From the Top 6 teams of Sandbox CCU, Lumora stood out for daring to address one of the most overlooked yet urgent issues among today’s youth: student mental health. With sensitivity and courage, the six-member team—Shalini, Hritika, Roshni, Priyam, and Aahir—designed Lumora (a blend of Light + Aura), a project that shines a beacon of hope for students struggling under immense academic, parental, and career pressures in Kolkata.
What makes their achievement even more remarkable is that they are all freshers from the School of the Future at Techno India University. Stepping into the challenge with open minds and fresh perspectives, they proved that even the youngest voices on campus can create solutions with depth, empathy, and real-world relevance.
The problem they tackled is both personal and universal: research shows that over 50% of students in Kolkata are struggling with mental health issues, ranging from stress and anxiety to depression, burnout, and social isolationLumora- Sandbox CCU. To bring these struggles to life, the team created user personas like Priyam Roy—a lonely, anxious student battling insecurity and burnout. Such narratives gave their project a strong emotional core, making Lumora more than just a concept—it became a call to action.
Lumora is envisioned as a safe, supportive hub where students can find refuge when the weight of expectations feels unbearable. Its features include:
- Soundproof settings ensuring absolute privacy for conversations and counseling sessions.
- Emergency buttons for immediate help during risky or crisis situations.
- Round-the-clock availability, so that support is never out of reach, no matter the hour.
- A bridge between students and therapists, designed to reduce the stigma of seeking help and make mental health resources more approachable.
The team also reflected on the rise of AI companions—how many young people today turn to AI tools for emotional connection, even as romantic partners or rant partners. Lumora takes this trend seriously, but rather than replacing human care, it aims to channel students toward meaningful professional support while offering a non-judgmental first step for those too hesitant to reach out.
What elevated their work was the guidance they received from Pauline Laravoire and Rohaan Goswami, who mentored them to sharpen their vision and refine Lumora into a solution that feels both compassionate and implementable. With their encouragement, the team turned raw ideas into a powerful statement: that mental health is not a weakness, but a conversation that deserves space, respect, and action.
The story of Lumora is not just about innovation—it’s about courage. By addressing a subject often brushed under the carpet, this team proved that young voices, when nurtured, can spark real change.
And this is exactly what Sandbox CCU represents—a platform at Techno India University where freshers step into the shoes of changemakers. By blending design thinking, mentorship, and real-world problem solving, Sandbox CCU is empowering students like the Lumora team to turn empathy into innovation and challenges into opportunities for the city’s future.