11th National Level Exhibition & Project Competition (NLEPC) 2024: A Celebration of Innovation

New Delhi: The 11th National Level Exhibition & Project Competition (NLEPC) 2024, under the INSPIRE-MANAK initiative, concluded on a high note with a Winners Felicitation Ceremony in New Delhi. The event brought together young innovators from schools across India, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills through innovative projects. 

Highlighting the Importance of Nurturing Young Innovators 

Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Professor Abhay Karandikar, emphasized the importance of encouraging curiosity and passion in young minds. He pointed out that the ideas generated by these students have the potential to bring about significant breakthroughs that could impact society, the nation, and even the world. 

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these students receive the resources, support, and opportunities they need to continue their remarkable journey,” said Professor Karandikar. He expressed optimism that with sustained efforts, India could become one of the top five innovative nations by 2047. 

Empowering Young Innovators 

Professor Karandikar also encouraged the young winners of the INSPIRE-MANAK program to use the resources available at Atal Tinkering Labs to further develop their skills. He stressed the importance of collaboration between various government programs to maximize the potential of India’s youth. 

The event, which took place at Vigyan Bhawan, celebrated the top 31 student innovators from across India. These students were selected from over 350 participants who had displayed their projects at the exhibition, which ran from September 17 to 18, 2024. 

A Platform for Creativity and Innovation 

The INSPIRE-MANAK program is designed to foster creativity among young students by inviting them to submit innovative ideas. Professor Karandikar highlighted that the program aims to provide students with the tools and encouragement to think outside the box and develop solutions to real-world problems. 

One exciting announcement made during the ceremony was that from next year, students from classes 11 and 12 will also be eligible to participate in the annual competition, further expanding the reach of the program. 

Need for More Innovation in Schools 

Professor Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson of the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), emphasized the need for more innovative tools and instruments in schools. He pointed out that collaboration between schools and Atal Tinkering Labs could help achieve this goal. Professor Sahasrabudhe also highlighted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which includes a foundational and engaging curriculum called ‘Jadui Pitara,’ incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. 

Recognizing the Achievements of Young Innovators 

The INSPIRE-MANAK program, a flagship scheme under the DST, aims to nurture innovation among young students, with the NIF serving as the implementing body. The program received an impressive 7.96 lakh applications from students across all states and union territories in the 2022-23 cycle, representing 777 districts. Significantly, 52% of participants were girls, highlighting the inclusive nature of the initiative. 

This year’s exhibition saw enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, officials, and the general public, creating an inspiring atmosphere where young innovators could share their ideas and learn from each other. The event marked another successful year for the INSPIRE-MANAK initiative as it continues to promote innovation and creativity among students and helps shape the future of India’s scientific community. 

Top Innovators of NLEPC 2024 

Here are some of the top winners and their innovations: 

• Deepak, a class 10 student from Government High School Udotgarh, Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, won the first prize for his invention, the Safe Vision Distance Sensor in Smart Phones. 
• Aanay Dwivedi, a class 10 student from The Manthan School, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, secured second place for his project, Pothole Repair System using Plastic Trash. 
• Amulya Hegde, a class 9 student from GPUC Kukkuje, Udupi, Karnataka, took third place for the Flood Detecting Pole. 

Other Notable Projects 

Several other students were recognized for their outstanding projects, including: 

• Rupesh Kumar (Class 10, Delhi Public School, Bokaro, Jharkhand) for a Device to Prevent Ambulance Service Delays. 
• Shraavya Mishra (Class 7, Kendriya Vidyalaya No 2, Bhubaneswar, Odisha) for a Voice Assistant for the Deaf and Dumb. 
• Sweety (Class 7, Radiant Public School, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand) for her Convertible Heels. 
• Pulagala Thrinadh (Class 10, SKPD Boys Higher Secondary School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu) for an Adjustable Upper Berth for Senior Passengers**. 
• Ishwari More (Class 9, Vydehi School of Excellence, Bangalore, Karnataka) for her project on Fall Detection in Toilets using Thermal Imaging. 

These projects reflect the innovative thinking and dedication of the young students, who are already making strides in addressing real-world challenges. 

INSPIRE-MANAK: Shaping India’s Scientific Future 

The INSPIRE-MANAK initiative continues to empower young students across India, encouraging them to think critically, solve problems, and push the boundaries of innovation. As the program expands to include older students, it is expected to further strengthen India’s position in the global scientific community. With its focus on inclusivity, gender diversity, and geographical reach, the INSPIRE-MANAK program is truly shaping the future of India’s innovation landscape.