vivo Ignite: Technology & Innovation Initiative* Fueling Young Minds in Shaping a Better Tomorrow: A Peek into vivo Ignite’s Journey and What’s in Store for Ignite 3.0
At vivo India, our values extend beyond simply making a profit. They are deeply rooted in a purpose-driven approach to uplift communities and contribute to sustainable growth of the nation. At the heart of this approach lies one of our flagship CSR projects – vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation (T&I) Initiative.
This initiative embodies our belief in the immense potential of young minds. Since its first edition in 2022, it has empowered students from grades 8 to 12 across India, bridging the gap between untapped talent and limitless opportunities while fueling their ambitions to address pressing societal challenges through technology-driven solutions.
As we unveil the third edition of the T&I Initiative, let’s take a moment to celebrate its journey so far and explore how this year’s program is set to inspire changemakers in shaping a better tomorrow.
The Spark that Started it All: 2022
In its inaugural year, vivo Ignite: T&I Initiative quietly set the stage for something big. What started with 300 schools across 16 cities turned into a movement that brought in over 3,000 registrations and 1,100+ submissions. Students tackled real-world challenges with impressive ingenuity.
It wasn’t just about participation; it was about recognition. The top 25 finalists made it to New Delhi for a celebratory showcase in the presence of officials from Ministry of Science & Technology, NITI Aayog, IIT experts, and CIET-NCERT leaders. The top ten winners took home a share of INR 25 lakhs worth in scholarships, and more importantly, gained confidence in the value of their ideas. This was just the beginning.
Bigger Stage, Bolder Dreams: 2023
By its second edition, the T&I Initiative grew from a spark to a roaring flame. Over 3,000 schools across 1,400 cities joined hands. The numbers tell the story:
What made this year different wasn’t just the scale but the depth. The winners didn’t just leave with educational scholarships — INR 21 lakhs for the top 5 winners, INR 25,000 each for the 6th to 10th finalists — but also mentorship and exposure, thanks to vivo’s partnerships with the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET-NCERT) and iHub-DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee.
For many, standing on that stage with their prototypes wasn’t the end; it was the beginning of something much bigger.
Lets look at the Past Edition Winners:
First Edition Winners: 2022
Second Edition Winners: 2023
Third Edition of the Technology and Innovation Initiative: Bigger, Better, and Just the Beginning of What’s to Come
If the last two years have proven anything, it’s this: India’s youth are ready, and their ideas can change the world. vivo Ignite: T&I Initiative’s third edition aims to take that momentum to uncharted heights.
- Wider Reach
This year, the platform is set to expand its reach, including aspirational districts where access to innovation platforms is scarce but the potential runs deep.
- More Themes
Students will get a wide variety of themes and subthemes options under which they can submit their projects, reflecting the challenges of tomorrow:
- Software-Tech Innovations
- Agriculture and Climate Solutions
- Community Development Projects
The overarching theme, “Tech for Good” is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), creating a direct link between young innovators and global priorities.
- Enhanced Mentorship Opportunities
The top 200 shortlisted ideas will receive exclusive access to mentorship webinars on emerging topics like GenAI, IoT, Robotics, and Sustainability. Students will gain exposure far beyond the competition itself through one-to-one mentoring sessions.
The top 10 ideas’ participants qualifying for the Grand Finale will also benefit from further mentoring and workshop sessions by IITM Pravartak Technologies – Innovation Hub of IIT Madras to refine their skills.
- Our Partners in Progress
The initiative thrives on the strength of visionary partnerships, creating a launchpad for young innovators. This year, the initiative is enriched by the collaboration with following as knowledge partners:
- Central Institute of Educational Technology – NCERT (CIET-NCERT): Enhancing the program’s reach and accessibility, ensuring ideas from diverse backgrounds can flourish.
- IITM Pravartak Technologies: Offering cutting-edge guidance to empower participants to refine and scale their innovations.
- UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI): Strategically, aligning initiatives with global Sustainable Development Goal samplifying their impact.
Additionally, the Shooting Stars Foundation, as our Implementation Partner, ensures the program reaches every corner of the nation, amplifying voices from regions rich in potential yet underserved in opportunity.
With these esteemed partners, participants gain access to world-class mentorship, a global perspective, and robust frameworks to transform their ideas into impactful, scalable solutions.
Register and Ignite your Journey
Registrations are open on the vivo Ignite website. The last date to submit your ideas is February 10, 2025.
This is your moment to step up, spark innovation, and drive change for a brighter, better tomorrow. With educational scholarships and rewards up to INR 35 lakhs* and mentorship opportunities, this is more than a competition – it’s a launchpad for the next generation of changemakers.
Join the movement to shape the future! Amplify your voice, spread the message, and inspire others to participate. Together, we can empower the innovators of tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more information.
*T&C applied