Students’ innovation festival to buoy up novel ideas in science & technology

New Delhi: The Students’ Innovation Festival (SIF) is a Launchpad for young minds to present their ingenious ideas, display creativity, and showcase their projects/products. Such avenues help prepare the youth to tackle society’s problems through scientific and technological interventions. The festival is a part of the 8th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF)-2022, to be held in Bhopal from 21-24 January 2023.

A total of 3392 entries have been received out of these 792 entries were shortlisted for further screening to select 100 innovations for physical presentation at Bhopal during 22nd and 23rd January 2023. “The participants need to bring their own projects or models for display and presentations. The best innovations will be awarded, followed up, and, if required, patented,” said Dr Meghvendra Sharma, one of the coordinators of SIF from Vijnana Bharati.

The program has been designed to attract prospective engineers, researchers, and scientists. To emphasize SIF-22’s core theme ‘Developing Sustainable Life Based on Five Elements of Nature’, the program will be conducted under five themes: The Earth, The Water, The Fire, The Air, and The Space. Each theme has multiple sub-themes. The prizes will be given to the best three presenters in each category. Each team can have a maximum of six students and one teacher/guide registered per project/idea.

With concerted efforts of several stakeholders, in the recent times, innovations and inventions have crossed the boundaries of research labs and institutes in recent times. Innovative thinking is observed at the school and college levels. Scientific and technological developments are visible beyond age and resource limits. Providing avenues is vital to encourage such actions. And that’s where science fairs chip in.

Science fairs are some of the best opportunities for students to pursue an interest in science and make discoveries and share them with their peers as well as renowned scientists, professors, and professionals.

IISF-2022 is jointly organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Department of Space (DoS), Government of India, and Government of Madhya Pradesh. The Department of Biotechnology is the nodal coordinating department for the festival. The Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (MPCOST) is the local partner, and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) is the Knowledge Partner. Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, Department of Biotechnology, is the nodal agency for organising the festival.

The Students Innovation Festival, previously held as the Engineering Students Festival (ESF) or Students’ Engineering Model Competition (SEMC) under the India International Science Festival (IISF), is an occasion where bright engineering students mingle and get to showcase their projects on an international stage. A national jury comprising doctoral-level scientists will review and judge their work.

The students can use any technological areas, including Material Technology, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Computer technology, Manufacturing Technology, Communication Technology, Digital Technology, AI/ML/VR, Electrical Vehicle Technology, Space Vehicle Technology, Energy Technology, and many others. The students have registered themselves through a portal for SIF and submitted their project’s idea and demonstration through a short video online.

(India Science Wire)