New Delhi, Jun 16, 2025: vivo India announced the winners of its countrywide scholarship initiative - ‘vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Initiative', in partnership with CIET-NCERT, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and UN Global Compact Network India. The event was held on June 15 here, spotlighting groundbreaking solutions from students in grades 8–12. It witnessed the presence of over 250 guests, including participants, students from diverse schools, and their families.
The third edition of vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Initiative received over 37,000 registrations from 9,000+ schools across 660+ districts—marking a two-fold increase from the previous edition. The initiative culminated in the submission of over 5,600 innovative ‘Tech for Good’ project ideas. Following a rigorous three-stage evaluation process—including regional shortlisting of Top 200 ideas, mentorship-led prototype development with academicians and practitioners, and the National Finale—the program celebrated the creativity, ingenuity, and social commitment of India’s next generation of youth innovators.
The AI Powered Criminal Activity Detection through Sensor-less Sensing prototype by Prateek Sethi from Odisha won the first prize, taking home a scholarship worth INR 4 lakhs, for its innovative, cost-effective Wi-Fi-based system that detects suspicious activity without intrusive surveillance.
Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, congratulated all participants, saying, “vivo Ignite stands as a testament to our belief that technology, when placed in the hands of young minds, can spark real and lasting impact. The remarkable participation and ingenuity we’ve witnessed this year reaffirm the untapped potential that exists across India’s schools. As vivo India’s flagship Technology and Innovation Initiative, vivo Ignite reflects our commitment to creating joyful, purpose-driven opportunities for students to explore, innovate, and solve real-world challenges. We are dedicated to expanding this platform further—to reach every corner of the country and empower the next generation of changemakers.”
The 10 ideas, submitted by 19 finalists, showcased scientifically innovative and socially impactful prototypes. The Top 5 were awarded the title of National Winners, while finalists ranked 6–10 were honoured as National Finalists.
The runners up included several impressive student innovations. The ArmX – Smart Rehabilitation System for One-Hand Paralyzed Individuals, developed by Devarsh Patel (Class-X), Veer Manvar (Class-X), and Kavan Patel (Class-X), secured a scholarship worth INR 6 lakhs. The GRGS – Green Run for Green Souls (From Wind to Wheels) prototype by Safin Mallick (Class-XI), Sirsa Naskar (Class-X), and Agamani Pandey (Class-X) won a scholarship of INR 4.5 lakhs. An Arduino-based LPG Gas Leakage Detection and Prevention System by Kushaal Abhay (Class-X), Vamshikha K S (Class-X), and Dhriti Kannan (Class-X) received a scholarship worth INR 3 lakhs, while Trevive, a project by Abeer Gosain (Class-XII), was awarded a scholarship of INR 75,000. The remaining Rank holders from 6-10 earned title of National Finalist and received Scholarship of INR. 25,000/- each child for their innovative ideas to encourage them to pursue this journey.
This year’s evaluation process was led by a distinguished jury comprising leading academicians and industry experts from partner organizations, who assessed the projects on criteria including creativity, scientific application, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential for social impact. The diversity and caliber of submissions underscores the initiative’s growing relevance and effectiveness in nurturing innovation at the grassroots level. With each edition, vivo Ignite continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact—solidifying its position as a strategic enabler in India’s innovation and education ecosystem.
The Grand Finale was graced by eminent dignitaries including Prof Indu Kumar Head, ICT & Training, CIET-NCERT; National Coordinator, DIKSHA, Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director- UNGC Network India, Rajendra Mootha, Head- Strategic Initiative Pravartak Technologies Foundation and Former COO, IIT Madras Innovation Park and Mahabir Singh, Founder Director- Science Olympiad Foundation. The programme was anchored by India’s ‘Tech Guru’ Rajiv Makhni who brought his trademark charisma and insight to the stage, demystifying complex innovations and engaging the audience in a celebration of young talent and bold ideas.
vivo India also felicitated beneficiaries of its flagship initiative, vivo KanyaGyaan — dedicated to empowering women in STEM by breaking financial and societal barriers for young women from underserved communities. The initiative provides scholarships, mentorship, skill-building workshops, and industry exposure to support their academic and professional journeys. To date, it has empowered over 175 scholars—60% from families with annual incomes below ₹1 lakh and 15% raised by single parents, helping many become first-generation graduates and gain admission to premier institutions. vivo KanyaGyaan not only imparts critical STEM skills, but also builds confidence, resilience, and ambition among its participants.
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