The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur recently announced that applications are now open for the first round of the 7 edition of its Young Innovators’ Program (YIP), a global science and technology competition intended for students in Classes 8 to 12. The deadline for online submissions is November 30, 2025.
Professor Anandaroop Bhattacharya, Dean of International Relations at IIT Kharagpur, underscored the institute’s mission for YIP, 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."
The competition will begin with an online first round, from which the best teams from India and abroad will be chosen. The teams will be invited to IIT Kharagpur for a three-day on-campus event, where they will exhibit and demonstrate working models or prototypes. Faculty experts from IIT Kharagpur will reportedly evaluate the entries.
Previous editions brought forth a range of notable innovations, which included a green water dispenser for the disabled, a low-cost herbal anti-pollution mask, a rapid pothole repair device called the ‘Pothole Warrior’, an AI-based oral cancer monitoring system, and a novel vehicular filter designed to reduce emissions.
The initiative has been progressive in expanded its international outreach, attracting participation from schools in the UAE, Singapore, Denmark, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, among others. Several distinguished figures such as former president Ramnath Kovind has commended the initiative for promoting a scientific temper among young people.
To participate in the competition, schools must nominate a coordinating teacher who will create a team account on the YIP portal. Students will then have to form teams of two to three members and submit abstracts on themes given. This year's theme include food security, technology for the specially-abled, sustainability and environment, innovations in education, and affordable healthcare solutions.
Shortlisted teams from first round will progress to the semi-final and final rounds held at IIT Kharagpur. The programme also offers opportunities for further mentorship under IIT faculty for teams wishing to develop their projects further.
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