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Vivo Ignite 2026 recognizes India's top student innovations with scholarships and rewards worth up to ₹35 lakh |
Vivo Ignite 2026: Top 10 Student Innovations, Winner and ₹35 Lakh Scholarship
India's young innovators are developing technology-driven ideas to address some of the country's most important challenges, from groundwater conservation and water safety to road accidents and assistive technology. The latest edition of vivo Ignite has recognized several of these ideas, highlighting how school students can apply science, artificial intelligence and engineering to real-world problems.
At the vivo Ignite 2026 National Finale, held in New Delhi on October 28, 2026, Dheyay Shah from Gujarat was announced as the national winner for his project, JALAAKAR – The Shape of Water: Predict, Alert, & Act.
The fourth edition of the initiative received more than 38,000 registrations from over 12,000 schools across India. Students submitted over 6,100 ideas, with participation spanning 705 districts.
The programme offers educational scholarships and rewards worth up to ₹35 lakh, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
In this article, we explain the vivo Ignite 2026 results, introduce the winning project, explore all 10 recognized innovations and examine why this initiative matters for India's technology and education ecosystem.
Vivo Ignite 2026: Key Highlights
Here are the important details of vivo Ignite 2026:
National winner: Dheyay Shah
Winning project: JALAAKAR – The Shape of Water: Predict, Alert, & Act
Winner's school: RMG Maheshwari English School
Winner's city: Surat, Gujarat
National Finale date: October 28, 2026
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Total scholarship and rewards pool: Up to ₹35 lakh
Eligible student grades: Classes 8 to 12
Registrations: More than 38,000
Student ideas submitted: Over 6,100
Participating schools: More than 12,000
Geographical reach: 705 districts across India
Educators recognized: 10 under the National Teacher Innovation Fellowship
The initiative focuses on encouraging students to use scientific thinking, technology and creativity to develop solutions to real-world challenges.
Who Won Vivo Ignite 2026?
Dheyay Shah from RMG Maheshwari English School in Surat, Gujarat, won vivo Ignite 2026 with his project, JALAAKAR.
The project focuses on estimating groundwater availability by combining historical borewell records, rainfall and soil-related information with machine-learning techniques.
Groundwater management is an important challenge in India, where communities, farmers and local authorities depend on underground water resources for multiple purposes.
By using historical data and predictive techniques, JALAAKAR aims to provide useful estimates of groundwater availability at the taluka level. Such information could support better-informed water management decisions.
However, the project should be understood as a student innovation rather than a proven, nationwide groundwater monitoring system. Its practical accuracy and usefulness would depend on data quality, validation and real-world testing.
The recognition highlights the potential of young students to explore complex environmental challenges through technology.
What Is Vivo Ignite 2026?
Vivo Ignite is vivo India's nationwide technology and innovation initiative for students in Classes 8 to 12.
The programme encourages students to identify real-world problems and develop technology-based solutions. Its broader objective is to strengthen scientific thinking, creativity and practical problem-solving among school students.
Rather than limiting learning to textbooks, initiatives like vivo Ignite encourage participants to explore how concepts from science, engineering, artificial intelligence and computing can be applied to everyday challenges.
The fourth edition also placed emphasis on reaching students from government schools and Aspirational Districts.
According to vivo India's announcement, the 2026 edition received more than 38,000 registrations and over 6,100 student ideas from more than 12,000 schools.
Participation covered all 28 states and eight Union Territories, demonstrating the programme's nationwide reach.
The initiative aligns with the broader objective of encouraging innovation connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Vivo Ignite 2026: Top 10 Student Innovations
The Top 10 recognized projects address a variety of challenges, including water conservation, pollution, cybersecurity, workplace safety, road accidents and accessibility.
Here is a closer look at the projects.
1. JALAAKAR – The Shape of Water: Predict, Alert, & Act
Developer: Dheyay Shah
School: RMG Maheshwari English School
Location: Surat, Gujarat
JALAAKAR secured first place in vivo Ignite 2026.
The project combines historical borewell records, rainfall information, soil-related data and machine-learning techniques to estimate groundwater availability at the taluka level.
The concept focuses on making groundwater-related information more useful for planning and resource management.
Its potential applications include supporting discussions about water availability and helping communities understand changing groundwater conditions.
The project's long-term effectiveness would depend on the reliability of its input data and validation against actual groundwater measurements.
