About INSPIRE – MANAK Programme:
- The INSPIRE – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) is one of the flagship schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India.
- It is for nurturing ideas and innovations of school students and motivates them to pursue science and a career in research.
- It is jointly implemented by DST and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India.
- It aims to motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in classes 6 to 10 to become future innovators and critical thinkers.
- Significance:
- It believes that once the original ideas and innovations rooted in Science and Technology by students get incubated, it will foster a culture of creativity and innovative thinking among school children.
- This will help address the societal needs through science and technology and nurture them to become sensitive and responsible citizens and innovation leaders of tomorrow.
What is the National Innovation Foundation?
- It was set up in March 2000 with the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
- It is India’s national initiative to strengthen the grassroots technological innovations and outstanding traditional knowledge.
- Its mission is to help India become a creative and knowledge-based society by expanding policy and institutional space for grassroots technological innovators.
Q1: What is Innovation?
It is defined as the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services that have a significant positive impact and value. It involves transforming creative concepts into tangible outcomes that improve efficiency, and effectiveness, or address unmet needs.
Last updated on August, 2026
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