29 Student Innovators Selected to Represent India at Intel® ISEF 2017
New Delhi: Intel India, in association with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indo US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), will support 20 innovative projects, to represent India at the Intel® International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2017 in Los Angeles, California. These Grand Award winners were shortlisted from the Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science (IRIS) National Fair 2016, and will travel for and compete at the ISEF between the 14th and 19th of May, 2017.
At an event held in the city today, Shri. Y. S. Chowdary, Hon’ble Minister of State, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India, Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Dr. Anjan Ghosh, Regional Director, Corporate Affairs Group, Intel Greater Asia Region, along with representatives from the Embassy of the United States of America*, interacted with the selected 29 students, wishing them luck for Intel ISEF 2017.
Other dignitaries at the event included Dr. Chandra Mohan, National Council for Science & Technology Communication, (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Dr. Rajiv Tayal, Executive Director, IUSSTF, and Dr. C Murali Krishna Kumar, Senior Advisor NITI Aayog, Government of India and Mr. Kishore Balaji, Director, Corporate Affairs Intel South Asia. The dignitaries congratulated the 20 winning teams of the IRIS National Fair 2016, who will represent Team India at Intel® ISEF 2017, the world’s largest international pre-college science competition. IRIS is a research-based science initiative for students, organized by DST, IUSSTF and Intel, that aims to empower the next generation of innovators.
Shri. Y. S. Chowdary, Hon’ble Minister of State, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India, said, “India is known for its focus on innovation across industries, throughout the world. Through the power of innovation, the government aims to bring the benefits of technology to as many citizens as possible. Successful collaborations between the government and the private sector through initiatives like these aptly support this vision. It is endearing to see young minds coming together to address local challenges through the power of technology. I congratulate all the winners and wish then all the best.”
Commenting on the occasion, Dr Anjan Ghosh, Regional Director, Corporate Affairs Group, Intel Greater Asia Region, said, “Intel believes that innovation is fundamental for the Country in its efforts towards realizing its vision of becoming a successful digital economy. Our vision is that the next generation of technology innovators is more diverse in ethnicity, gender and geography and we collaborate with partners to inspire youth to harness the full power of technology to create the best future possible for everyone. I congratulate the winning teams and the young students, and wish them all the best in all their future endeavours.”
This group of young innovators will represent India to compete against approximately 1,750 finalists from over 70 countries for approximately US $4 million in awards and scholarships. Till 2016, a total of 91 Indian students have won 121 awards and accolades at Intel® ISEF competing against more than 6 million high school students from across the world. From 1999-2016, 19 students from India have had the unique honour of having minor planets named after them.