The National Innovation Foundation (NIF) created the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards to honor the creativity and originality of children in India. These awards reflect the ideals that was conceived by the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who had immense faith in the ability that young brains have to create their of the future. The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards will also encourage students to think in an innovative approach, resolve issues that surround them, and translate ideas into solutions that can be implemented.
A Student Innovations Platform
Each year, they are given ideas for how to solve common problems from students from different parts of our country. The solutions offered include green energy, technological advancements with a reasonable price as well as tools to increase the quality of treatment or education in rural regions. It is through this platform that not just the most successful academic students, but as well town and village children who are enthused and interested in watching things take part. They are also provided with the same opportunity to express their own areas of potential. The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards are a step towards establishing an environment of innovation in India including at the elementary and school levels.
Promoting Innovation in Education
Its uniqueness that Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s IGNITE Award is not restricted to just a single stream makes it among the best among other. Every student who has an arts, science or general education background is eligible to be a part of it. What is important is creativity and utility. Similar scenarios can be found at schools where they are able to encourage students to look at the issues surrounding them and consider possibilities for solutions. The process ensures that students will develop long-lasting skills in problem solving.
Here are a few recent awardees from the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards.
| Year | Student Name | Innovation/Idea |
| 2023 | Vinisha Umashankar (Tamil Nadu) | Solar ironing carts for green use of energy |
| 2022 | Arjun Singh (Madhya Pradesh) | The smart stick is designed for the visually impaired people with sensors |
| 2021 | Aditya Kumar (Bihar) | Seed sowing machine that is automatic designed for farmers |
| 2021 | Sneha Sharma (Haryana) | Natural water filter for low-cost made of natural materials |
| 2020 | Rohit Raj (Jharkhand) | Hand-operated, portable washing machine |
| 2020 | Kavya Patel (Gujarat) | Device to stop food waste in refrigerators |
| 2019 | Riya Mehta (Delhi) | Foldable desk for children in rural schools |
| 2019 | Farhan Ali (Uttar Pradesh) | Automated traffic lighting system that runs on solar energy |
Dr. Kalam’s Legacy
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam used to motivate young people to never be afraid of taking a risk and to try new things. The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s IGNITE Awards are a reflection on his philosophy in enticing students to set high goals and seek out practical solutions. These awards do not just provide the awarding of a certificate but also the encouragement of innovation among children. Some of the winning ideas have managed to be noticed by researchers, entrepreneurs and sometimes the authorities that could enhance them.
FAQs
Q1. Who is responsible for arranging IGNITE Awards? IGNITE Awards?
The answer is:The National Innovation Foundation (NIF) which is an autonomous organization that is part of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, manages the awards.
Q2. Who is eligible to enroll their name in the award?
Answer:All school students of India are able to submit their ideas regardless of particular academic or domain of study.
Q3. What kind of concepts are chosen?
Answer:Original, practical ideas that are able to solve the issue in everyday life are the best choice. They are the ones that use low technology and environmentally sustainable solutions and improvements to the community.
Q4. Why are the awards named in honor of the late Dr. Kalam?
The answer:They respect the legacy of inspiring young minds to innovations developed in the name of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and his confidence in the minds of young people.