IRIS 2008 National Innovation Competition

What: Initiative for Research & Innovation in Science, IRIS, invitates applications for particpation in the IRIS 2008 National Innovation Competition.

The main aim of this competition is to promote inventions and innovations among students and youth in India and providing platform for the youth to interact with Indian industry as well as to showcase their innovations at international level.

Competition details

Since last 3 years, the main focus of IRIS had been on the innovators below 20 years. Considering the high potential of commercialisation in the innovations done by innovators in the age group of 21 years and above, IRIS has introduced the Category III recently, which targets the age group of 21–35 years. 

In this context, IRIS invites entries (innovation based projects) from college students, postgraduates and research associates (under Category III) from all over India. Qualifying entries will be displayed at the IRIS 2008 National Fair in December 2008 at Kolkata.

IRIS Category III eligibility criteria

Education: College students / post graduates / research associates
Age: 21-35 years
Age of participant will be as years completed on December 31, 2008.

Individual participation or a team of two is allowed. If a larger group has worked on the project, then two members must be nominated.

Subject categories

Innovative projects can be from any of the following subject categories. Please refer to handbook for more information.

1. Botany / Plant Sciences
2. Biochemistry
3. Computer Sciences
4. Chemistry
5. Environmental Science
6. Earth Science / Space Science
7. Engineering
8. Mathematics
9. Physics
10. Zoology / Animal Sciences

1. Creativity & originality
2. Scientific methodology or application/ engineering goals
3. Potential for commercial applications is the key factor for Category III entries
4. Thoroughness
5. Skill
6. Clarity
7. Team work (in case of a team)

• The first screening for Category III would be done by an 'Expert Panel' consisting of eminent scientists/researchers/professors and senior industry professionals.
• Second level screening before the IRIS National Fair would be carried out only if required.
• The shortlisted entries will be displayed at IRIS National Fair during December 2008.
• There will be attractive prizes/awards for top few entries (maximum 10).
• The selected projects would be promoted amongst the industry for exploring the possibility of commercialisation.
• There will be an 'Innovators International Experience' wherein the best of innovators will be given a chance to witness various models of innovation, industrialisation in other countries and meet & visit other relevant organisations.

Important date

The last date for sending your entries is September 15, 2008.

For more details please visit http://cii.in/irisindia. The entry form is available on these websites.

For further details and for sending application forms, please write to iris2008@ciionline.org.