INSPIRE Awards 2025: MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge)

Launched on December 13, 2008, the Ministry of Science and Technology’s INSPIRE Awards – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) program is part of the Innovation in Science Pursue for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme. The Department of Science & Technology (DST) works with the National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF) to carry out the plan The main goal is to motivate pupils in the range of 10 to 15 years (Classes 6 to 10) to be creative thinkers with roots in science and society applications. Targeting one million original ideas annually, it seeks to inspire among schools a creative and critical thinking culture.

Theme

The scheme encourages students to identify local challenges and come up with practical solutions. These projects may align with National Flagship Programs such as Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Swasth Bharat, and Make in India, as listed on the E-MIAS portal.

Benefits

INSPIRE Award of ₹10,000/- will be disbursed to selected students via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Prototype Support: 1,000 students will receive mentoring and funding support for prototype development.
National Level Exhibition: The 1,000 shortlisted projects will participate in the Annual National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) organized by DST.
National Awards: Top 60 models/projects will be awarded National Awards with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship: The top 60 National winners will be invited to the Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Commercialization & Patent Support: Projects with potential for product/process development or patenting will be further supported by NIF/TIFAC.
International Exposure: Selected students will have the opportunity to visit Japan under the Sakura Exchange Program.

Eligibility

For Students:

Age group: 10-15 years.
Studying in Class 6th to Class 10th.

For Schools:

All schools in India are eligible, regardless of whether they follow the Central or State Board system.
2-3 nominations are accepted from each school each year.

Selection Criteria

Selection of ideas and innovations is based on the following parameters:

Novelty: The originality and creativity of the idea.
Social Applicability: Practical solutions to societal problems.
Environment Friendliness: Sustainable and eco-friendly innovations.
User Friendliness: Ease of use and accessibility of the innovation.
Comparative Advantage: Advantage over existing similar technologies.

Application Process

Online Registration:

Step 1: Visit the official INSPIRE MANAK Portal.
- Create an account using the “Authorised Login” for School Authority.
Step 2: Complete registration with the School U-DISE Code and other mandatory details.
Step 3: After registration, login using the credentials provided and proceed with student nomination.
Step 4: Fill out the required fields and upload necessary documents.
Step 5: Submit the application and generate an acknowledgment for future reference.

Documents Required:

School U-DISE Code
Student’s Photograph
Idea/Innovation Synopsis (PDF/JPG/JPEG/Word)
Brief Write-up on Innovation (up to 300 words)
Aadhaar-linked Bank Account Details of the student
Optional: Idea/Innovation photo or video
Caste Certificate (if applicable)

Help and Support

If students encounter issues or have questions during registration or application:

Helpline: 02764-261139, 096384 18605
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 09:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday

Timelines

Registration Deadline: 27th March for fresh nominations.
Nomination Submission Deadline: 31st July.
Shortlisting: 15th August.
INSPIRE Award Disbursement: 15th September.
Prototype Development Support: 1st November.
NLEPC: 1st week of December.
Festival of Innovation: March.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Should schools have problems with the registration or application procedure, where can they get assistance and support?
Technical hel lines and email ([email protected]) provide support.
Q2: Especially with relation to the nomination and prize distribution periods, what are the main deadlines for the INSPIRE scheme?
Nominations have to be turned in by July 31.
The INSPIRE Awards are distributed September 15th.
NLEPC falls during the first week of December.
Q3: Could you go into further specifics on the Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the involvement of the top 60 national winners?
Participating in this event, the top 60 winners highlight their inventions and engage with professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Q4: Especially with relation to the INSPIRE Awards component, what advantages do students get from the INSPIRE scheme?
Students get ₹10,000 from DBT, prototype development support, and the possibility to win National Awards with medals and take part in famous events.
Q5: Under what standards are the ideas or innovations chosen for awards?
Novelty, social relevance, environmental impact, and idea user friendliness define selection.
Q6: In what part does the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) fit the program?
The NIF supports the scheme’s execution, mentoring, prototype development support, and patent filing facilitation.