Press release, June 14, 2001:The awards announcement

Announcement of National and Regional Awards of First Annual National Contest for Scouting Innovations 

NIF (National Innovation Foundation) was set up in March 2000 by Department of Science and Technology to (a) build national register of grassroots green technological innovations, (b) to build linkages among the excellence in formal and informal science and technology systems, (c) to add value to local innovations as well as outstanding examples of traditional knowledge to generate appropriate share of benefits, (d) to work towards protection of the intellectual property rights of the grassroots innovators, (e) to help convert innovations into enterprises to generate employment by helping establish incubators for maturing innovations and (f) to help India become a global leader in sustainable technologies. 

Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Chairperson of NIF has recognised the potential that traditional knowledge as well as contemporary innovations have for making India a knowledge society. For the first time, in last eighty years, he invited the grassroots innovators to make their presentations at Indian Science Congress in Pune last year. NIF is based in Ahmedabad and the first annual contest was launched last year in October by Shri. K. C. Pant, Deputy Chair, Planning Commission. An appeal was also issued to all the Members of Parliament to help in not only identifying innovators in their constituencies but in also supporting them. Several MPs have responded positively. 

We received more than 998 entries from 24 states and union territories including 1637 innovations and outstanding examples of traditional knowledge. The maximum entries were from Gujarat i.e, 496 followed by Kerala 276, Tamil Nadu 218, Assam 155 and Karnataka 116. In terms of subject wise classification, maximum entries were received in the area of herbal based animal health practices (298) followed by herbal medicines (207), plant protection 175. In addition, there were entries dealing with small scale industries, mechanical devises, energy generation and conservation, agricultural practices, plant varieties, artisanal, etc. About 87 innovative ideas were submitted, three of which are being given prizes. The second round of the contest has already begun and entries about technological innovations developed by people without any outside help are being solicited for the current year till September 30, 2001. NIF has worked without many full time staff members so far but a full compliment of national coordinators and chief innovation officer is likely to be in place by July end. Media has to play a major role in popularising the contest. Anybody who has developed an environment friendly technological innovation in terms of process or product or material for solving any problem of human survival, small scale industry, artisanal or non-farm sector or in agriculture can send as many entries as one wishes on a plain paper to NIF Post Box No.15051, Ahmedabad 380 015. 

The entries on herbal innovations have not been considered for the prize so far since the verification is still under way except in Assam where State Committee had recommended a herbalist for the state award. We tried to take help of state nodal officers of NIF, Honey Bee Network coordinators and other colleagues so that local committees of experts could screen and recommend the innovations for award. In addition, the SRISTI team using its long experience in organising similar contests nationally and internationally also helped in screening the entries. The prizes have been given in six categories including plant variety, farm implements, other implements, energy conservation and other technologies besides ideas. In addition, we have chosen the state best entries and outstanding contributions from students. Special appreciation is also due to the top three institutions which have helped in scouting innovations viz., SEVA, Peermade Development Society, Kerala, PRITVI, Karnataka.

The list of winners of the 2000-2001 contest is given in the list enclosed.

NIF also intends to provide risk capital support to top winners of the prizes in various categories and also help raise resources from public, private and voluntary sector for the others to convert innovations into enterprises. NIF is also planning to help establish Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN) in different parts of India to help incubate innovations into products and then link innovations with investments, and enterprises. 

NIF is trying to unleash the power of grassroots innovations for helping overcome poverty and generate employment in an environment friendly manner. The knowledge rich economically poor people can indeed transform the face of this country if given a chance. NIF appeals to every body concerned to help discover the unsung heroes of our society so that we can help them realise their dream and through that, our collective dream of making India creative, compassionate and competitive globally.