2. JalRakshak: Predicting Borewell Failure Before It Happens
Developers: Vidyut Sundar and Shreyan Limaye
School: Dhirubhai Ambani International School
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
JalRakshak focuses on predicting borewell water-level decline.
The project uses borewell-specific time-series analysis and considers factors such as rainfall recharge and groundwater extraction.
The objective is to identify potential water-level problems before they become more serious.
If validated with reliable field data, this type of approach could help users understand changing groundwater conditions and improve water-resource planning.
3. HydroPlastiNet
Developers: Anish Srinivas, Achyutha Pranav V Subramanian and Akhilesh Ram R
School: Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
HydroPlastiNet explores a combination of mechanical filtration, bentonite and activated charcoal to address water contamination.
According to the project description, mechanical filtration is intended to trap microplastics, while the additional materials are used to adsorb dissolved pollutants.
The concept addresses growing concerns about water quality and pollution.
Its real-world effectiveness would depend on the types of contaminants present, filtration performance, maintenance requirements and independent water-quality testing.
The project illustrates how students can combine material science and engineering to investigate environmental problems.
4. Project Unmuted – The Voice of Women
Developer: Anushka Bhattacharya
School: SNBP International School, Rahatani
Location: Maharashtra
Project Unmuted focuses on supporting women who face cybercrime and online safety threats.
The platform combines ideas from artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and secure data management to provide structured guidance. Its concept also draws on existing deepfake detection technology.
Online harassment, impersonation and digitally manipulated content can create serious difficulties for victims.
Tools designed to guide users through available support options could help make digital safety resources easier to understand and access.
However, AI-based detection and guidance tools cannot guarantee that every incident will be identified correctly or that every recommendation will be appropriate.
The project highlights the importance of developing technology that addresses both digital security and user safety.
5. Project IRIS: Infrared Reflective Interface System
Developer: Ayushman Choudhary
School: Bhavan's B.P. Vidya Mandir, Ashti
Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra
Project IRIS combines infrared reflectometry with inertial measurement to track eye direction and head movement.
The project explores possible applications in assistive technology.
For people who experience difficulties using conventional input devices, alternative interfaces can provide additional ways to interact with digital systems.
Eye and head movement tracking could potentially support communication, computer control or other accessibility-focused applications.
The usefulness of such a system would depend on its accuracy, comfort, affordability and suitability for individual users.
6. AVRODH – Automated Verification for Restricted Operator Descent into Hazard
Developer: Shaurya Dubey
School: Army Public School, Bareilly Cantt
Location: Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
AVRODH addresses safety in hazardous environments.
The project uses safety interlocks, gas-threshold sensing, RFID-based presence detection and authorization checks to help prevent unsafe entry.
Hazardous industrial and restricted environments can require multiple safety checks before a person is allowed to enter.
Combining sensor information with authorization procedures could provide an additional layer of protection.
Nevertheless, a concept of this kind would require rigorous testing and appropriate safety engineering before it could be relied upon in actual hazardous workplaces.
7. Smart Device for Instant Helping During Vehicle Accidents
Developer: Abhinav Srivastava
School: SJS Shaktingar
Location: Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh
This project focuses on detecting potential vehicle accidents and initiating an emergency response.
The device uses sensors to identify possible accidents. According to the project description, it can switch to a backup power source before initiating a voice call to India's emergency number, 112.
Rapid communication following a road accident can be important, particularly when the people involved cannot easily request assistance themselves.
An automated system could potentially help communicate an emergency, provided that accident detection and communication work reliably.
False alarms, connectivity, power availability and emergency-response integration would all need to be considered during further development.
8. Project DrishtiBodh: LiDAR-Based Smart Safety Collar for Visually Impaired People
Developer: Jitesh Ladda
School: Scottish Academy
Location: Parbhani, Maharashtra
Project DrishtiBodh explores the use of LiDAR sensors in a wearable device designed to assist visually impaired people.
The system uses sensors to detect nearby obstacles and a microcontroller to trigger directional vibration alerts.
Unlike an ordinary warning sound, directional vibration feedback could potentially help users understand where an obstacle has been detected.
The concept focuses on making assistive technology more practical and accessible.
Further evaluation would need to examine obstacle-detection accuracy, battery life, comfort, outdoor performance and usability in crowded environments.
Such a device would be intended to supplement, rather than automatically replace, established mobility aids or orientation skills.
