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Food for thought pays off: Swiggy crowns IIM Lucknow at the student challenge
Bengaluru: Proof that good ideas, like good food, travel fast. Swiggy has announced the winners of the first edition of its Food For Thought Challenge, a nationwide case study competition that invited students to reimagine how India’s leading food delivery platform can deepen its bond with campus life.
IIM Lucknow emerged as the winner, impressing the jury with ideas to create more meaningful student engagement across food delivery and dining out. The team walked away with pre-placement interviews at Swiggy and a cash prize of ₹1.5 lakh. IIM Indore was named first runner-up and received ₹50,000. Teams from IIM Bengaluru and MICA Ahmedabad were among the other finalists.
Launched in September 2025, the Food For Thought Challenge drew strong interest nationwide, with more than 2,600 submissions from over 600 colleges. Over 30 per cent of entries came from premier institutions, including the IIMs, IITs and NITs, underscoring Swiggy’s growing resonance with India’s student community.
The finale, held in Bengaluru, was chaired by Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor. Submissions were evaluated through a rigorous, multi-stage process based on innovation, growth impact, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. From thousands of ideas, eight teams advanced to the semi-finals before four made it to the grand finale.
Swiggy Vice President for Food Strategy, Customer Experience, and New Initiatives, Deepak Maloo, said the initiative was designed to tap into students’ instinctive creativity. “College students are more than just customers; they are catalysts for innovation. The ideas we saw combined data-driven thinking with disruptive imagination, and many of them have the potential to shape how we enhance customer experience going forward,” he said.
Swiggy plans to make Food For Thought an annual platform, strengthening its engagement with campuses and nurturing a pipeline of young talent keen to influence the future of food tech and logistics. The initiative complements Swiggy’s broader student-focused efforts, including its Student Rewards Programme and Campus Streaks, which currently reach over seven lakh students across more than 3,600 campuses.
As the company continues to serve millions every day, Swiggy’s message to students is clear: the next big idea could be just one smart pitch away.
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Rentokil PCI acquires Pecopp to expand pest control footprint in India
Deal strengthens western reach and adds premium clients to portfolio
MUMBAI: Rentokil PCI has acquired Pecopp Pest Control Services Pvt Ltd, strengthening its presence in western India and expanding its customer base across premium segments.
The deal brings Pecopp’s client portfolio, workforce and operational assets into the Rentokil PCI network, combining local expertise with global capabilities. Mumbai-based Pecopp has built a strong reputation over the years, serving clients across professional services, luxury hospitality and entertainment sectors.
With the integration, Pecopp will gain access to Rentokil PCI’s global research, digital tools and service infrastructure, aimed at improving delivery standards and operational efficiency.
Rentokil PCI managing director David Lewis said the acquisition supports the company’s focus on advancing service quality and scaling tech-driven solutions in India.
Pecopp Pest Control Services Pvt Ltd managing director Siddharth Balwani added that the partnership will help enhance service offerings while retaining a personalised approach for existing customers.
The acquisition reflects a broader push by Rentokil PCI to deepen its market presence through targeted expansion and a stronger customer-first strategy.
