Bengaluru: Veranda K-12, part of Veranda Learning Solutions, announced the shortlisting of the top 25 entries for the Nationals of Avinya, a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of young innovators.
These exceptional students will compete in the Grand Finale on December 7, 2024, at IIIT-Bangalore, where their ground-breaking ideas will take centre stage.
Avinya: A Hub for Young Innovators
Avinya is a platform designed to empower students from Grades 8 to 12 across India to tackle real-world challenges through innovative ideas aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative aimed to reach over 100 cities and towns, inspiring over 1 lakh young learners to think creatively and contribute towards a sustainable future.
Speaking about the program, Mr Suresh Kalpathi, Executive Director and Chairman of Veranda Learning Solutions, said: “Avinya is not just a competition; it’s a movement to instil innovation and sustainability in the minds of our youth. These young minds hold the key to a better future, and it is heartening to see their creativity shaping solutions to global challenges.”
The Grand Finale is being hosted in collaboration with IIIT-Bangalore, a premier technology, research and innovation institute in India. Speaking about the partnership, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said: “At IIIT-Bangalore, we are committed to cultivating a culture of innovation from an early stage. Our partnership with Veranda K-12 for the Avinya initiative has been both inspiring and impactful, as it resonates deeply with our mission to empower young minds to think critically, innovate boldly, and address global challenges with creativity and purpose. Together, we aim to shape the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow, equipping them to make meaningful contributions to society.”
Journey to the Nationals
Avinya received an overwhelming response with over 350 ideas submitted from 14 cities and towns. Shortlisted entries went through a rigorous selection process conducted in collaboration with host schools and online platforms.
Physical evaluations were held at:
The Millennium School, Lucknow
The Khaitan School, Noida
BVM Global School, Chennai
Vista International, Hyderabad
BVM Global School, Coimbatore
Khaitan Public School, Ghaziabad
Shishya BEML School, Bengaluru
BVM Global School, Bengaluru
Meanwhile, ideas from Jaipur, Kolkata, Pune, Indore, Trichy, Chandigarh, and Anantnag were evaluated online.
Preparing for the Grand Finale
The top 25 finalists have already undergone two online masterclasses, and a Bootcamp will be held on December 6th, 2024, at IIIT-Bangalore. This session will feature experts from the innovation ecosystem and young entrepreneurs sharing insights into ideation, implementation, and the nuances of building a successful start-up.
Exciting Grand Finale Details
The Grand Finale on December 7th, 2024, will see these young innovators presenting their ideas to an esteemed panel, including:
Mr. Bhavin Shah, Director & CEO, Education World
Mr. Prateek Madhav, Co-founder & CEO, AssisTech Foundation
Ms. Gayatri Chauhan, Founder & CEO, BuzzOnEarth
Mr. Rajesh Pankaj, Chief Program Officer, Veranda Learning Solutions
The event will also feature:
Guest of Honour: Mr. Suresh Kalpathi, Executive Director & Chairman, Veranda Learning Solutions
Chief Guest (Inauguration Ceremony): Mr Sunil Acharya, India & South Asia Lead, Amazon Web Services
Chief Guest (Awards Ceremony): Prof. Chandrashekar Ramanathan, Dean of Academics, IIIT-Bangalore
A Vision for the Future
Mr. Subramanyam Kantheti, CEO of Veranda K-12, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“Avinya is a platform to empower young minds to dream big and think innovatively. Collaborating with IIIT-Bangalore ensures these ideas are fine-tuned with world-class mentorship and expertise, paving the way for future changemakers.”
