IAMANAK

INSPIRE Awards – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge)

The scheme aims to motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in classes 6 to 10 to target one million original ideas/innovations rooted in science and societal applications to foster a culture of creativity and innovative thinking among school children.

Central Composite

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Science And Technology

Nodal department: Department Of Science & Technology

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): Yes

Categories: Education & Learning

Sub-categories: Scholarships and student finance, Resources for schools

Target beneficiaries: Individual, University / Institution

Tags: Award, Student, Innovation, Direct Benefit Transfer, DBT, School

Details

‘Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research’ (INSPIRE) scheme is one of the flagship programmes of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry Of Science And Technology, Government of India. The scheme was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 13th December 2008, the INSPIRE Awards – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge), being executed by DST with National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), an autonomous body of DST, aims to motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in classes 6 to 10. The objective of the scheme is to target one million original ideas/innovations rooted in science and societal applications to foster a culture of creativity and innovative thinking among school children. Under this scheme, schools can nominate 2-3 best original ideas/innovations of students.

Theme

Schools should encourage students to identify local problems and come up with solutions to them as projects. Some of these projects may be aligned with National Flagship programs such as Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Swasth Bharat, Make in India, etc. mentioned in the E-MIAS portal.

Benefits

  • 1. Disbursement of INSPIRE Award of ₹10 000/- into bank accounts of students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme . 1. Mentoring and funding support for prototype development to 1000 students shortlisted after SLEPC for participation in NLEPC. 1. 1 00 00 awards are given every year. 1. 1 000 Prototype Models/Projects will participate at the Annual National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) to be organised by DST. 1. Jury would shortlist top 60 Models/Projects for National Awards and future ideation. 1. Top 60 Models/Projects will be selected for National Awards and top three (3) will be given National Awards (Gold / Silver / Bronze medals). 1. The top 60 National winners will also participate in Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. 1. The projects having potential of Product/Process development will be further supported for commercialisation. 1. The projects having possibility of filing the patents will be supported by the NIF/TIFAC. 1. Every year selected students will also be sent to Japan under Sakura Exchange Program by DST
  1. Disbursement of INSPIRE Award of ₹ 10,000/- into bank accounts of students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme .
  2. Mentoring and funding support for prototype development to 1000 students shortlisted after SLEPC for participation in NLEPC.
  3. 1,00,00 awards are given every year.
  4. 1,000 Prototype Models/Projects will participate at the Annual National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) to be organised by DST.
  5. Jury would shortlist top 60 Models/Projects for National Awards and future ideation.
  6. Top 60 Models/Projects will be selected for National Awards and top three (3) will be given National Awards (Gold / Silver / Bronze medals).
  7. The top 60 National winners will also participate in Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
  8. The projects having potential of Product/Process development will be further supported for commercialisation.
  9. The projects having possibility of filing the patents will be supported by the NIF/TIFAC.
  10. Every year selected students will also be sent to Japan under Sakura Exchange Program by DST.

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for Student

  1. The applicant should be in the age group of 10-15 years.
  2. The applicant should be in Class 6th to Class 10th.

Eligibility Criteria for School

  1. All schools in the country are eligible irrespective of Central/State Board affiliation.
  2. Upto 2-3 nominations from each school are accepted every year.

Selection Criteria

Selection of ideas/innovations will be based on novelty, social applicability, environment friendliness, user friendliness and comparative advantage over the existing similar technologies.

Application Process

Online

Before filling out the registration, the school must have a valid email ID. It is advisable to use the school email ID which can be used, even if the authority changes.

Step 1: Registration

  • Visit the Official Website/Portal of INSPIRE-MANAK.- Create an Account: Click on the "Authorised Login" icon at the top of the page. Then click "School Authority".
  • On the next page, click "For New Registration - Click Here", you will be taken to the registration page.- On the next screen, enter the 11-digit School U-DISE Code / School Code.
  • On the next screen, fill in the following mandatory fields: State / UT *, Categorising Schools *, School Board *, Revenue District *, Revenue Sub-district (Tehsil / Taluka / Block etc.) *, Education District *, Name of the School *, Complete Postal Address *, PIN Code *, Official Phone of School (if any), FAX Number (if any), E-mail Address of School Authorized officer *, Web Address (if any), Mobile Number of School Authorized officer *, School Code, if any (as allotted by district/state education authorities).

Step 2: Approval and User Credentials.

After Registration, you will get the Application Number and when the District Authority approves, you will get the User ID and Password.

Step 3: Application

  • Use the User ID and Password to log in.
  • Use the "Student Nomination" option to start nominating the students.
  • In the online form, fill in the following mandatory fields and upload the required documents. Make any necessary corrections.
  • Acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions, declaration, and privacy policy.
  • Click the "Forward Application" button to send the application, then click "Generate Acknowledgement". You'll receive an Acknowledgement, save it for future reference.

