National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards

National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards

The National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards, administered by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF)-India, recognize and celebrate unaided technological innovations and traditional knowledge developed by individuals and groups at the grassroots level. This initiative is aimed at fostering creativity and encouraging innovative solutions to address various societal challenges across India.

Overview of the Scheme

The National Innovation Foundation (NIF)-India, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, is inviting submissions of original and unaided technological innovations and traditional knowledge. These innovations should stem from individual citizens or groups and can encompass a variety of fields including:

• Agriculture
• Health
• Energy
• Household or utility solutions
• Transportation
• Livestock management

The focus is on innovations that contribute to reducing labor intensity, generating livelihoods, developing new plant varieties, or creating herbal remedies for various human, animal, or agricultural issues. Submissions may include low-cost, sustainable green technologies and creative concepts that have not yet been turned into prototypes.

The 14th National Biennial Competition for Green Grassroots Unaided Technological Innovations, Ideas, and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge is open for entries from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025, marking the final date for submission.

Award Categories

A total of six award categories are available:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to an exceptional innovator recognized for a lifetime of creativity.
• National First Award: Acknowledges outstanding contributions.
• National Second Award: Honors significant innovations.
• National Third Award: Recognizes commendable efforts.
• State Award: Given for notable contributions at the state level.
• Consolation Award: Acknowledges deserving submissions that may not fit other categories.

Number of Awardees

The total number of awards may fluctuate depending on the quality of submissions received during the competition period. In cases where no eligible innovations are presented, awards in specific categories may not be granted.

Benefits of the Awards

Participants in this competition stand to gain substantial recognition along with financial rewards:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: ₹7,50,000/-, Trophy, Certificate
• National First Award: ₹5,00,000/-, Trophy, Certificate
• National Second Award: ₹3,00,000/-, Trophy, Certificate
• National Third Award: ₹1,00,000/-, Trophy, Certificate
• State Award: ₹50,000/-, Trophy, Certificate
• Consolation Award: ₹10,000/-, Trophy, Certificate

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the awards, the following categories of individuals are eligible:

• Uneducated individuals or school dropouts.
• School students up to class 12 or those aged 17-18 years who are out of school.
• Students from ITIs or polytechnic diploma programs or those who hold diplomas.
• Innovators lacking formal professional or technical training in science or technology.
• Individuals associated with formal institutions but not engaged in S&T or R&D tasks.
• Retired innovators who lack formal science or technology education and professional experience in S&T or R&D.

Application Procedure

To apply for the awards, follow these steps:

Registration Process

1. Navigate to the official website.
2. Click on the Registration button.
3. Select whether you are applying as an Individual or an Organization.
4. If Individual:
   • Name as per Aadhaar or valid identity proof.
   • Date of Birth.
   • Nominator/Applicant Type.
   • Mobile Number.
   • Email Address.
   • Aadhaar Number.
5. If Organization:
   • Type of Organization.
   • Name of the Authorized Person as per Aadhaar or valid identity proof.
   • Date of Birth.
   • Brief Description of the Organization (100 words).
   • Designation.
   • Mobile Number.
   • Email Address.
   • Aadhaar Number.
6. Submit the registration form.

Application Submission

1. Visit the official website.
2. Click the login button and enter your credentials.
3. Select “National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards 2025” from the awards list, then click “Nominate / Apply Now.”
4. Complete all mandatory fields in the online application form, and click “Submit.”

For more details, visit the official source: myScheme.gov.in.