9. AquaSentinel AI: Smart Fluoride Safety Device for School
Developer: Sai Adhrit Singh
School: Dr. Virendra Swaroop Education Centre
Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
AquaSentinel AI focuses on estimating fluoride concentration in water.
The project uses a colour-based chemical test, light sensing and an offline machine-learning model.
Fluoride concentration is an important water-quality consideration, and reliable testing can help determine whether water meets applicable safety standards.
The project's approach aims to combine a chemical testing method with electronic sensing and machine-learning analysis.
However, an estimate from a student-developed device should not automatically be treated as a certified water-quality result. Accuracy would need to be established through appropriate calibration and comparison with validated testing methods.
10. Neuradrive: Movement for All
Developer: Advik Jain
School: The Emerald Heights International School
Location: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Neuradrive explores how eye movements and brain activity might be translated into commands for assistive applications.
The project uses concepts associated with electrooculography (EOG) and electroencephalography (EEG).
EOG measures electrical signals associated with eye movement, while EEG records electrical activity from the brain.
These signals can be investigated as alternative input methods for people who may have difficulty operating conventional controls.
Potential applications include assistive interfaces and alternative ways to interact with digital systems.
Practical use would depend on signal quality, user training, reliability, comfort and the complexity of the intended application.
What Is the Total Scholarship Amount Under Vivo Ignite 2026?
Vivo India announced educational scholarships and rewards worth up to ₹35 lakh for vivo Ignite 2026.
The programme is intended to recognize student innovation and encourage young participants to develop technology-led solutions to real-world problems.
It is important to understand that ₹35 lakh represents the announced overall scholarship and rewards pool. It should not be interpreted as the amount awarded to the national winner alone.
The announcement also states that applicable terms and conditions cover scholarships and rewards for winners, runners-up and other participants.
Students and parents looking for programme rules, eligibility requirements or future participation opportunities should consult the official vivo Ignite website.
Official website: https://vivoignite.com/
Vivo Ignite 2026 Also Recognizes 10 Educators
The student awards were not the only highlight of the National Finale.
Vivo India also recognized 10 educators through the National Teacher Innovation Fellowship (NTIF).
The fellowship is an extension of vivo Ignite that recognizes innovative approaches to STEM education.
According to the announcement, the selected educators were chosen from more than 200 applications across 14 states and 26 districts.
Their work focuses on making science and technology education more practical, inclusive and engaging for students.
Teachers play an important role in helping students turn early ideas into structured projects. They can guide research, encourage experimentation, explain technical concepts and help students understand the limitations of their proposed solutions.
Recognizing educators alongside student innovators reinforces the importance of building an environment in which curiosity and practical learning can develop.
Who Supported Vivo Ignite 2026?
The fourth edition of vivo Ignite received support from several knowledge partners.
These included:
IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation: The Technology Innovation Hub associated with IIT Madras.
Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF): An organization involved in school-level academic competitions and science-related learning initiatives.
UN Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI): A network connected with the United Nations Global Compact and its sustainability objectives.
Grant Thornton: Served as the process validator for the initiative.
The student projects were evaluated by a jury of academicians and industry experts.
The stated evaluation criteria included creativity, scientific application, feasibility, cost-effectiveness and potential social impact.
These criteria are important because a promising innovation needs more than an interesting idea. It must also address a genuine problem and demonstrate a plausible approach to solving it.
Why Vivo Ignite 2026 Matters for India's Technology Ecosystem
Vivo Ignite 2026 highlights several important trends in technology education and student innovation.
1. AI Is Becoming a Tool for Solving Practical Problems
Several projects explore machine learning, AI-based analysis or data-driven decision-making.
JALAAKAR focuses on groundwater estimation, while AquaSentinel AI explores water-quality assessment. Other projects investigate online safety and assistive interfaces.
These ideas demonstrate how students can explore AI beyond general-purpose chatbots and investigate applications in specific fields.
At the same time, a machine-learning model is only as useful as its data, testing and real-world performance.
2. Water Management Remains an Important Innovation Area
Groundwater availability, borewell performance, microplastic pollution and fluoride monitoring feature prominently among the recognized projects.
These challenges require different technical approaches, ranging from predictive analytics to filtration and chemical sensing.
Their presence in the programme demonstrates how student projects can connect technology education with environmental issues.
3. Accessibility Is Receiving More Attention
Project IRIS, DrishtiBodh and Neuradrive explore alternative ways for people to interact with technology or receive environmental information.
Assistive technology can be valuable when it responds to a clearly identified user need.
