My address at the INSPIRE-MANAK award function at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, felicitating 62 young outstanding innovators among school children, from Class 6 to 12, from across India, selected through a national level competition. Key Takeaways: "Today, school students from across the country, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, are seen not only creating novel innovations , but also demonstrating entrepreneurial skill to translate their ideas into marketable products and business ventures. 25 students had already taken their products to market, while around 250 intellectual property rights had been generated by young innovators. Some students were earning lakhs of rupees while still in school. Equally amazing is the geographical diversity of participants, from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Jammu & Kashmir and from Mizoram to Mumbai, as well as the variety of projects covering agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection, accessibility, energy, water conservation, safety and improving everyday life for older people.   Several of the projects presented at the exhibition, addressed everyday challenges through scientific and technological solutions. These included, for instance, an AI-based alcohol detection system designed to switch off the vehicle engine when the driver is detected having consumed alcohol , or an ultrasonic washing machine that can save water with better washing, or a device designed to deter stray dogs through vibrations, or an assistive technology for visually impaired students, or a tracking walking stick etc. In the last one decade, the government has initiated several programmes for mentorship of such talented children to enable them to recognise their strengths, refine their ideas and navigate the journey from an initial concept to a practical application and finally a market product. I also propose that the future edition of the programme include a dedicated session in which young innovators could speak directly about their work and experiences".

My Article in ‘The Pioneer’... “India’s blue economy: The next wave of opportunity”. 08th Oct 2026 issue. Read: dailypioneer.com/news/indias…