugurates Innovate4Environment Workshop in Bengaluru to Build Youth Capacity in Data Analytics for Sustainability
11 August 2026, Bengaluru: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) today inaugurated the three-day Innovate4Environment Hybrid Workshop on Data Analytics at TERI Southern Regional Centre, Bengaluru. The workshop, being held from August 10–12, aims to equip young participants with practical knowledge and skills to understand, analyse and apply data for addressing sustainability and environmental challenges.
The workshop brings together experts from TERI and the University of Warwick, alongside academic and technical experts, to provide participants with exposure to data analytics tools and approaches relevant to sustainability. The programme focuses on building an understanding of sustainability data, data analytics workflows, project management, GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, statistical modelling and data visualization.
In the welcome address, Mr Ravi Sankar Das, Associate Fellow, Environment Education and Awareness, TERI said, “Real change in our community won’t come from waiting for someone else to lead; it starts with you as youth, choosing to act. What stood out to me here was how eagerly our participants grabbed this opportunity, showing up ready to learn, question, and grow. When youngsters step up like that, they don’t just bring energy; they bring a shift in mindset that ripples outward and inspires everyone around them to believe change is possible.”
Delivering the special address, Dr Simoni Da Ros, Assistant Professor, WMG, University of Warwick, highlighted the importance of developing an understanding of sustainability data and the analytical approaches needed to translate data into meaningful insights for environmental decision-making. Dr Da Ros highlighted, “Tools such as life cycle assessment, GIS & remote sensing, statistical modelling, and AI are transforming how we understand sustainability challenges and design solutions. Their real value, however, lies in how critically and creatively we use them. I hope this workshop empowers young people to ask better questions, work confidently with evidence, and turn insight into meaningful sustainability action.”
Introducing the Innovate4Environment initiative and the workshop’s data analytics theme, Mr Sharash Chandrakanth B, Research Associate, Environment Education and Awareness (EEA), TERI, outlined the relevance of data-driven approaches in strengthening participants’ understanding of environmental challenges and aligning their learning with their respective projects.
Dr Ramesh Kestur, Professor, IIIT Bengaluru provided his expert views on GIS mapping, Remote sensing and spatial analysis to address climate change.
The inaugural day featured sessions covering the types and sources of sustainability data and the data analytics workflow, followed by discussions on project management and effective communication. Participants will also be introduced to applications of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), GIS, statistical modelling and data visualization for analysing sustainability data. Further sessions will explore GIS mapping, remote sensing and spatial analysis for addressing climate change issues, along with the concept of a home electricity footprint.
The workshop will move from classroom-based learning to practical exposure on the second day, with participants undertaking field visits to two institutions in Bengaluru. At the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI), participants will explore the use of meteorological data for forestry and climate change, GIS-based mapping for short-lived climate pollutant inventories, and undertake a guided forest walk. The second field visit, to the Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre (KSRSAC), will provide exposure to applications of remote sensing in agriculture and climate technology.
The final day will focus on reflection, hands-on learning and application. Participants will undertake a community data assessment exercise, working in groups to design a simple data collection and analysis exercise. This will be followed by presentations of their Social Action Projects (SAPs), where participants will discuss their observations and receive feedback from mentors. A dedicated session on systems thinking for innovators will further help participants connect different dimensions of environmental challenges while developing solutions.
The workshop will conclude with feedback and discussions on the way forward, providing participants an opportunity to reflect on their learning and identify ways to apply data-driven approaches to their environmental and sustainability projects.
Through Innovate4Environment, TERI seeks to strengthen young people’s ability to engage with environmental challenges through interdisciplinary learning, practical exposure and innovative approaches, enabling them to become informed and effective contributors to sustainable development.
Also Read: Novonesis To Acquire Remaining Share Of Microbiogen To Strengthen Yeast Capabilities
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
