Innovation

A pocket-sized soil testing device, NutriSens is giving farmers real-time insights, cutting fertiliser misuse, empowering rural women entrepreneurs, and putting scientific soil health data in every farmer’s hands.

A 17-year-old from a small Nashik village watched his uncle return home exhausted from long days of spraying fields. That longing to ease a loved one’s struggle sparked an idea, and he began building a simple, smart robot from scrap that is now helping farmers work with far less strain.

From the timeless sculptures of the Elephanta Caves to centuries-old manuscripts, AI is helping India preserve, document, and share its cultural heritage for generations to come.

The Malabar nature trail is cradled by the microbiome of the Malabar Forest. Principal architect Rahul Kadri takes us on a guided tour of the walkway, where he explains the design philosophy.

From Bengaluru, iGowise Mobility is changing urban transport with its self-balancing electric trike. Designed for safety, stability, and comfort, the trike empowers delivery workers, commuters, and micro-entrepreneurs to travel confidently even on India’s toughest streets.

BookWater, founded by Bharath and Balachander, uses QR codes and IoT sensors to track water quality, reuse cycles, and plastic safety in Chennai’s water cans. With 3000 users and 50000 cans monitored monthly, the startup is improving public health while promoting recycling and sustainable water delivery.

Developed by IIT Mandi’s Dr Kala Venkata Uday, this low-cost AI device can predict landslides up to three hours in advance. Installed across 60 sites in Himachal Pradesh, it uses machine learning and sensors to protect families living in India’s mountain regions.

When Sundeep Talwar met a young boy who lost his mobility in an accident, he refused to stop at sympathy. His idea sparked NeoBolt — a motorised wheelchair that’s now helping over 7,000 people across India move freely, earn a living, and live with dignity.

In Chennai, women drive dark green e-autos selling fresh vegetables — packed not in plastic, but in bright yellow manjapai cloth bags. This eco-friendly project empowers women, revives tradition, and tackles plastic waste.

Supported by her family, 63-year-old Shubha Bhatnagar from Mainpuri is revolutionising saffron farming through Shubhavni SmartFarms — an IoT-powered indoor setup that empowers rural women and redefines agritech innovation.