I2I inspires young ignited minds

In the final evaluation of the state-level ‘Ignited Innovators of India’ (I2I), instituted by city-based BHAU Institute of Innovation in association with Eaton Corporation, five participants from Pune were declared winners in different categories.

Over 1,000 students from 30 colleges across Maharashtra participated in the I2I programme, which commenced on September 20, 2011. Over 211 projects were submitted, of which 85 projects were shortlisted for the final evaluation.

Rolling out the second batch of social entrepreneurs, a valedictory function of the I2I programme was recently held at the College of Engineering Pune (CoEP) campus in the city to felicitate the winners.

During the function, managing director of Eaton Corporation, India, Raja Kochar said, “The I2I programme was conceived to extend the value of innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership to the community and inspire young ignited minds.”

The I2I participants had submitted proposals on agriculture, education, environment, health, technology and few other areas of social significance that requires constant positive change and upgradation. They identified prominent areas of change and proposed innovative solutions to address the same.

Two participants from each of these areas were declared winners and felicitated at the valedictory function.

On his experience of participating in I2I, VIT college student Gopal Kanade, said, “It gave us a platform to showcase our expertise in various fields. It has taught us to be more innovative and practical in our approach.” He added that participants had the privilege of working closely with mentors from Eaton.