Awards

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY

Ongoing ⚡️

Completed ✅

HBNCRIIA India 2025-26

Mission Statement

To celebrate the unique creativity and innovation of people from and for the grassroots and recognize their contribution towards making India inclusive and innovative

Objective

To Identify grassroots innovations across various sectors, finally selecting 15 innovations for felicitation at the annual national award function
To celebrate the creativity of common people and help them gain respect, recognition, and reward and become part of the Honey Bee Network
To preserve and promote outstanding traditional knowledge and facilitate value addition to them for large-scale replication in a commercially sustainable manner

Eligibility Criteria

Innovations could be in any domain/area: farm/non-farm application, education, infrastructure, traditional knowledge, environment, agriculture, reduction in drudgery of women, livelihoods, accessibility, etc.
No restrictions as to age, gender, class, education etc.
The innovation should generally be well-aligned with the SDGs.
The innovation should have the potential to scale further.
Prior small-scale funding or minor recognition will not disqualify any participant but those who have received well-recognized national awards or major investments will be excluded

Details to be submitted while applying

Status of Applicant: individual/proprietorship concern/private company/registered start-up
Details of the innovation
History of the innovation
Patent information of the product (if any)
A video of the innovation or a link to the video
Website details or link to any video platform demonstrating the working of innovation
If possible, details about similar products anywhere in the world,
A declaration that the applicant is the sole person responsible or owner of the innovation;
A declaration that HBNCRIIA/GIAN can share shortlisted ideas with due acknowledgement of the innovator widely to create awareness about such worthy ideas and the campaign

Mode For Submission

Disclaimer

Submitted Innovation will be accessible to experts for review
The decision of the review & screening committee will be final and no queries pertaining to the selection process or selection of the innovations will be entertained.
Representative of GIAN or committee thereof is free to make a visit to verify the claims of the innovator or innovation at their own cost.
Submitted entries will be the part of Honey Bee network database as long as GIAN desires and can be shared with others for wider awareness and creating culture of innovation.
The innovation submitted or selected for the awards by GIAN will be free to get published by GIAN in its promotional, communication, marketing material in both physical and online form. However, the ownership and intellectual property related to the innovation will remain with its owners or applicant and will be kept intact while sharing the innovation.
In case an innovation is selected, the innovators will try their utmost to attend the award ceremony event.
All decisions pertaining to any conflicts arising during the event will be decided fully and finally by GIAN with no other alternative recourse.

Gujarat Energy Innovation Awards 2025

Mission Statement

To celebrate the unique creativity and innovation of people from and for the grassroots and recognize their contribution towards making Gujarat inclusive and innovative.

Objective

Identify 10 grassroots innovations and help scale them with value addition, design improvements, and support from formal institutions and private enterprises.
Conduct market research, develop strategic outreach, protect intellectual property (IP) where required, and promote DIY dissemination.
Facilitate partnerships between innovators and entrepreneurs, enabling respect, recognition, and rewards through the GPCL Awards.
Undertake research and policy studies to build a vibrant, inclusive energy innovation ecosystem.

Award Details

Innovations are invited in the field of:

Energy Conservation, Augmentation, Generation, Storage, and Distribution
Renewable Energy
Energy-Efficient Technologies (agriculture, food storage, etc.)
Waste-to-Energy
EV (Electric Vehicle) Technologies
Waste and Water Management
Allied Sustainable Energy Activities
Small-scale industries working in energy sustainability
Innovations from outside Gujarat that are applicable within the state are also encouraged to apply.

Mode For Submission

Online Mode - Participants can send their entries online via a dedicated portal for the award.
Offline Mode- Through mail at the address- Gujarat Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network, Bungalow no. 1, Satellite Complex, Mansi Cross Road, Satellite, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India 380015. The offline form along with a pen drive containing video documentation will have to be submitted for the same in a separate envelope.
Entries can also be filled through Google form available on www.gian.org.
In case of queries, they can call at +916353549783 or mail gpcl@gian.org.
Last date October 31, 2025.

