Intel Recognizes ISEF Finalists and Innovators

Reiterating its commitment to nurturing innovation, Intel India, the Department of Science & Technology (DST*), and the Indo US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) have felicitated the students who have been chosen to participate in the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), to be held in Phoenix, Arizona this May. Intel and DST also announced the names of the top three projects selected for the Intel and DST – Innovate for Digital India Challenge.

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, Ms. Debjani Ghosh, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group and Managing Director, South Asia at Intel Technology India Pvt Ltd, along with Mr. Michael Pelletier, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States of America* congratulated the 16 students shortlisted to attend the ISEF, and the winning teams of the Challenge, recognizing their achievements which contribute to foster local innovation in India.

Other dignitaries at the event included Dr. B.P. Singh, National Council for Science & Technology Communication, (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Dr. Rajiv Tayal, Executive Director, IUSSTF, Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay P. Bhatkar, National President of Vijnana Bharati, and Mr. Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, mygov.in*.

Shri. Y. S. Chowdary, Hon'ble Minister of State, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India*, said, “Through Digital India, the Government aims to bring the benefits of technology to as many citizens as we can. 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, Ms. Debjani Ghosh - Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group and Managing Director, South Asia, said, “Intel believes that innovation is indispensable for the Indian economy to realize its vision of becoming a successful digital economy. This shift necessitates a strong ecosystem that brings together students, entrepreneurs, and industry collaborations, and creating that ecosystem is Intel’s commitment to India. Through initiatives such as the Intel & DST – Innovate for Digital India Challenge and ISEF, our goal is to nurture this spirit of innovation and contribute to India’s digital growth story. I congratulate the winning three teams of the Challenge and the young students, and wish them all the best in all their future endeavors.”

The dignitaries congratulated the winners of the Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science (IRIS) National Fair 2015, who will represent Team India at ISEF 2016, the world's largest international pre-college science competition. IRIS is a research-based science initiative for students, by the DST, Government of India, Indo US Science and Technology Forum and Intel, that aims to empower the next generation of innovators.

These students are among the brightest and sharpest minds in the country, and have been chosen to showcase their projects at ISEF. This group of 16 young innovators are all set to prove their mettle, and will represent India to compete against approximately 1,750 finalists from 77 countries from May 8th – 13th in Phoenix, Arizona, for approximately US $4 million in awards and scholarships.

The top three projects of the Intel & DST – Innovate for Digital India Challenge, which were selected from over 1,900 entries received, include projects based on Intel Architecture, and provide solutions for the agricultural and healthcare sector. The teams behind the winning projects will now have access to equity investments of up to INR 20,00,000 each1. The winning projects are:
· TJay* – A wearable product & cloud solution to enable tracking, remote monitoring, and support for people with epilepsy.

· Asha+* – A handheld remote health monitoring solution that aids early detection and enables effective intervention especially in medical emergencies.

· Jayalaxmi Agrotech* – A crop specific app in regional languages and in English which provides comprehensive information to farmers, helping them take timely decisions to improve productivity.

Intel is providing broader support for Digital India through its multiple initiatives, including the Intel & DST - Innovate For Digital India Challenge, Intel India Maker Lab that provides infrastructure to budding entrepreneurs and platforms; Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science* (IRIS); Intel India Embedded Challenge and Intel® International Science & Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), that stimulate a culture of innovation and technology enabled transformation in young Indians.