Top Three Finishers Announced; Young Innovators Showcase Visionary Ideas

Bengaluru: The Grand Finale of Avinya, a nationwide initiative by Veranda K-12 to foster innovation among students from Grades 8 to 12, concluded on a high at IIIT-Bangalore. The event celebrated the ingenuity and determination of India’s young minds, who presented innovative ideas aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Grand Finale marked the end of an inspiring journey that began with over 350 entries from 14 cities and towns across India. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the finalists underwent specialized training sessions and mentorship, helping them refine their ideas.

The top three winners of Avinya 2024 were:

Winner: Radhika Thakur and Aranya Ojha from Vagdevi Vilas School (Varthur branch), Bengaluru.

First Runner-Up: Anjana V. from Kamala Niketan Montessori School and Harshaa Vardhini A P from Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Trichy.

Second Runner-Up: Aakash H Prasad and Adithya Sahani from BVM Global School, Coimbatore.

These participants showcased exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills in tackling real-world challenges.

Empowering Changemakers of Tomorrow

Avinya’s mission is to inspire students to think creatively, solve pressing problems, and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. The initiative reached over 100 cities, engaging more than 1 lakh students this year. For more details, visit www.verandak12.com/avinya.

The finale featured live presentations judged by a distinguished panel, including Mr. Bhavin Shah (Director & CEO, Education World), Mr. Prateek Madhav (Co-founder & CEO, AssisTech Foundation), Ms. Gayatri Chauhan (Founder & CEO, BuzzOnEarth), and Mr. Rajesh Pankaj (Chief Program Officer, Veranda Learning Solutions).

Preceding the finale, participants were guided through an intensive Bootcamp, which offered invaluable insights into ideation, implementation, and entrepreneurship. This experience equipped students with the tools to transform innovative ideas into actionable solutions.

Chief Guest for the Inauguration Ceremony, Mr. Sunil Acharya, India & South Asia Lead, Amazon Web Services, emphasized the importance of fostering innovation at a young age. “Platforms like Avinya provide students with the tools and opportunities to tackle real-world problems creatively. The ideas presented today reflect the talent and determination that will define the future of innovation in our country,” he noted.

Chief Guest for the Awards Ceremony, Prof. Chandrashekar Ramanathan, Dean of Academics, IIIT-Bangalore, highlighted the importance of nurturing a culture of innovation. “Avinya exemplifies how education, mentorship, and creativity can come together to empower students to address global challenges. These young innovators have demonstrated extraordinary vision and commitment, and we are proud to host such an inspiring event,” he said.

Mr. Subramanyam Kantheti, CEO of Veranda K-12, reiterated the significance of Avinya as a platform for young changemakers. “Avinya serves as a powerful platform for young innovators to refine their ideas under the guidance of world-class mentorship. By nurturing their talent and encouraging them to think beyond traditional boundaries, we are empowering the leaders of tomorrow to create a more sustainable and inclusive world,” he stated.