Disclaimer

Submitted Innovation will be accessible to experts for review.
The decision of the review & screening committee will be final and no queries pertaining to the selection process or selection of the innovations will be entertained.
Representative of GIAN or GPCL or committee thereof is free to make a visit to verify the claims of the innovator or innovation at their own cost.
Submitted entries will be the part of Honey Bee network database as long as GIAN desires and can be shared with others for wider awareness and creating culture of innovation.
The innovation submitted or selected for the awards by GIAN & GPCL will be free to get published by GIAN in its promotional, communication, marketing material in both physical and online form. However, the ownership and intellectual property related to the innovation will remain with its owners or applicant and will be kept intact while sharing the innovation.
In case an innovation is selected, the innovators will try their utmost to attend the award ceremony event.
All decisions pertaining to any conflicts arising during the event will be decided fully and finally by GIAN & GPCL with no other alternative recourse.

HBNCRIIA 2023-24

Honey Bee Network Creativity & Inclusive Innovation Awards (HBNCRIIA) 2020

Honey Bee Network and GIAN have jointly organized first International annual competition for creative & Innovative ideas or traditional knowledge practices, which solve day-to-day problems faced by society including animals, the environment, or us.

HBNCRIIA award accepts entries from parents, teachers, professionals, college students, or any other adult in the formal or informal sector. This award aims to give international recognition to the innovations which are from/for grassroots, and address unmet social needs.

Prof Anil K Gupta while welcoming the distinguished jury members mentioned that Honey Bee Network Creativity & Inclusive Innovation Awards (HBNCRIIA) 2020 is given to most promising inclusive innovations from around the world. The Members of the jury included Prof. P V M Rao (Professor and Head, Department of Design, IIT-Delhi), Prof. Vijaya Sherry Chand (Professor & Chairperson, Ravi J. Matthai Centre for Educational Innovation, RJMCEI, IIM), Prof. B. K. Chakravarthy (IDC School of Design, Associate Faculty of Education Technology, IIT Bombay, Powai), Prof. Sanjay Sarma (Vice President for Open Learning and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, Boston), Dr. Chintan Vaishnav (Senior Lecturer, MIT’s Sloan School of Management), Mr. Chetan Patel (National Coordinator – Shodhyatra at SRISTI), Ms Basma Saeed (Head of solutions mapping, UNDP Accelerator Labs, Sudan), Mr Nilesh Kulkarni (Director of Gharda Chemicals Ltd.), Mr Dan Kiernan (Careers Coach at Sa誰d Business School, University of Oxford), Wong Ada (Hong Kong Institute of Contemporary Culture), Rozita Singh (Head of Solutions Mapping, Accelerator Lab at UNDP, India), and Ms Alison Field- Juma (Executive Director at OARS Cambridge, United States).

This year, we have reviewed around 2500 entries from 87 countries. These were screened by eminent scholars/practitioners at the primary stage followed by expert jury review. The winners include 10 international awards, 4 Coping with Covid awards and 4 appreciation awards from nine countries.

Congratulations to all winners and we recognize the efforts by thousands of innovators who sent their ideas for dealing with COVID-19, sanitation, environmental care, agriculture, food and agro-processing, reduction in drudgery, safety, etc.

The entries for HBNCRIIA awards 2021 are open and can be sent at hbncriia@gian.org

Award Winners and Highlights

First Prize (₹5 Lakhs):

Shri Suneel Singh from Kistwar, J&K, a former soldier turned farmer, for developing a new walnut variety (“Suneel SI”) with a reduced tree height (25 ft vs. 50 ft traditionally). This innovation increases yield, starts bearing fruit in just three years (compared to eight traditionally), and offers premium-quality soft-shelled walnuts.

Second Prize (₹3 Lakhs):

Shri Samirbhai Ghani from Banaskantha, Gujarat, for creating a farmyard manure spreader that evenly distributes both wet and dry manure, reducing drudgery and improving soil fertility.

