The Prayoga Institute of Education Research hosted the fourth edition of Anveshana 2025, India’s first free, fully funded, and structured scientific research program for high school students (Grades 9–12). The event spotlighted the work of 53 young researchers, who presented 17 innovative projects at Prayoga’s state-of-the-art campus on Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru.
In a world where curiosity drives innovation, young researchers are often the torchbearers of discovery. This spirit was on full display at the Anveshana 2025 Project Showcase, as the young researchers pushed the boundaries of high school research. “Being part of Anveshana has been a truly transformative experience. The exposure to world-class labs and dedicated mentors has deepened my understanding of scientific inquiry. But what I value most are the meaningful connections I’ve built here, which will inspire me for years to come,” said Vipran Vasan, Grade 11, Greenwood High International School, Bengaluru.
Launched in 2021, Anveshana is not just a student research initiative but also an education research program for Prayoga, designed to study how structured research experiences foster scientific temperament among young learners.
This year’s projects tackled some of the most pressing challenges across science, technology, and sustainability. Highlights included:
- Developing enzymes from bacteria for medical and industrial applications
- Producing clean fuel from crop waste
- Exploring how lifestyle products and traditional herbs influence gut health
- Reducing harmful chemicals formed during cooking
- Identifying healing compounds in plants and thermoelectric materials that convert heat into electricity
- Designing nanosensors for health diagnostics, AI-based air quality prediction tools, and methods to detect microplastics in everyday food items like salt
Each team defended its methodology before a panel of scientists and industry experts, showcasing not just research skills but also an understanding of real-world applications.
The showcase was graced by Chief Guests Prof. P R Krishnawamy and Prof. T N Guru Row, alongside leading scientists, educators, and policy experts. The initiative was supported by SBI Foundation, Deloitte Foundation, Zerodha, and other partners committed to advancing STEM education in India.
Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, Director – Research at Prayoga, speaking about the program said: “Anveshana is both an education research program and a nation-building exercise. Witnessing high school students engage in cutting-edge research with such creativity, curiosity, and rigour is deeply inspiring. These young minds are being shaped into the critical thinkers and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”
Since inception, Anveshana has supported 114 students across 37 projects, leading to 11 publications in prestigious, peer-reviewed, and Scopus-indexed journals such as Elsevier, Journal of Emerging Investigators (Harvard University), and Journal of Chromatographic Science (Oxford University Press). Students have also presented at academic conferences and won several research accolades.
Applications for Anveshana 2026 will open in January, inviting participation from high school students across India. Research outcomes from this year’s showcase are set to be submitted for publication in international journals, further cementing the program’s role in nurturing India’s next generation of scientific innovators.
