IIT Kharagpur Invites Entries for Young Innovators’ Program
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has officially opened applications for the first round of the seventh edition of its Young Innovators’ Program (YIP). This global science and technology competition is specifically designed for students in Classes 8 to 12. The deadline for online submissions is set for November 30, 2025.
Program Overview
The Young Innovators’ Program aims to foster curiosity, imagination, and scientific spirit among young students from around the world. Professor Anandaroop Bhattacharya, Dean of International Relations at IIT Kharagpur, emphasized the program’s mission, stating, “The Young Innovators’ Program has grown into a global forum that brings together the curiosity, imagination, and scientific spirit of young students from across continents. We look forward to welcoming the brightest young minds to our campus.”
Competition Structure
The competition will commence with an online first round, from which the best teams from India and abroad will be selected. These teams will then be invited to IIT Kharagpur for a three-day on-campus event where they will exhibit and demonstrate their working models or prototypes. The entries will be evaluated by faculty experts from IIT Kharagpur.
Notable Innovations from Previous Editions
Past editions of the Young Innovators’ Program have showcased a variety of remarkable innovations. Some notable entries include:
- A green water dispenser designed for the disabled
- A low-cost herbal anti-pollution mask
- A rapid pothole repair device known as the ‘Pothole Warrior’
- An AI-based oral cancer monitoring system
- A novel vehicular filter aimed at reducing emissions
International Participation
The initiative has made significant strides in expanding its international outreach, attracting participation from schools in various countries including the UAE, Singapore, Denmark, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. The program has received praise from distinguished figures, including former President Ramnath Kovind, who commended the initiative for promoting a scientific temper among young people.
How to Participate
To participate in the Young Innovators’ Program, schools are required to nominate a coordinating teacher. This teacher will be responsible for creating a team account on the YIP portal. Students are then encouraged to form teams consisting of two to three members and submit abstracts based on the themes provided for this year.
Themes for 2025
This year’s themes include:
- Food Security
- Technology for the Specially-Abled
- Sustainability and Environment
- Innovations in Education
- Affordable Healthcare Solutions
Advancement to Semi-Finals and Finals
Teams that are shortlisted from the first round will progress to the semi-final and final rounds, which will be held at IIT Kharagpur. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for further mentorship under IIT faculty for teams wishing to develop their projects further.
Conclusion
The Young Innovators’ Program at IIT Kharagpur serves as an excellent platform for young minds to showcase their innovative ideas and solutions to pressing global challenges. By participating, students not only gain valuable experience but also contribute to a larger dialogue on science and technology in society.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the announcement made by IIT Kharagpur as of November 17, 2025.
