IIT Kharagpur starts taking applications for 7th Young Innovators’ Program

The competition will begin with an online first round, from which the top teams from India and overseas will be selected. These teams will be invited to IIT Kharagpur for a three-day on-campus event, where they will exhibit and demonstrate working models or prototypes. The exhibits will be evaluated by IIT Kharagpur faculty experts.

Past editions have seen a range of noteworthy innovations, including a green water dispenser for the differently-abled, a low-cost herbal anti-pollution mask, a rapid pothole repair device called the ‘Pothole Warrior’, an AI-based oral cancer monitoring system, and a novel emission-reducing vehicular filter.

The initiative has steadily expanded its international footprint, attracting participation from schools in the UAE, Singapore, Denmark, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, among others.

Distinguished personalities like former president Ramnath Kovind have commended the initiative for fostering scientific temper among the youth.

To participate in the competition, schools must nominate a coordinating teacher who will create a team account on the YIP portal. Students can then form teams of two to three members and submit abstracts under one of the five themes: Food Security, Technology for the Specially-abled, Sustainability and Environment, Innovations in Education, and Affordable Healthcare Solutions (hardware).

Shortlisted teams from Round 1 will advance to the semifinal and final rounds held at IIT Kharagpur. The program also offers opportunities for further mentorship under IIT faculty for teams wishing to extend their projects.