What you get
- Disbursement of INSPIRE Award of ₹ 10,000/- into bank accounts of students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme . | - Mentoring and funding support for prototype development to 1000 students shortlisted after SLEPC for participation in NLEPC. | - 1,00,00 awards are given every year. | - 1,000 Prototype Models/Projects will participate at the Annual National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) to be organised by DST. | - Jury would shortlist top 60 Models/Projects for National Awards and future ideation. | - Top 60 Models/Projects will be selected for National Awards and top three (3) will be given National Awards (Gold / Silver / Bronze medals). | - The top 60 National winners will also participate in Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. | - The projects having potential of Product/Process development will be further supported for commercialisation. | - The projects having possibility of filing the patents will be supported by the NIF/TIFAC. | - Every year selected students will also be sent to Japan under Sakura Exchange Program by DST.
Who can apply
Required Paperwork
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Income Certificate
- Residence Proof (Domicile)
Common Questions
Where can schools find help and support if they encounter issues with the registration or application process?
Schools facing issues or requiring support can reach out to the support system, which includes technical support contact information and a helpline. The support is available from 09:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, at the following contact points: 02764-261139, 096384 18605, and inspire@nifindia.org.
What are the key timelines for the INSPIRE scheme, particularly the nomination and award disbursement periods?
Nominations for the scheme are sent by schools by 31st July, followed by shortlisting in August. The INSPIRE Award of [?]10,000 is disbursed by 15th September. Mentorship workshops and prototype development funds are allocated by 1st November. The National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) is typically held in the first week of December.
Could you provide more details about the Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and how the top 60 national winners are involved?
The Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is an event where the top 60 national winners from the NLEPC participate. This platform allows them to showcase their innovative projects and engage with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering their creative and entrepreneurial spirit.
What are the benefits that students receive under the INSPIRE scheme, particularly the INSPIRE Awards component?
Students receive an INSPIRE Award of [?]10,000, which is disbursed directly into their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. Additionally, they get mentoring and fund support for prototype development. The top 60 awardees participate in the Annual National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC), with further opportunities for national awards, ideation, and entrepreneurship support.
How are the ideas/innovations selected for awards, and what criteria are considered during the selection process?
The selection of ideas/innovations is based on factors such as novelty, social applicability, environment friendliness, user friendliness, and comparative advantage over existing similar technologies. These criteria ensure that the selected ideas are not only innovative but also have practical relevance.
Could you clarify the eligibility criteria for schools to participate in the scheme?
All schools in the country, regardless of Central or State Board affiliation, are eligible to participate. Each school can nominate 2-3 students every year.
What are the eligibility criteria for students to participate in the INSPIRE Awards - MANAK?
To be eligible, students should be in the age group of 10-15 years and enrolled in classes 6th to 10th.
How are schools involved in the INSPIRE scheme, and what role do they play in nurturing student creativity?
Schools are actively involved in the scheme by nominating 2-3 best original ideas/innovations of their students. They encourage students to identify local problems and devise solutions in the form of projects. These projects may align with National Flagship programs, fostering a connection between local issues and national initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Digital India, and others.
Could you explain the primary objective of the INSPIRE scheme, especially the INSPIRE Awards - MANAK component?
The primary objective of the INSPIRE scheme, particularly the INSPIRE Awards - MANAK, is to inspire and motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years, who are studying in classes 6 to 10. The goal is to cultivate creativity and innovative thinking among school children by encouraging them to come up with one million original ideas/innovations rooted in science and societal applications.
What happens if there are changes in school authorities during the application process?
The scheme allows for flexibility, enabling the use of the school's email ID even if there are changes in authority.
Could you explain the role of the District Level Expert Committee (DLEPC) and State Level Expert Committee (SLEPC) in the scheme?
DLEPC and SLEPC play vital roles in shortlisting student projects, ensuring that the best ideas receive recognition and support.
Does the scheme provide support for students with innovative projects that require patent protection?
Yes, students with projects having patent potential receive support to navigate the patent application process.
Are there any safeguards in place to prevent misuse of funds or awards?
Yes, the scheme includes checks and balances to prevent misuse of funds and ensures that awards are used for the intended purposes.
What are some key considerations for students when submitting their project details?
Students should provide a detailed and specific project title and a clear summary that outlines the project's purpose, problem it addresses, and its advantages. This ensures a proper evaluation.
How does the scheme promote inclusivity for students from all types of schools?
The scheme is open to all schools, irrespective of board affiliation, ensuring that students from various educational backgrounds can participate.
What role does the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) play in the scheme's implementation?
NIF shortlists a significant number of ideas during the selection process and offers mentoring support to students for prototype development.
How is the selection process designed to promote originality and creativity?
The scheme evaluates ideas based on criteria such as novelty, originality, and their potential to address social needs, fostering creative thinking.