Two-Day Vidyanavothan TechNovation Summit at NIT Silchar to Inspire Young Innovators

NIT Silchar is set to host a two-day national-level science and innovation event, Vidyanavothan – TechNovation Summit 2025, on December 17-18. The summit aims to inspire students from Classes IX to XII and undergraduate levels through hands-on learning, model exhibitions, workshops, and expert interactions. The summit will feature themes such as energy security, Agri-Tech, waste-to-wealth solutions, bamboo-based infrastructure, sustainability, space and drone technologies, artificial intelligence, digital safety, and smart learning.

The event is designed in alignment with NEP 2020 and Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on preparing future-ready learners capable of solving emerging scientific and societal challenges. Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu will attend as Chief Guest, while Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Nandita Garlosa will grace the programme as Guest of Honour.

Speaking to Barak Bulletin, Professor R. D. Mishra, Chairman of the event, said, “The vision of this event is to ignite the minds of students from Classes 9–12 and also UG students, mainly in science-oriented areas, innovation, and entrepreneurship in their future. Keeping in mind Viksit Bharat 2047, we will have a two-day workshop and it will have many events. We are also collaborating with Assam University.”

He further informed that the name Vidyanavothan, given by NIT Silchar, signifies knowledge and innovation, reflecting the purpose of the summit.

Day 1 of the summit will include the inaugural ceremony, plenary lectures, a panel discussion on “Future Skills for India at 2047”, and exhibitions showcasing student models and prototypes.

Day 2 will feature hands-on workshops on robotics, IoT, CAD design, renewable energy models, product design, idea generation, and entrepreneurship, followed by innovation challenges, competitions, and the valedictory session.

A major attraction of the summit is the Model Competition, open to school and UG students. Participants can present working or non-working models under themes such as Smart Waste-to-Wealth, Agri-Tech for Food Security, Bamboo and Natural Resources for Infrastructure, Energy Security, and Clean and Potable Water at 2047. Teams of up to five members are allowed, and eco-friendly materials are encouraged. Judging will be based on originality, technical accuracy, practical application, and presentation.

The first, second, and third winners will receive cash prizes of Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000, and Rs 2,000 respectively. A special Rs 10,000 award will be given to the Best School based on overall performance. All participants will receive certificates.

Schools may register with a fee of Rs 10,000, allowing up to 10 teachers and 30 students. UG students and individual school students may register separately at Rs 250 per head. Working lunch, registration kits, and entry to all events are included. Registration must be completed on the official website: technovation.nits.ac.in.

Prof. Mishra believes that the summit will encourage students to think beyond textbooks, promote curiosity, and strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem across the North-East with a special focus on Barak Valley and Dima Hasao region.

Professor Mishra also extended a warm invitation to all schools and students across the region to take part in the summit. He encouraged institutions to motivate their learners to use this platform to explore new ideas, build innovative models, and gain valuable knowledge through interaction. He said the event would not only broaden their scientific outlook but also strengthen their confidence to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship in the future.