National Innovation Foundation (NIF)-India, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, invites entries of unaided technological innovations and traditional knowledge developed at grassroots by an individual (Citizen of India) or group [check eligibility criteria]. The innovations can be in the field of agriculture, health, energy, household or utility, transportation, livestock etc. leading to the reduction in drudgery, livelihood generation, development of plant varieties or herbal remedies for human/ animal/ farming problems, or any other low cost sustainable green technologies. These should be unaided/ unsupervised and an outcome of one’s own creativity, without any technical support from external agencies. Creative ideas for innovative technologies/ techniques solving persistence problems of society, which may not have been developed into prototypes, may also be submitted.
For the 13th National Biennial Competition, the entries can be submitted during April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2023, which is the last date for submission.
The Eligibility Criteria
Uneducated, school drop-outs, self-employed or employed individuals without educational background in medicine or technology at the graduate level (and having non-scientific/technical official duties), and school students are eligible to participate in the competition.
The individuals with Technology and Professional degrees (BTech, BE, BSc Ag, BVSc, MBBS, BPharm or similar) or above and/ or affiliated with scientific/academic/ research institutions in a scientific role are ineligible to participate in the competition.
The Awards
All the entries received will be reviewed appropriately and shortlisted for awards by an independent team of experts. Top three innovations will be awarded Rs. 500,000 (National First), Rs. 300,000 (National Second) and Rs. 100,000 (National Third) each in different categories. NIF may also give a Life Time Achievement Award of Rs. 750,000 to an outstanding innovator with demonstrated lifelong creativity. Three most outstanding innovative ideas may be given prizes of Rs. 50,000, 25,000 and 15,000. For young innovators there will be prizes worth Rs. 30,000, 25,000 and Rs. 20,000 for the best three entries. There will be consolation prizes of Rs. 10,000/- each in different categories apart from a Certificate of appreciation to many others.
In addition, individuals and/or organizations that make extraordinary contributions in scouting/ field verification/ on-site evaluation of grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge may also get recognition and awards worth Rs. 100,000, Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25,000 besides recognition to many others. Technologists adding significant value to the people’s knowledge and creativity, and electronic/print journalists promoting grassroots innovations will also be recognized.
How to Participate
Individuals or groups may send as many entries as they wish on plain paper providing
- Technical details of the idea/innovation/traditional knowledge practice along with sketches, photos or videos wherever available/necessary
- Genesis of idea/innovation or traditional knowledge
- Educational qualification of the innovators/traditional knowledge holders and past/ present occupation,
- Copy of id proof (like Aadhar card/ Voter id/ or any Govt. Identification Id.)
- Complete postal address with pin code and contact number(s) and
- Any other information that may seem necessary.