Successful development requires more than technical novelty. Feedback from intended users, affordability, reliability and ease of use are also essential.
4. Student Innovation Can Begin Before College
The initiative is open to students in Classes 8 to 12.
This provides an opportunity for school students to investigate engineering, software development, environmental science and related disciplines before entering higher education.
Participating in such projects can also introduce students to research, teamwork, prototyping and evidence-based problem-solving.
5. Mentorship Can Help Ideas Develop Further
A school-level project may begin as a simple concept or prototype.
With appropriate guidance, students can learn how to test assumptions, improve a design, evaluate costs and understand technical limitations.
Programmes that connect students with experienced educators and technical experts can help participants develop stronger problem-solving skills.
Whether an individual project eventually becomes a practical product will depend on further research, testing, resources and implementation.
How Can Students Participate in Future Vivo Ignite Editions?
Students interested in future editions should check the official vivo Ignite website for updated announcements.
The 2026 programme was designed for students in Classes 8 to 12 and encouraged individual or group innovation projects.
Students considering a future application can start preparing by following these steps:
Identify a real problem: Look for a challenge in your school, neighbourhood or community.
Research existing solutions: Understand what has already been developed and identify what your idea could improve.
Choose an appropriate technology: Consider whether sensors, software, AI, electronics or another approach would be useful.
Build a prototype: Create an initial model that demonstrates the core idea.
Test your assumptions: Collect evidence and evaluate whether the prototype performs as intended.
Document the results: Explain the problem, design, testing process, costs and limitations.
Check official eligibility rules: Confirm the application dates, submission requirements, team rules and reward conditions for the relevant edition.
These are general preparation suggestions, not a substitute for the official application rules.
As the 2026 National Finale has already taken place, students should check for announcements about the next edition rather than assume that registrations are currently open.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the winner of vivo Ignite 2026?
Dheyay Shah from RMG Maheshwari English School in Surat, Gujarat, won vivo Ignite 2026 with JALAAKAR – The Shape of Water: Predict, Alert, & Act.
2. What is JALAAKAR?
JALAAKAR is a student innovation project that uses historical borewell records, rainfall and soil-related information, and machine-learning techniques to estimate groundwater availability at the taluka level.
3. What is the total scholarship amount for vivo Ignite 2026?
The programme offers educational scholarships and rewards worth up to ₹35 lakh in total, subject to applicable terms and conditions. This is the overall announced pool, not the individual prize amount for the national winner.
4. How many students participated in vivo Ignite 2026?
The programme recorded more than 38,000 registrations from over 12,000 schools. Students submitted more than 6,100 ideas across 705 districts.
5. Which classes are eligible for vivo Ignite?
The initiative is designed for school students in Classes 8 to 12. Students should check the official rules for the relevant edition to confirm eligibility and submission requirements.
6. What are the top projects recognized under vivo Ignite 2026?
The 10 projects include JALAAKAR, JalRakshak, HydroPlastiNet, Project Unmuted, Project IRIS, AVRODH, Smart Device for Instant Helping During Vehicle Accidents, DrishtiBodh, AquaSentinel AI and Neuradrive.
7. When and where was the vivo Ignite 2026 finale held?
The National Finale took place on October 28, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
8. Did vivo Ignite 2026 recognize teachers?
Yes. Vivo India recognized 10 educators through the National Teacher Innovation Fellowship for their innovative approaches to STEM education.
9. How can students learn about the next vivo Ignite edition?
Students can visit the official vivo Ignite website to check future announcements, eligibility requirements, application dates and programme conditions.
Final Verdict
Vivo Ignite 2026 demonstrates how school students can explore technology as a way to address practical challenges.
Dheyay Shah's winning JALAAKAR project focuses on groundwater estimation, while the other recognized innovations explore water safety, online security, road safety and accessibility.
The programme's nationwide participation and recognition of 10 educators also highlight the role of schools and teachers in encouraging scientific thinking.
Although the practical impact of individual prototypes will depend on further testing and development, these projects offer useful examples of how young innovators can approach complex problems with creativity and technical curiosity.
For students interested in AI, engineering, environmental technology or assistive devices, vivo Ignite provides an example of how classroom learning can be connected with real-world problem-solving.
For official programme information, visit the vivo Ignite website and check its latest announcements.
Editorial note: Programme details in this article are based on vivo India's announcement dated October 28, 2026. Scholarship conditions, project descriptions and future application dates should be verified against official programme information.
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