Third Prize (₹1 Lakh):

Md. Ishfaq Ahmed Wani from Anantnag, J&K, for inventing a branch clipper to secure fruit tree branches, preventing damage from hailstorms and snowfall.

Appreciation Awards (₹50,000 each):

Twelve grassroots innovations, including the Automatic Feed Machine for Differently Abled Persons by Nabajit Bharali and impactful solutions like Golden Feathers and Fasal Amrit, were recognized. (Detailed list available in Annexure 1.)

Jury and Dignitaries
The esteemed jury, chaired by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, included prominent figures such as Prof. Bharat Bhaskar (Director, IIM Ahmedabad), Prof. Dhar (Director, AcSIR), Dr. M.N. Patel, Prof. Udai Desai (Former Director, IIT Hyderabad), and other faculty members from premier institutions like IIMs, IITs, IISc, as well as leading investors and practitioners.
Awards were presented by Dr. R.S. Paroda, former DG ICAR, in the presence of Dr. Renu Swaroop (Former Secretary, DBT), Dr. Swati Basu (Former Scientific Advisor, Office of the PSA), and Prof. Anil Gupta, founder of the Honey Bee Network, GIAN, SRISTI, and NIF.
Key Remarks
– Dr. R.S. Paroda highlighted India’s transformation from a food-deficient nation to a food exporter, crediting innovations by scientists and farmer innovators. He emphasized the importance of policies like PPFVRA in preventing biopiracy and called for creating a “network of networks.”
– Dr. Renu Swaroop likened the collaboration between grassroots and deep-tech innovators to rivers merging into the sea of knowledge and innovation.
– Anita Kumar, representing Amazon Community Impact (APAC), reiterated Amazon’s commitment to fostering global innovation and empowering grassroots innovators for a sustainable and equitable future.
– Prof. Anil Gupta underscored the rigorous review process behind the awards and emphasized that the event marks the beginning of a sustained journey to support grassroots innovation.
Outreach and Future Plans
According to Dr. Anamika Dey, CEO of GIAN, the campaign received entries from 28 states and 4 Union Territories, covering 226 districts. GIAN and the Honey Bee Network will continue to provide voice, visibility, and velocity to grassroots solutions.
Entries are now open for the 2025-26 HBNCRIIA Awards, which aim to create opportunities for grassroots innovators to connect with investors, policymakers, and technical experts.
About GIAN
GIAN (Gujarat Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network), established in 1997, was India’s first incubator for grassroots innovations. Supported by the Gujarat government, SRISTI, and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), GIAN has nurtured hundreds of grassroots innovations. The organization is committed to promoting affordable, inclusive solutions that address societal challenges.
—
Contact Information:
📞 Phone: 9537574742
📧 Email: ceo@gian.org
For entries: hbncriia@gian.org

Statistics and Innovations of HBNCRIIA 2023-24

HBNCRIIA Global Awards

Honey Bee Network Creativity & Inclusive Innovation Awards (HBNCRIIA) 2020

The entries for HBNCRIIA awards 2021 are open and can be sent at hbncriia@gian.org

HBNCRIIA Global Awards PPT

Gujarat Energy Idea Awards 2024
In partnership with GETCO

Mission Statement

To celebrate the unique creativity and ideas of people from and for the grassroots and recognize their contribution towards making Gujarat inclusive and innovative.

Objective

To identify 10 grassroots ideas, help them achieve scale by adding value, design, and other inputs from formal organizations including private companies.
To do market research, develop strategies, protect IP where needed, promote solutions as DIY, and facilitate partnerships between innovators and entrepreneurs.
To unleash the creativity of students and common people helping them gain respect, recognition, and reward ideas from around the world through GETCO awards.
To undertake research and policy studies to nurture and promote an inclusive innovation ecosystem.

The Gujarat Energy Idea Awards 2024, a state-level initiative celebrating innovative ideas in the energy sector, concluded with a grand ceremony at the 5th International Conference on Creativity and Innovation at Grassroots (ICCIG) at IIM Ahmedabad. Organized by Gujarat Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN) and supported by Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO), the awards recognized students, grassroots innovators, and MSMEs for their creative and forward-thinking ideas in sustainable energy.

