Turning Ideas into Impact: Innovation by Schoolgirls in Belagavi, Karnataka

In Belagavi, Karnataka, three students – Niyati Sutar, Srusti Desai, and Swarali Birje – transformed their passion for problem-solving into real-world innovation. Coming from middle-class families, the trio got their first exposure to hands-on learning through the Atal Tinkering Lab set up in their school under the Adoption of ATL Program. With guidance from their innovation coach, they started working on practical solutions to everyday problems. After months of hard work, they developed two key projects: An IoT-based Farm Safety System and a Garbage Sorting and Alert System. 

Both aimed at solving pressing issues faced by their communities. The process was not easy – it involved several rounds of brainstorming, building, testing, and refining. But the students stayed focused, constantly improving their ideas with mentorship and teamwork. 

Their efforts culminated at Infostava, a state-level innovation championship. Despite the nerves and high expectations, they confidently presented their projects to the judges and audience. Their solutions stood out for being practical, well-researched, and socially relevant. 

They won the championship, receiving a cash prize of ₹10,000, a trophy, and certificates. More than the awards, it was a recognition of their grit, innovation, and teamwork. This experience showed them that background is not a barrier to innovation. With support, mentorship, and access to the right platforms, young minds like theirs can build solutions that matter.