BANGALORE, INDIA: Intel India, in association with Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and CII today inaugurated the Initiative for Research & Innovation in Science 2013 (IRIS 2013), which aims to nurture science and scientific research amongst young Indian innovators.

IRIS aims to recognize and rewards students’ outstanding projects and originality of thought.

The 4 day event was inaugurated by Kimmane Ratnakar, hon minister for primary and secondary education, government of Karnataka, Kumud Srinivasan, president-Intel India and Dr. D K Pandey, Scientist-NCSTC, Department of Science & Technology.

A special video-conferencing session was organised with Sam Pitroda, chairman, National Innovation Council, adviser to the Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations.

In its 7th year now, IRIS receives innovative project entries from government and private school students across the country. 200 children (126 projects) were selected this year from direct entries and from the affiliated fairs after several rounds of evaluation and screening.

In addition, this year, the best IRIS 2013 project will also receive the Sam Pitroda Award for Research and Creativity- SPARC. Total prize money at Intel ISEF 2013 is more than US$4 million in prizes and scholarships.

Commenting on the occasion, Kimmane Ratnakar, Honourable Minister for Primary and Secondary education, Govt. of Karnataka said, “Economically, the significance of emerging markets like India is constantly increasing. One of our most important tasks is to nurture young talent and provide access to international platforms. I appreciate this collaborative approach by Intel, CII and DST for empowering young innovators with insights and resources to advance their discoveries that can make a difference to the society”.

Till 2013, a total of 73 Indian students have won 87 awards and accolades at Intel ISEF competing against more than 6 million high school students from across the world. Winners at the Intel ISEF not only win laurels for the nation but also get the opportunity to have a minor planet named after them.

From 1999-2013, 16 students from India have had the unique honour of having minor planets named after them.

“It’s very encouraging to see this tech-savvy young generation focused on innovations that solve complex problems. As an industry, we need to act as a catalyst for this generation to help create disruptive technologies that can have a positive impact on people’s lives,” said Kumud Srinivasan, president, Intel India.

“To this effect, Intel is making efforts to help mentor these young scientists and expose them to global opportunities in Intel ISEF,” added Srinivasan.

IRIS emerges as the largest Research Based Science Fair in the country, with 4 national level mega-fairs – National Children Science Congress (NCSC), Science Fair by National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Jawaharlal Nehru Science Fair by National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Science Exhibition affiliating to IRIS