IIT-Kharagpur opens applications for Young Innovators’ Program 2025–26
Times of India | 19 November 2025
KOLKATA: IIT Kharagpur has begun accepting applications for the first round of its Young Innovators’ Program (YIP) for the academic year 2025–26. The event is aimed at inculcating scientific temper, creativity, and problem-solving acumen among school students of Classes VIII to XII. The competition is open to learners from across the country and abroad such as UAE, Singapore, Denmark, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia.
Dean of International Relations Anandaroop Bhattacharya said, "The Young Innovators’ Program has grown into a global forum that brings together the curiosity, imagination, and scientific spirit of young students from across continents. At IIT Kharagpur, we believe that the seeds of innovation must be nurtured early, and YIP reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers. Each year, we witness remarkable ideas—ideas that show not just technical promise, but a deep sensitivity to real-world challenges. We are proud to open the seventh edition of YIP to students worldwide, and we look forward to welcoming the brightest young minds to our campus."
According to IIT Kharagpur, the competition begins with an online first round, from which top teams from India and overseas will be selected. Teams need to submit an abstract based on one of the five themes: Food Security, Technology for the Specially-abled, Sustainability & Environment, Innovations in Education and Affordable Healthcare Solutions (hardware). Selected teams will be invited to IIT Kharagpur for a three-day on-campus semifinal and final event from Jan 2 to 4, where they will exhibit and demonstrate working models or prototypes. The exhibits will be evaluated by IIT Kharagpur faculty experts.