ITANAGAR : The first edition of the Arunachal Science League 2026 concluded on Friday with the state government announcing that the event will now feature in the annual calendar of the Department of Youth Affairs, marking a major step towards promoting scientific innovation and STEM education among the youth.
Organised by the Department of Youth Affairs in collaboration with the State Council for Science and Technology, Arunachal Pradesh, the event was held at the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre at IG Park under the theme “STEM for Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat.” The competition brought together some of the state’s brightest young innovators, who presented projects addressing real-world challenges through science and technology.
Participants showcased innovations across a wide range of themes, including emerging technology, water conservation and management, green energy, sustainable agriculture, health and hygiene, waste management and other contemporary STEM disciplines.
Officials said the inclusion of the Science League in the department’s annual calendar reflects the government’s long-term commitment to fostering scientific temperament, innovation and research among students and young entrepreneurs.
The competition received more than 40 entries from across Arunachal Pradesh, with the junior category alone attracting over 30 submissions. The organisers said the quality of projects was so impressive that the jury found it difficult to shortlist winners. In recognition of the exceptional standard of entries, the department enhanced the first prize in the junior category from the originally announced Rs 70,000 to Rs 90,000.
The projects were evaluated by an eminent panel comprising Dr Arup Misra, chairman of the Assam Pollution Control Board, who attended as the chief guest, Dr Nitin Maurya, Scientist ‘E’ at the National Innovation Foundation, Noida, and Dr Bula Chaudhuri of Biotech Park, Guwahati.
Adding to the event’s appeal, Technical Officer Tarun Das of the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata, conducted an interactive Fun Science Show featuring live scientific demonstrations and a bubble show that drew enthusiastic participation from students. The Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre also organised complimentary planetarium shows for more than 350 students, offering them an immersive introduction to astronomy and space science.
In the senior category, Mitto Mossang of Rajiv Gandhi University won the first prize for a project on emerging technology. Tabuk Taggu and Paul secured the second prize for their work on water conservation and management, while Niktar Tare, Vijay Taniu and Toko Tem finished third for developing a Hybrid Multi-Layered TEG System.
In the junior category, Bengia Ama of Don Bosco College claimed the top prize for a Hands-Free Cooking Device. Yompin Kena of Scholars Institute secured second place for Kombo AI, while Swati Upadhyay and Aditya Mishra of NERIST finished third for their project Gesture to Voice.
Among the special recognitions, Rei Lemo of NIOS received the People’s Choice Award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 10,000, after securing the highest number of public votes for an emerging technology project. Bolam Loham was presented the Special Jury Award and a cash prize of Rs 10,000 for developing an innovative Exoskeleton project, which the jury described as having significant future potential.
Despite persistent rain throughout the day, students from different parts of the state participated enthusiastically, demonstrating resilience and creativity. The Department of Youth Affairs thanked participants, mentors, educational institutions, judges, volunteers and visitors for contributing to the success of the inaugural edition.
Officials said the Arunachal Science League is envisioned to become the state’s premier platform for nurturing scientific talent, encouraging innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.