The awards aimed to inspire and promote novel ideas in energy conservation, generation, augmentation, storage, and distribution, encouraging innovative approaches that contribute to the energy transition and address critical environmental challenges. The competition witnessed overwhelming participation, with over 650 entries received for the Idea Awards. After a rigorous evaluation, 10 outstanding idea contributors were honored for their visionary solutions in the energy sector.

Gujarat Energy Idea Awards 2024: Top Innovators

Each of the top 10 winners in the Idea Awards received INR 20,000, a certificate, and a trophy for their novel solutions, which ranged from bioplastics and solar energy to waste management and innovative battery systems.

Jhanvi Amit Gandhi – Biocastic – The Better Plastic

A cost-effective alternative to single-use plastics in food packaging, combining recycled paper with bioplastic layers to reduce environmental impact and packaging costs.

Vasoya Aman ManojBhai – Mini Biogas Plant

An innovative biogas system that prevents slurry settlement by using a compressor to circulate air, boosting productivity and enhancing efficiency.

Luhar Shiv JitendraKumar – Development of a Non-electrical Device to Track the Sun’s Movement

A solar panel tracking device that uses a simple water balance mechanism to adjust panel orientation based on the sun’s position, ideal for off-grid areas.

Dev Patel – TurbineRooftop Water Pipe
An innovative system that captures the kinetic energy of flowing water from rooftop storage pipes to generate electricity, providing a sustainable power source.

Shravan Kumar – Triple Benefit from Waste
A circular agriculture system that converts kitchen and market waste into insect protein, biogas, and organic fertilizer, promoting sustainability in waste management.

Rawat Santosh – Nature in Paper, Siyas
Eco-friendly, weatherproof paper pots made from repurposed materials offer a sustainable alternative to traditional floral arrangements, reducing waste.

Yasam Veera Reddy – Flother – Textiles from Floral Waste

Discarded flowers from temples and markets are often dumped in rivers or landfills, creating environmental issues. This innovation repurposes floral waste into plant-based textiles, leather alternatives, incense sticks, and candles. The “Flother” material combines flower waste and textile fibers to create a durable, biodegradable, and cruelty-free leather alternative that can be used in fashion, automotive, and other industries.

Raju Barman – Phase Change Material-Based Thermoelectric Refrigeration System

Cooling systems are essential, but they contribute significantly to energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This solar-powered portable refrigerator integrates thermoelectric cooling and Phase Change Material (PCM) to optimize energy efficiency. The PCM helps enhance solar panel performance and longevity, making it a sustainable and portable solution for food and medical storage in off-grid areas.

Darsh Kelaiya – Fuel-Saving Car Batteries – Capturing Heat for Energy

Vehicles generate waste heat, which is usually lost. This innovation converts excess heat into electricity, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The recovered energy can be used to partially power the vehicle, helping to lower fuel costs and mitigate environmental impact.

Parama Datta – Foldable Parabolic Dome-Type Solar Dryer

Traditional food drying methods are inefficient and often waste energy. This solar-powered dryer features a foldable dome design, which optimizes heat absorption and airflow while being portable and space-efficient. Farmers and small businesses can use this dryer to preserve agricultural products without relying on electricity, reducing waste and improving food security.

Gujarat Energy Innovation Awards 2024
In partnership with GPCL

Mission Statement

To celebrate the unique creativity and innovation of people from and for the grassroots and recognize their contribution towards making Gujarat inclusive and innovative.

Objective

To identify 10 grassroots innovations, and help them achieve scale by adding value, design, and other inputs from formal organizations including private companies.
To do market research, develop strategies, protect IP where needed, promote solutions as DIY, and facilitate partnerships between innovators and entrepreneurs.
To unleash the creativity of common people helping them gain respect, recognition, and reward innovations from around the world through GPCL awards.
To undertake research and policy studies to nurture and promote an inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Gujarat Energy Innovation Awards 2024: Top Innovators

The top innovators were rewarded with cash prizes, certificates, and trophies. Award categories included First Prize (INR 2.5 Lakhs), Second Prize (INR 1.25 Lakhs), Third Prize (INR 75,000), and seven Appreciation Awards (INR 25,000 each).

