The registration process for the INSPIRE–MANAK 2024-2025 has commenced across India, with over 1,500 innovative ideas submitted by school authorities from Jammu and Kashmir to the National Innovation Foundation of India for the INSPIRE–MANAK competitions.
Dr Sajad Ahmad Mir, the Nodal Officer for INSPIRE MANAK in Kashmir, informed Rising Kashmir that the ‘Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research’ (INSPIRE) scheme is a key initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
The INSPIRE–MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) program, implemented by DST in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), aims to inspire students aged 10 to 15 years who are enrolled in classes 6 to 10.
“The scheme’s goal is to generate one million original ideas or innovations that are grounded in scientific principles and societal applications, thereby promoting a culture of creativity and innovative thinking among school children. Schools are permitted to nominate their five best original student ideas,” Mir said.
He added that the registration for INSPIRE-MANAK 2024-2025 began on July 1, 2024, and will continue until September 15, 2024. In the past 33 days, more than 1,500 innovative ideas have been submitted by both government and private schools throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
“Once the registration period for INSPIRE-MANAK 2024-2025 concludes, the National Innovation Foundation of India will shortlist 10 percent of the best innovative ideas of the students across the country,” the Nodal Officer added.
Mir said that the National Innovation Foundation will deposit 10,000 rupees into the bank accounts of selected students through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. This funding, he said, is intended for students to develop prototype devices for the INSPIRE-MANAK 2024-2025 competitions. Following this, students will also have the opportunity to participate in district and state-level competitions, he added.
The Nodal Officer further explained that innovative ideas from students at the state level who qualify for national competitions can receive an additional amount of Rs 25,000 for upgrading their prototype devices.” This funding allows students to enhance their prototypes with additional features for national-level competitions, ensuring that they do not need to incur any personal expenses, as all costs are covered by the National Innovation Foundation of India,” he said.
“The National Innovation Foundation of India will also cover travel expenses, accommodation, and meals for students participating in the national competitions,” Mir added.
INSPIRE–MANAK is a flagship programme of the Government of India, providing students with a valuable opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas.
