NIF's National Biennial Competition for Green Grassroots Innovations
by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
₹50,000 Cash Award
NIF's National Biennial Competition for Green Grassroots Innovations is a competition by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for students in Class 1–12, open to students across India. Registration closes 31 Mar 2027. It is free to take part.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Class 1–12
Fee
Free
Duration
The competition is held biennially (once every two years).
Format
Both · Teams of 10
Time needed
Varies depending on the complexity and stage of the innovation project.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Apr 2025
- Registration closes
- 31 Mar 2027
- Competition
- 1 Apr 2027 – 30 Nov 2027
National Innovation Foundation - India (Postal Submissions), Gandhinagar, Gujarat
About This Opportunity
The National Biennial Competition is a flagship initiative by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) to scout and reward unaided technological innovations. It aims to foster a culture of creativity and problem-solving by recognizing solutions from the nation's grassroots.
This competition is open to all Indian citizens, including students up to class 12, with no formal educational qualifications required. Winners receive national recognition, cash awards, and support for patenting and commercializing their inventions.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 1–12
- Age Range
- 6 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
No formal educational qualification is required. Open to all, but individuals with professional degrees (like B.Tech, MBBS) or those in formal R&D roles are generally not eligible. Students up to class 12 are strongly encouraged to apply.
Prerequisites
- The innovation must be unaided and developed without any support from formal institutions.
- The idea or innovation should be an outcome of the participant's own creativity and effort.
- Entries from professionals with postgraduate degrees or those in formal R&D roles are not accepted.
Open to all Indian citizens, including students up to Class 12. No formal education is required. The innovation must be original and developed without any institutional support. Professionals with advanced technical degrees are not eligible.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
Focuses on practical application of scientific and technological principles to address real-world challenges, encouraging innovative solutions beyond traditional academic curricula.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹50,000
Cash awards are given to the winners at different levels. The highest award amount can go up to ₹50,000.
Certificate
National Recognition Certificate
A certificate of recognition is awarded to selected innovators, acknowledging their contribution to grassroots innovation.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
National-level recognition from a Government of India body can significantly strengthen applications for higher education in science, technology, and engineering streams at leading Indian universities.
Career pathways
Provides a platform for potential entrepreneurship and establishing a startup based on the innovation, with support for business incubation and commercialization from NIF.
Recognition
National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Rounds & format
Round 1: Initial screening of all submitted entries based on novelty, utility, and social impact. Round 2: Detailed evaluation of shortlisted innovations by an expert committee, which may include field verification and interviews with the innovators.
How entries are judged
Innovations are judged on criteria such as novelty, creativity, social impact, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and potential for scalability. Emphasis is placed on solutions for persistent local problems developed without formal support.
Selection process
Selection is based on a multi-stage review process. An independent team of experts and collaborators from the Honey Bee Network screen and evaluate the entries. The final winners are chosen after thorough validation of the innovations.
How to apply
- 1Entries can be submitted online via the NIF website or sent by post to the National Innovation Foundation's address in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- 2Submissions must include technical details of the innovation, sketches or photos, the story behind the idea, and the innovator's personal and contact details.
How to prepare
- Innovators are encouraged to review past award-winning innovations on the NIF website for inspiration and understanding.
- It is recommended to conduct a prior art search to ensure the novelty of the idea before submission.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
There is no application or participation fee for this competition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for NIF's National Biennial Competition for Green Grassroots Innovations?
The registration deadline is 31 Mar 2027.
Is NIF's National Biennial Competition for Green Grassroots Innovations free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in NIF's National Biennial Competition for Green Grassroots Innovations?
Students in Class 1–12. children aged 6-18.
What will my child gain from NIF's National Biennial Competition for Green Grassroots Innovations?
Get support for patenting and protecting your Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).. Opportunity for business incubation and commercialization support from NIF.. Showcase your innovation at the Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE).. National recognition for your creativity from a Government of India body.. Special awards for women innovators and students.. Become part of a national network of grassroots innovators..
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