Amit Gupta (1st Position) – Semi-Automatic Solar Panel Recycling Technology

Addresses the challenge of photovoltaic waste management by enabling efficient solar panel recycling.

Arjunbhai Mohanlal Paghadar (2nd Position) – Swargarohan

An eco-friendly cremation system reduces wood consumption by 80% while maintaining religious customs.

Nabajit Bharali(3rd Position)– Solar Pot with Sapling Watering Facility

A device converting atmospheric moisture into water for saplings using solar energy.

Innovations Details

Mission Statement

To celebrate the unique creativity and innovation of people from and for the grassroots and recognize their contribution towards making Gujarat inclusive and innovative.

Objective

To identify innovations across Healthcare, Energy/Waste Management, Technology/Engineering Impact, and Energy/Water Conservation sectors, finally selecting innovations for felicitation at the award function.
To celebrate the creativity of common people and help them gain respect, recognition, and reward and become part of the Honey Bee Network.
To preserve and promote outstanding traditional knowledge and facilitate value addition to them for large-scale replication in a commercially sustainable manner.

Award Details

Eligibility Criteria

Innovations could be in in the following sectors: Healthcare , Environment/Waste Management , Technology/Engineering Impact and Energy/Water Conservation.
No restrictions as to age, gender, class, education etc.
The innovation should generally be well-aligned with the SDGs.
The innovation should have the potential to scale further.
Prior small-scale funding or minor recognition will not disqualify any participant but those who have received well-recognized national awards or major investments will be excluded.

Details to be submitted while applying

Status of Applicant: individual/proprietorship concern/private company/registered start-up.
Details of the innovation.
History of the innovation.
Patent information of the product (if any).
A video of the innovation or a link to the video.
Website details or link to any video platform demonstrating the working of innovation.
If possible, details about similar products anywhere in the world.
A declaration that the applicant is the sole person responsible or owner of the innovation.
A declaration that Zydus/GIAN can share shortlisted ideas with due acknowledgement of the innovator widely to create awareness about such worthy ideas and the campaign.

Mode For Submission

Online Mode - Participants can send their entries online via a dedicated portal for the award.
Offline Mode- Through mail at the address- Gujarat Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network, Bungalow no. 1, Satellite Complex, Mansi Cross Road, Satellite, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India 380015. The offline form along with a pen drive containing video documentation will have to be submitted for the same in a separate envelope.
The online entries for Innovation Programme awards can also be sent at the email id zyinnovation@gian.org.
Entries can also be filled through Google form available on www.gian.org.
In case of queries, they can call at +916353549783 or mail zyinnovation@gian.org.
Last date December 31, 2024.

Disclaimer

Submitted Innovation will be accessible to experts for review.
The decision of the review & screening committee will be final and no queries pertaining to the selection process or selection of the innovations will be entertained.
Representative of GIAN or Zydus or committee thereof is free to make a visit to verify the claims of the innovator or innovation at their own cost.
Submitted entries will be the part of Honey Bee network database as long as GIAN desires and can be shared with others for wider awareness and creating culture of innovation.
The innovation submitted or selected for the awards by GIAN & Zydus will be free to get published by GIAN in its promotional, communication, marketing material in both physical and online form. However, the ownership and intellectual property related to the innovation will remain with its owners or applicant and will be kept intact while sharing the innovation.
In case an innovation is selected, the innovators will try their utmost to attend the award ceremony event.
All decisions pertaining to any conflicts arising during the event will be decided fully and finally by GIAN & Zydus with no other alternative recourse.

