Education
Innovate2Educate fuels budget-friendly edtech solutions at WAVES
Student-led designs turn into startups as affordable learning tools take shape
NEW DELHI: The Innovate2Educate challenge has sparked a wave of low-cost, accessible learning solutions, with several student-led ideas evolving into startups following their showcase at WAVES 2025.
Launched under the Create in India Challenge, the initiative encouraged students, startups and innovators to design handheld educational devices that blend technology with inclusivity. The focus was clear. Build solutions that are not only innovative but also accessible to learners with diverse needs, including visually impaired and neurodivergent children.
Affordability was central to the brief. Participants were asked to develop prototypes within a cost ceiling of Rs 1,000, pushing innovators to think creatively while keeping real-world constraints in mind. The result was a range of frugal yet functional devices aimed at making learning more interactive and inclusive.
The response was strong, with over 1,800 registrations from across the country. After multiple rounds of mentoring and workshops, 10 finalists were selected and given a platform to present their prototypes at CreatoSphere, where they also engaged with industry stakeholders.
The top three teams received prize money of up to Rs 50,000, but the bigger win came after the event. Four of the finalist teams have since transitioned into startups, with two exploring incubation through the WAVEX Startup Accelerator Programme.
The initiative has also opened doors to investors, with winners participating in outreach events aimed at scaling their ideas into viable businesses.
Sharing details in Parliament, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting minister of state L Murugan highlighted the programme’s role in fostering innovation at the intersection of education and technology, in response to a query by Basavaraj Bommai.
From classroom concepts to startup journeys, Innovate2Educate shows how a simple brief can spark meaningful change. When innovation meets accessibility, even a device under Rs 1,000 can make a big difference.
