In a major boost to innovation at the intersection of education, technology, and gaming, the Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS) announced the top 10 finalists of the Innovate2Educate: Handheld Device Design Challenge today. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the competition is part of the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, to be held in Mumbai. The challenge has captured the imagination of young innovators across the country, inspiring them to design devices that could transform learning experiences for millions.
From an overwhelming 1856 registrations filled with bright ideas and bold dreams, the top 10 teams were selected after an intense evaluation process conducted by an expert jury comprising some of the brightest minds in the industry. Esteemed jury members like Mr. Indrajit Ghosh, Co-Founder of Eruditio; Mr. Rajeev Nagar, Country Manager for India and SAARC at Huion; and Mr. Jeffrey Cray, Co-Founder and Product Head at Squid Academy, lent their experience and vision to identify the most promising innovations.
Among the finalists, KARNATA PARVA’s Code Craft Junior from Karnataka and VIDYARTHI’s Smart Learning Tablet for Kids from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh stood out for offering accessible, low-cost learning alternatives powered by devices like ESP8266 and Raspberry Pi. These initiatives aim to break the barriers that often keep technology out of the reach of young learners in rural and underserved areas. Another notable finalist, TECH TITANS from Tamil Nadu, proposed a smart handwriting learning device blending traditional skills with modern technology to nurture early learners.
Teams like PROTOMINDS, with their EduSpark device from Delhi, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, showcased how adaptive AI can personalize education for young children, ensuring no learner is left behind. Others, like APEX ACHIEVERS from Tamil Nadu, tackled the age-old math struggles faced by students through gamified approaches like BODMAS Quest, making math both fun and less intimidating.
Finalists also included SCIENCEVERSE from Indonesia, V20’s VFit from Tamil Nadu, WARRIORS from Delhi with their Maha-shastra project, KIDDYMAITRI’s Handheld Mathematical Gaming Console from Mumbai, Odisha, and Karnataka, and E-GROOTS from Tamil Nadu with their Micro Controller Mastery Kit. Each project carried a heartfelt commitment to making education more inclusive, accessible, and engaging, reflecting the young innovators’ deep understanding of the needs of students today.
The top 10 teams will now move forward to present their creations at a special showcase during WAVES 2025 in Mumbai. Their ideas will not just be celebrated but will stand as a testament to the spirit of innovation and the power of youth-driven solutions. The grand finale promises to be an inspiring event, with the winners being felicitated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The excitement around WAVES 2025 continues to build. Set to take place from May 1 to 4, the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit will be a landmark event for India’s Media and Entertainment sector, bringing together creators, innovators, investors, and industry leaders under one roof. With focus areas ranging from broadcasting and films to gaming, digital media, and cutting-edge technologies like AR, VR, and AI, WAVES aims to showcase India’s growing global stature as a hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
The enthusiasm and ideas seen through initiatives like Innovate2Educate are a powerful reminder that the future of education and entertainment is bright, inclusive, and brimming with possibilities.