Award Details

Eligibility Criteria

Innovations could be in in the following sectors: Healthcare , Environment/Waste Management , Technology/Engineering Impact and Energy/Water Conservation.
No restrictions as to age, gender, class, education etc.
The innovation should generally be well-aligned with the SDGs.
The innovation should have the potential to scale further.
Prior small-scale funding or minor recognition will not disqualify any participant but those who have received well-recognized national awards or major investments will be excluded.

Details to be submitted while applying

Status of Applicant: individual/proprietorship concern/private company/registered start-up.
Details of the innovation.
History of the innovation.
Patent information of the product (if any).
A video of the innovation or a link to the video.
Website details or link to any video platform demonstrating the working of innovation.
If possible, details about similar products anywhere in the world.
A declaration that the applicant is the sole person responsible or owner of the innovation.
A declaration that Zydus/GIAN can share shortlisted ideas with due acknowledgement of the innovator widely to create awareness about such worthy ideas and the campaign.

Mode For Submission

Online Mode - Participants can send their entries online via a dedicated portal for the award.
Offline Mode- Through mail at the address- Gujarat Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network, Bungalow no. 1, Satellite Complex, Mansi Cross Road, Satellite, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India 380015. The offline form along with a pen drive containing video documentation will have to be submitted for the same in a separate envelope.
The online entries for Innovation Programme awards can also be sent at the email id zyinnovation@gian.org.
Entries can also be filled through Google form available on www.gian.org.
In case of queries, they can call at +916353549783 or mail zyinnovation@gian.org.
Last date December 31, 2024.

Disclaimer

Submitted Innovation will be accessible to experts for review.
The decision of the review & screening committee will be final and no queries pertaining to the selection process or selection of the innovations will be entertained.
Representative of GIAN or Zydus or committee thereof is free to make a visit to verify the claims of the innovator or innovation at their own cost.
Submitted entries will be the part of Honey Bee network database as long as GIAN desires and can be shared with others for wider awareness and creating culture of innovation.
The innovation submitted or selected for the awards by GIAN & Zydus will be free to get published by GIAN in its promotional, communication, marketing material in both physical and online form. However, the ownership and intellectual property related to the innovation will remain with its owners or applicant and will be kept intact while sharing the innovation.
In case an innovation is selected, the innovators will try their utmost to attend the award ceremony event.
All decisions pertaining to any conflicts arising during the event will be decided fully and finally by GIAN & Zydus with no other alternative recourse.

Awards

Ongoing ⚡️

Completed ✅

HBNCRIIA India 2025-26

Mission Statement

Objective

Eligibility Criteria

Details to be submitted while applying

Mode For Submission

Disclaimer

Gujarat Energy Innovation Awards 2025

Mission Statement

Objective

Award Details

Innovations are invited in the field of:

Mode For Submission

Disclaimer

HBNCRIIA 2023-24

HBNCRIIA 2023-24

Honey Bee Network Creativity & Inclusive Innovation Awards (HBNCRIIA) 2020

Award Winners and Highlights

Statistics and Innovations of HBNCRIIA 2023-24

HBNCRIIA Global Awards

HBNCRIIA Global Awards

Honey Bee Network Creativity & Inclusive Innovation Awards (HBNCRIIA) 2020

HBNCRIIA Global Awards PPT

Gujarat Energy Idea Awards 2024 In partnership with GETCO

Mission Statement

Objective

Gujarat Energy Idea Awards 2024: Top Innovators

Gujarat Energy Innovation Awards 2024 In partnership with GPCL

Mission Statement

Objective

Gujarat Energy Innovation Awards 2024: Top Innovators

Innovations Details

Innovation Programme Powered by : ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LTD. & GIAN

Mission Statement

Objective

Award Details

Eligibility Criteria

Details to be submitted while applying

Mode For Submission

Disclaimer

Award Details

Eligibility Criteria

Details to be submitted while applying

Mode For Submission

Disclaimer

Donate for a noble cause

Services

Contact Us

Got questions? Contact us!

Gujarat Energy Idea Awards 2024
In partnership with GETCO

Gujarat Energy Innovation Awards 2024
In partnership with GPCL

Innovation Programme
Powered by : ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LTD. & GIAN