Help and Support

If you encounter any issues or have questions, there is a support system in place, including contact information for technical support or a helpline: 02764-261139, 096384 18605, inspire@nifindia.org, 09:30 AM To 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Timelines

  • Letter to all State Education Secretaries/SNOs for sending fresh nominations/proposals: By 27th March.
  • Receipt of nominations along with Idea / Concept details: By 31st July
  • Shortlisting of nominations by NIF/DST: By 15th August
  • Sanction of ₹10,000/- INSPIRE Award amount to students and funds to DLEPC and SLEPC for holding exhibitions: By 15th September
  • Mentorship workshop and sanction of funds for prototype development and preparation of prototype models to State Level Awardee: By 1st November
  • Holding of NLEPC: 1st week of December
  • Participation at the Annual Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Month of March

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

Where can schools find help and support if they encounter issues with the registration or application process?
Schools facing issues or requiring support can reach out to the support system, which includes technical support contact information and a helpline. The support is available from 09:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, at the following contact points: 02764-261139, 096384 18605, and inspire@nifindia.org.
What are the key timelines for the INSPIRE scheme, particularly the nomination and award disbursement periods?
Nominations for the scheme are sent by schools by 31st July, followed by shortlisting in August. The INSPIRE Award of ₹10,000 is disbursed by 15th September. Mentorship workshops and prototype development funds are allocated by 1st November. The National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) is typically held in the first week of December.
Could you provide more details about the Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and how the top 60 national winners are involved?
The Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is an event where the top 60 national winners from the NLEPC participate. This platform allows them to showcase their innovative projects and engage with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering their creative and entrepreneurial spirit.
What are the benefits that students receive under the INSPIRE scheme, particularly the INSPIRE Awards component?
Students receive an INSPIRE Award of ₹10,000, which is disbursed directly into their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. Additionally, they get mentoring and fund support for prototype development. The top 60 awardees participate in the Annual National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC), with further opportunities for national awards, ideation, and entrepreneurship support.
How are the ideas/innovations selected for awards, and what criteria are considered during the selection process?
The selection of ideas/innovations is based on factors such as novelty, social applicability, environment friendliness, user friendliness, and comparative advantage over existing similar technologies. These criteria ensure that the selected ideas are not only innovative but also have practical relevance.
Could you clarify the eligibility criteria for schools to participate in the scheme?
All schools in the country, regardless of Central or State Board affiliation, are eligible to participate. Each school can nominate 2-3 students every year.
What are the eligibility criteria for students to participate in the INSPIRE Awards - MANAK?
To be eligible, students should be in the age group of 10-15 years and enrolled in classes 6th to 10th.
How are schools involved in the INSPIRE scheme, and what role do they play in nurturing student creativity?
Schools are actively involved in the scheme by nominating 2-3 best original ideas/innovations of their students. They encourage students to identify local problems and devise solutions in the form of projects. These projects may align with National Flagship programs, fostering a connection between local issues and national initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Digital India, and others.
Could you explain the primary objective of the INSPIRE scheme, especially the INSPIRE Awards - MANAK component?
The primary objective of the INSPIRE scheme, particularly the INSPIRE Awards - MANAK, is to inspire and motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years, who are studying in classes 6 to 10. The goal is to cultivate creativity and innovative thinking among school children by encouraging them to come up with one million original ideas/innovations rooted in science and societal applications.
What happens if there are changes in school authorities during the application process?
The scheme allows for flexibility, enabling the use of the school's email ID even if there are changes in authority.
Could you explain the role of the District Level Expert Committee (DLEPC) and State Level Expert Committee (SLEPC) in the scheme?
DLEPC and SLEPC play vital roles in shortlisting student projects, ensuring that the best ideas receive recognition and support.
Does the scheme provide support for students with innovative projects that require patent protection?
Yes, students with projects having patent potential receive support to navigate the patent application process.
Are there any safeguards in place to prevent misuse of funds or awards?
Yes, the scheme includes checks and balances to prevent misuse of funds and ensures that awards are used for the intended purposes.
What are some key considerations for students when submitting their project details?
Students should provide a detailed and specific project title and a clear summary that outlines the project's purpose, problem it addresses, and its advantages. This ensures a proper evaluation.
How does the scheme promote inclusivity for students from all types of schools?
The scheme is open to all schools, irrespective of board affiliation, ensuring that students from various educational backgrounds can participate.
What role does the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) play in the scheme's implementation?
NIF shortlists a significant number of ideas during the selection process and offers mentoring support to students for prototype development.
How is the selection process designed to promote originality and creativity?
The scheme evaluates ideas based on criteria such as novelty, originality, and their potential to address social needs, fostering creative thinking.

References

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