The 'Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research' (INSPIRE) scheme is one of the flagship programs of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The INSPIRE - MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge), executed by DST in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), an autonomous body of DST, aims to motivate students aged 10-15 years studying in classes 6 to 10.
The National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, along with NIF India and DST, Ministry of Science and Technology, New Delhi, organized a mentorship workshop on July 5, 2024, for students selected from the state-level competition. The program was inaugurated by Prof. G. Aghila, Director of NITT, in the presence of Prof. V. Sankaranarayanan, Dean (Research and Consultancy), and Prof. G. Uma, Dean (Institutional Development and Alumni Relations). In this workshop, 13 students and their guide teachers from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry participated and exhibited their prototypes.
The projects presented by the school students included an easy vessel shifter, an LPG cylinder trolley, an adjustable upper berth for senior passengers, and a grains chaff separator, among others. Senior professors from NITT delivered talks on innovation, AI, IPR, startups, and rapid prototyping. A team of professors interacted with each student participant individually, critically evaluated their innovations, and provided valuable suggestions and improvements.
The students and guide teachers were also taken to the 3D printing unit to understand rapid prototyping techniques. The program concluded with a valedictory address from Prof. N. Kumaresan, Dean (Faculty Welfare), NITT. The entire program was sponsored by NIF.