The Aryavarth Express
Bengaluru (Karnataka), January 19: Young innovators from Bengaluru and across India gathered on January 10 at the YuviPep Office for the Next-Gen Founders Grand Finale, an event that brought school students face-to-face with senior ISRO leaders and industry experts. The program provided a professional review environment where students’ ideas were assessed on execution, clarity, and real-world applicability.
Nearly 100 students across 50 teams presented solutions addressing challenges in sustainability, health, urban living, education, and social impact. The competition attracted participants from multiple states, reflecting YuviPep’s expanding national reach. Teams received guidance from YuviPep mentors, ensuring readiness and confidence during presentations, which were executed seamlessly without technical glitches.
The jury comprised eminent figures from India’s space and technology ecosystem, including Padma Shri awardee and cryogenic rocketry expert V. Gnana Gandhi; former ISRO Director of Programme Planning R. S. Bhatia; former ISRO Scientist and Power Systems Division Head Sreenivasa Prasad K; former ISRO Satellite Centre Group Director M. S. Srinivasan; Amit Jain, VP of Engineering at Telaverge Communications; and global innovation advisor Ramesh V Ram.
Unlike traditional student competitions, Next-Gen Founders emphasised execution, decision-making, and iterative learning. Teams detailed their problem statements, design choices, challenges faced, and how feedback informed improvements, offering participants firsthand experience of disciplined innovation processes.
Reflecting on the presentations, V. Gnana Gandhi said, “The seriousness with which students approached real problems was remarkable. Early exposure like this builds the mindset needed for complex engineering and national missions.” M. S. Srinivasan noted, “The discipline and ownership demonstrated by students are what turn ideas into reliable systems.” R. S. Bhatia added, “This platform shows students how planning and execution come together to refine ideas,” while Sreenivasa Prasad K praised the clarity with which students explained technical trade-offs.
The competition was conducted in two rounds. In Round One, all teams presented to the jury, with the top 10 shortlisted for one-on-one interactions. Remaining teams competed in Round Two for 15 additional positions, evaluated through jury scores, phase-wise performance, and audience voting, simulating real-world decision-making environments.
Top teams, including Greener Bengaluru, Stress and Posture Buddy, and Sensible Headphones, were recognised, with the winning team receiving a fully sponsored international learning experience in Singapore. Cash prizes totaling ₹3 lakh were also awarded to leading teams.
Speaking for the participants, John from St. Patrick’s School, Kerala, said, “This competition offered meaningful exposure to students from other states. The environment encouraged confidence, and the feedback was invaluable. It sets a strong benchmark for future editions.”
By connecting school students with ISRO leaders, industry experts, and structured mentorship, YuviPep continues to nurture practical innovation skills and confidence among young learners across India.
