IIT-Kharagpur has opened applications for its Young Innovators’ Programme (YIP) 2025-26. The institution announced the start of the application period for the first round on Sunday. This program targets students from Class 8 to Class 12. It aims to develop scientific understanding, creativity, and problem-solving skills among participants.
The competition begins with an online first round. Top teams from across India and various international locations will be selected from this stage. These chosen teams will then receive an invitation to the IIT-Kharagpur campus for a subsequent three-day event.
Programme Overview
The Young Innovators’ Programme serves as a platform for young students. It encourages them to explore scientific concepts beyond their regular curriculum. The initiative focuses on practical application of knowledge. Students are challenged to identify real-world problems. They must then devise innovative, science-based solutions.
The program specifically targets students in middle and high school. This includes those enrolled in Class 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. It seeks to cultivate an early interest in scientific research and innovation. Participants gain exposure to a leading technical institution’s environment.
Application and Selection Process
The first stage of the YIP 2025-26 involves an online application and evaluation. Teams submit their initial ideas and proposals digitally. This round assesses the originality and feasibility of the proposed innovations. It also evaluates the students’ understanding of scientific principles.
Following the online evaluation, a select number of teams will advance. These teams represent both Indian schools and international educational institutions. The selection criteria prioritize innovative thinking and the potential for a viable prototype. Successful teams will proceed to the on-campus phase of the competition.
On-Campus Event Details
Invited teams will participate in a three-day event at IIT-Kharagpur. During this period, teams will showcase their innovations. They must exhibit and demonstrate working models or functional prototypes of their solutions. This direct presentation allows for a comprehensive assessment of their work.
Faculty members from IIT-Kharagpur will conduct the evaluation. They will assess the technical soundness, creativity, and practical utility of each project. This rigorous assessment provides valuable feedback to the young innovators. It also determines the final winners of the competition.
Impact and Past Innovations
The programme has previously fostered significant student innovations. These projects address various societal and technical challenges. Past successful entries highlight the students’ capacity for impactful design and engineering.
- A green water dispenser designed for differently-abled persons.
- A low-cost herbal breathing mask.
- The ‘Pothole Warrior’ device for immediate road repair.
- An AI-based tool for monitoring oral cancer.
These examples demonstrate the diverse range of problems students have tackled. They also showcase the practical application of scientific and technological solutions developed within the programme.
Participation Statistics
The Young Innovators’ Programme attracts broad participation. The previous edition recorded over 3,500 entries . This indicates significant interest from the target student demographic.
International schools also show strong engagement. Participating schools came from diverse countries. These included the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Denmark, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. This international reach expands the competition’s scope and cultural exchange, a statement said.
How to Apply
Students eligible for the Young Innovators’ Programme 2025-26 must submit their applications online. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the official IIT-Kharagpur website. The first round of applications has now commenced for the academic year.