Fifth edition finale in Mumbai, graced by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, celebrates breakthrough STEM ideas from young minds across 26 states.
MUMBAI (Economy India): A sustainable rural–urban ecosystem model showcased how villages and cities can coexist in harmony through renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, and sustainable farming practices. Another highlight was a smart waste segregation system with an integrated shredder that automatically separates biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, reducing landfill pressure and encouraging recycling. These were just some of the breakthrough ideas showcased by India’s brightest young innovators at the 5th Brillio National STEM Challenge Finale in Mumbai — an event graced by Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis.
Now in its fifth year, the Challenge is Brillio’s flagship CSR initiative, designed to bridge India’s skills gap by equipping government school students with future-ready STEM skills, hands-on tech experience, and the confidence to become innovators of tomorrow. This year’s edition brought together over 2,500 students and 200 teachers from underserved schools in 20+ states, trained in new-age technologies through a year-long series of workshops, mentoring sessions, and competitions run by Brillio in partnership with STEM Learning.
From more than 90 cluster and zonal rounds, the top teams from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana made it to the national stage at Mumbai’s Ravindra Natya Mandir.
Winners of the 2025 Brillio National STEM Challenge
National Science & Math Model Making Awards:
- First Place: Amit, Yogesh from GMSSS Sarai Khwaja, Haryana
- Second Place: Amisha, Shivam, and Anant from Govt. Model H.S. School, Waidhan, Madhya Pradesh
- Third Place: Asma, Kamran, and Zulikha from High School Chuchot Gongma, Leh, Ladakh
- Special Mention: Shravan, Samarth, and Raja from GMPS MARP, Adugodi, Bangalore, Karnataka
National Tech & Engineering Tinkering Awards:
- First Place: Harshada, Aaditya, and Swaraj from S.D. Gange Prashala, Pune, Maharashtra
- Second Place: Niladri Dutta, Debarka Nasker from Jadavpur Vidyapeeth, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Third Place: Malikarjuna, Karthikeyan, and Mohammed Shayan from Rani Sarala Devi School, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
National STEM Race Car Challenge Awards:
- First Place: Sahil Singh from Govt. Senior Secondary School, Molahera, Haryana
- Second Place: Kapil from Govt. Senior Secondary School, Mundakhera, Haryana
National STEM Master Maker 2025 Awards:
- Miss Maker: Janmani Bangera from Vidya Prasara Vidya Mandira, Hejamady Kodi, Karnataka
- Master Maker: Amit from GMSSS Sarai Khwaja, Haryana
One of this year’s student champions, Dameshngainlang Tynsong (Raid Shabong Border, Meghalaya) reflected:
“Before this challenge, I thought innovation was something only scientists in big labs could do. Now I know I can create solutions that matter, right here in my community. The best part wasn’t winning; it was seeing our idea work for the first time — that moment made all the hard work worth it.”
Abhishek Ranjan, Managing Trustee, Brillio Foundation, and Global Head – ESG, Brillio, said:
“The Brillio STEM Challenge puts science and technology into action for students in more than 20 states. Their creativity and problem-solving skills are inspiring reminders of India’s potential. This is how we build a future where diverse minds drive real innovation, and we’re committed to reaching a million children by 2030.”
Ashutosh Pandit, Managing Director, STEM Learning, added:
“We’re proud to bring the 5th Edition of the National STEM Challenge to Mumbai for the first time, and to see it reach Ladakh and the North East. In five years, we’ve impacted over 10,000 students nationwide. With support from Brillio, we’re inspiring curiosity and building critical STEM skills that drive innovation and opportunity for the next generation.”
Launched in 2019, the Brillio National STEM Challenge runs year-round, with students participating in hands-on projects, quizzes, and model-making, supported by science labs and DIY kits. More than 100 Brillio volunteers engaged weekly with students — sharing tech news, running quizzes, and guiding them in building models like laser security alarms, vacuum cleaners, and hydraulic bridges.
The impact goes beyond innovation: participating schools have reported higher attendance, more active classroom engagement, and improved digital literacy. For many students, it’s their first real step into a future where they can shape India’s innovation story.
(India CSR)
