INSPIRE-MANAK NLEPC 2024: Bhind’s Deepak Clinches First Prize with Safe Vision Sensor in Smartphones

The INSPIRE-MANAK program is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), implemented by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous institution under the DST.

At the 11th National Level Exhibition & Project Competition (NLEPC) of INSPIRE-MANAK, the innovative ideas of 350 selected students from schools across the country were showcased. The top 31 young innovators were honoured at Vigyan Bhawan. Speaking at the winners' felicitation ceremony of the 11th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) of INSPIRE-MANAK in New Delhi, Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), emphasized the profound societal, national, and global impact of fostering curiosity and passion in young minds.

INSPIRE-MANAK Winners

The first prize was awarded to Deepak, a 10th grader from Govt. High School Udotgarh in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, for his innovative Safe Vision Distance Sensor for smartphones. The second prize went to Aanay Dwivedi, also in class 10 from The Manthan School in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, for his Pothole Repair System that utilizes plastic waste. The third prize was received by Amulya Hegde, a 9th grader from GPUC Kukkuje in Udupi, Karnataka, for his Flood Detecting Pole.

"The young winners of INSPIRE-MANAK can use the vast resources of Atal Tinkering Labs for developing their skills. Such collaborations would help leverage the entire strength of the initiatives from various Government of India programs and maximize the potential of our youth," Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) said.

“We also have the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which introduces a foundational and exciting curriculum called ‘Jadui Pitara’, incorporating STEM education,” he added. Starting next year, class 11 and class 12 students will also participate in the annual competition. Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson of NIF, emphasized the need for more innovative tools and instruments in schools, achievable through collaboration between schools and Atal Tinkering Labs.

52% of Participants Are Girls at INSPIRE-MANAK NLEPC

During the 2022-23 cycle, the scheme received 7.96 lakh applications from all States and Union Territories, representing 777 districts across the country. Notably, 52% of the participants were girls, highlighting the initiative's commitment to inclusivity. INSPIRE-MANAK continues to promote greater gender and geographical diversity, with most participating schools located in rural areas.

Read More

• AI Alliance Welcomes Seven Indian Members, Including IIT Madras, Infosys, Wadhwani AI, and Sarvam AI
• IIT Guwahati Suicide Sparks Demands More Counsellors and Reforms in Placement Policies