Gujarat Launches ‘Kidnovation’ to Help Young Innovators Secure Patents

GANDHINAGAR : In a first-of-its-kind move to nurture innovation at the grassroots level, the Children’s Research University (CRU), Gandhinagar, has launched “Kidnovation”, an ambitious statewide programme aimed at transforming the creative ideas of schoolchildren into patentable innovations. The six-month initiative was inaugurated on June 23, coinciding with the 87th death anniversary of renowned educationist Gijubhai Badheka.

Designed in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the programme seeks to identify promising young innovators from across Gujarat and equip them with the tools needed to turn imagination into real-world solutions. Through mentorship, technical guidance and legal support, students will be encouraged to develop innovative concepts that can eventually be protected as intellectual property.

“Kidnovation is about empowering children to think beyond textbooks and see themselves as creators, inventors and problem-solvers. We want to ensure that innovative ideas generated by students receive the recognition and support they deserve,” said Dr. T.S. Joshi, Vice-Chancellor of CRU.

The programme aims to train around 100 selected students in design thinking, innovation processes and prototyping techniques. A major target is to facilitate 20 to 30 provisional patent applications with the Indian Patent Office, while ensuring that ownership rights remain entirely with the young innovators.

According to CRU officials, many innovative ideas conceived by children often go unnoticed due to a lack of structured guidance. “This initiative bridges the gap between creativity and innovation by creating a robust support system for students and teachers,” said Nilesh Pandya of CRU’s Training Centre.

The programme will progress through multiple stages, including idea scouting, mentoring, expert evaluation and prototype development. One of the highlights will be a two-day residential boot camp at the CRU campus in October, where shortlisted students will participate in hands-on workshops and present working prototypes.

The initiative will also document 100 innovation journeys through detailed case studies and produce a policy white paper on intellectual property education for schoolchildren.

The project will conclude in November with a grand felicitation ceremony honouring young innovators whose ideas successfully advance toward patent protection, reinforcing Gujarat’s growing focus on innovation-driven education.