Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi is set to inaugurate the Seva First Innovation Challenge (SFIC) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, with the initiative aimed at encouraging young innovators to address real-world problems in their communities.
The challenge will be conducted across five states and three Union Territories — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
Students and young participants from schools, ITIs, polytechnics, colleges and universities will be able to participate through three categories — Junior, Technical and Open. Students from Classes 6 to 12 will work on community-level problems and practical solutions, while ITI and polytechnic students will focus on areas such as engineering, electronics, fabrication and process innovation. Undergraduate, postgraduate and research students will be encouraged to develop prototypes or pilot projects with potential for real-world deployment.
The SFIC will focus on five broad themes: Clean and Sustainable Bharat, Prosperous Farmers and Prosperous Bharat, Healthy and Inclusive Bharat, Educated and Skilled Bharat, and Secure Bharat.
Registrations will open from September 25 and remain open until October 24, 2026. The initiative will conclude with a National Finale in New Delhi from December 10 to 17, 2026.
Participants will receive access to academic and industry mentors, laboratories, fabrication and testing facilities, incubation support, seed and pilot funding, field-testing opportunities and intellectual property guidance. Selected innovations may also be introduced to government ministries, state authorities, local bodies, PSUs and industry for potential adoption.
The challenge is being jointly organised by the Union Education Ministry, AICTE and UGC, with IISc Bengaluru serving as the nodal institute.
The initiative is designed to promote community-driven innovation and help young people progress from identifying local challenges to developing and implementing practical solutions, contributing to the broader Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision.