Hardeep Singh
Lucknow: On the 93rd birth anniversary of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the Innovation Hub at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) organized the Next Gen Kalam Innovation Sprint, providing 40 students a platform to present their groundbreaking ideas. The event, held, aimed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students, and showcased ideas that could potentially grow into major companies in the future.
A Platform for Innovation
The students from AKTU-affiliated institutions presented their innovative concepts in front of a jury in two phases. The jury members were impressed by the wide range of fields these ideas covered, appreciating the creativity and practicality of the presentations.
From the 40 participants, three outstanding ideas were selected and awarded cash prizes:
- First Prize of ₹50,000 was awarded to Divya Sharma, Abhishek Srivastava, and Aditi Mishra for their innovative “Aqua Alert Smart Water Management” system.
- Second Prize of ₹30,000 was given to Mohammad Anas, an eighth-grade student, for his unique “AC Outdoor Cooling System.”
- Third Prize of ₹20,000 went to Hrithik Rai and Kushagra Sharma for their IoT-based forest fire alert system, designed to notify relevant authorities promptly in case of a fire.
The top three ideas, along with 35 other noteworthy innovations, will be patented free of cost under AKTU’s Kalam Patent Center. These students will also receive incubation support to convert their ideas into startups, with expert guidance and funding assistance provided.
Encouraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The program was inaugurated by lighting the lamp and paying tribute to Dr. Kalam’s statue. Vice Chancellor Prof. JP Pandey, in his address, highlighted the significance of Dr. Kalam’s simplicity and brilliance, urging students to draw inspiration from his life. He emphasized that these platforms offer equal opportunities for all students to move forward, and that innovation is key to driving personal, societal, and national progress.
“By following Kalam Sahab’s path, students can become agents of change, transforming not only their lives but also the world around them,” he said. Prof. Pandey also announced that all 40 participants would receive certificates to motivate them to further develop their ideas.
Nurturing Future Entrepreneurs
Finance Officer Keshav Singh stressed that everyone, especially students, has innovative ideas, but the key is turning these ideas into reality. He urged the students to take advantage of opportunities like the Innovation Sprint to establish themselves as entrepreneurs.
Dean of Innovation Prof. BN Mishra lauded the event, stating that it reflected the growing culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. “The sheer number of innovative ideas we see today proves that our efforts in promoting entrepreneurship are bearing fruit,” he said.
Expert Guidance and Support
The jury members, in a group discussion, provided valuable insights into how students could turn their ideas into viable startups and eventually large companies. They explained the commercialization process and shared information about government schemes, patent processes, and funding for startups. The session concluded with the jury answering questions from students, encouraging them to think about the next steps in their entrepreneurial journeys.
The Next Gen Kalam Innovation Sprint was a resounding success, showcasing the potential of student-led innovation to shape the future. With proper guidance, incubation, and support, these ideas could grow into successful businesses, following the vision of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to inspire the next generation of thinkers and doers.
