K J Somaiya School & College of Nursing hosts innovation contest to encourage critical thinking among students 

New Delhi: K J Somaiya School & College of Nursing recently hosted the Innovation Contest on April 21, 2025, in collaboration with the Trained Nurses Association of India – Mumbai City.

Centered around the theme ‘Innovations in Health: Need of an Era,’ the contest showcased pioneering healthcare solutions developed by students across Maharashtra to tackle some of the most critical challenges in the sector.

The primary objective of the Innovation Contest was to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving among nursing students while promoting practical, innovative solutions to current healthcare challenges. By providing a platform to share and showcase their ideas, the contest aimed to foster a spirit of innovation in nursing education and empower future healthcare professionals to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of healthcare delivery in India.

Over 40 projects were submitted from nursing institutions across the state, reflecting a strong spirit of innovation among young healthcare professionals. Winners were selected under three categories: B.Sc. Nursing, Professional Nursing, and General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM).

In the B.Sc. Nursing category, Ms.Shreya Prasanthan, Ms.Tanisha Raeen, P D Hinduja College of Nursing was awarded for the project Surakshit 24/7-Instant Safety anytime anywhere, which focused on sending alert sound which attracts attention of the public and sends the users current location to her first two emergency contacts. In the Professional Nursing category, Ms.Angela Kaushik, Ms.Vaishnavi Gawde, S L Raheja Hospital- A Fortis Associate, was recognised for the project “Mothers touch with water filled gloves-A developmental supportive care for neonates”, aiming to maintain body temperature, stimulating parental touch, helping in gaining weight and improving sleep in newborns .In the GNM category, Ms.Alisha Fernandes, Ms.Bipasha Makar, Mr.Amal George, K J Somaiya School of Nursing received top honours for Auto Airway Blockage, which targeted on blocking the air to pass through the veins, which is mainly responsible for air embolism and backflow in cannulated patients, thus preventing complications.

In a significant step toward nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, the top 10 projects from the Innovation Contest have been selected for further development and support under the Research Innovation Incubation Design Labs (RIIDL) at Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Through this initiative, students will receive mentorship, infrastructure, funding guidance, and technical support to transform their ideas into viable healthcare start-ups. This opportunity not only empowers young innovators but also bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world healthcare solutions—enabling students to become changemakers in the healthcare sector.

Riidl of Somaiya Vidyavihar University is an incubation centre which provides a nurturing environment to early based startups by providing them with work space and mentoring, which enables them to contribute to the community. It also create focused groups that want to work on projects and technology-based business ideas.

Dr. Avani Oke, Principal, K.J. Somaiya School & College of Nursing, shared, “The creativity and innovation displayed by the participants today are a reflection of their unwavering commitment to healthcare. These projects are not just ideas—they are tangible solutions that could transform the future of healthcare.”

“It’s inspiring to see young minds apply their creativity and rigour to healthcare, offering ideas that are both thoughtful and forward-looking. The sensitivity with which they approach complex issues is matched by their willingness to experiment and innovate. There’s a quiet confidence in their work that speaks to a generation ready to lead with purpose,” said Ms. Beena Bhatia, (President, TNAI, Mumbai City Branch).