Science Samagra Mahotsav grand finale to celebrate student innovation in Vijayawada today

Vijayawada: The Science Samagra Mahotsav 2K26 emerged as a major platform for student innovations across the state. A total of 29,435 students, forming 12,528 teams from 4,118 schools across 26 districts, participated in the competition. Classrooms were transformed into innovation labs as students converted raw ideas into practical models and creative solutions. The state-level innovative event was organised by Science City of Andhra Pradesh."Key highlights of the initiative are its inclusive approach. The competition was conducted in schools across rural and urban areas, ensuring equal opportunity for students statewide. Students conceptualised and developed their own projects, while teachers and headmasters reviewed and uploaded them on the official portal, ensuring transparency and comprehensive evaluation," Science City CEO Kesineni Venkateswarlu told TOI.He explained that the selection process was conducted in 4 stages — at the school, mandal, district and State levels. Projects were evaluated by an expert jury based on parameters such as innovation, scientific clarity, feasibility, teamwork and environmental sustainability. Officials said the multi-level scrutiny ensured fairness and merit-based selection. He stated that efforts are being made to secure recognition for the event in the India Book of Records and the Asian Book of Records. They described the initiative not merely as a competition but as a movement to nurture innovation among children and promote scientific temper in the State.The grand finale of Science Samagra Mahotsav 2K26 will be held in Vijayawada on Friday, on the eve of National Science Day, said Venkateswarlu. The event will take place at Chitturi Public School in Gandhinagar, Vijayawada. minister for investments and infrastructure B C Janardhan Reddy will attend the programme as the chief guest and present state-level awards to 26 winners, 1 from each district. The awards will include merit prizes, certificates, special mentorship opportunities and admission to a Summer Innovation Camp. All participating students will also receive digital certificates. Special Chief Secretary (Investments and Infrastructure) M T Krishna Babu, MP Kesineni Sivanath, MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao and other senior officials will also attend the programme.