Upcoming innovators and winners of the Startup Green Innovation Challenge from the state were felicitated at the programme held at YouthNet Incubation Centre, YouthNet Dimapur office on August 16.
The programme was organized by Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC) Nagaland, YouthNet, AIC SELCO Foundation, NTTC, supported by Startup Nagaland, Department of Industries and Commerce and AIM NITI Ayog.
In a press release YouthNet informed that the event was attended by promising innovators addressing pressing environmental challenges through ground breaking solutions.
The winners and runner up received a total cash prize of Rs. 1.20 lakh respectively for Rural Technology, Waste Management and Women Innovator categories, while winners and runner up of student innovators received Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively.
Rural Technology:
Winner: Ajon Konyak with his innovation, “Portable Mini Band Saw” from Mon district.
Runner-up: Tumong with his innovation, “Smokeless (Electric/Solar) Stove” from Noklak district.
Waste Management:
Winner: Kelhousesi from Kuda Waste Solutions with their innovation, “Waste Segregator and Product Development” from Dimapur district.
Runner-up: Zaiyigum Zeliang from Zeliang Codetech with their innovation, “SGDMS 1.0V” from Dimapur district.
Women Innovator:
Winner: Lovi Achumi with her innovation, “Lemonade Juices (LEMO)” from Dimapur district.
Runner-up: Inaholi Zhimomi with her innovation, “Crochet Crafting” from Chümoukedima district.
Student Innovator:
Winner: Zenwang Konyak & A. Khampei Wangnao (Kohima Science College and SET) with their innovation, “Multipurpose Plucking Tool” from Mon district.
Runner-up: Hope Academy Robotics Club with their innovation, “Smart Cap for the Visually Impaired” from Dimapur district.
It may be noted that the objective of Startup Green Innovation Challenge was to identify and promote promising innovators addressing pressing environmental challenges through ground breaking technological solutions.
The event was hosted by Neikepekho Shosahie, manager YIC and welcome address by Nune Chase, director YouthNet.
A special address was delivered by Dr. Simanta Kalita, CEO, AIC SELCO Foundation who was impressed by the number of innovations coming from various corners of the state. He also suggested platform be provided to opportunities to everyone with no bar for of education qualification, multi linguistic, PWDs, Women, Students etc
The panel of judges were Dr. Simanta Kalita, CEO of AIC SELCO Foundation; Kenei Theunuo; Team Leader, Startup India and Deputy Director of Directorate of Industries & Commerce; Nunesenuo Chase, director of YouthNet; K. Phyobemo, SDG Officer from SDGCC Nagaland; G Barthakur, Program Coordinator of AIC SELCO Foundation and Er. Awalo Keppen, assistant manager of Nagaland Tool-Room & Training Centre.
It may be noted that the first edition focused its attention in the fields of Mechanical Technology and Biotechnology that involved machines in its value chain development, while exception was made for women and student categories.
The selection process for the Startup Green Innovation Challenge was based on the innovation and creativity, environmental impact, viability and scalability, market potential, financial stability, presentation and communication.