Outreach Program · CoE SenSRS & ISRS

GeoInnovate Thon 2026

Innovate for Earth, Inspired by Space

25 April 2026|Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Ropar|Classes VIII – XII

Event Overview

The Centre of Excellence in Socio-Environmental Sustainability for River Sand Mining (CoE SenSRS), Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, successfully organized GeoInnovate Thon 2026 on 25 April 2026 at Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Ropar, under the banner of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS).

Conceived as an interdisciplinary outreach initiative, the event aimed to foster scientific curiosity, innovation, and environmental awareness among school students by highlighting the immense potential of Earth and Space Sciences in addressing contemporary global challenges. The program was centered on the inspiring theme “Innovate for Earth, Inspired by Space,” encouraging participants to explore how scientific knowledge and technological advancements can contribute to building a sustainable future.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of Classes VIII to XII, who actively engaged in a diverse range of educational and experiential activities throughout the day. GeoInnovate Thon 2026 provided a unique platform for young learners to interact with experts, gain exposure to emerging technologies, and develop a deeper understanding of the role of space science, remote sensing, and geospatial technologies in environmental monitoring and sustainable resource management. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and competitions, the event successfully bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world scientific applications.

Eminent Keynote Sessions

A major highlight of the event was the series of keynote sessions delivered by eminent experts and professionals, giving students a broader perspective on the applications of scientific research and motivating them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and related fields:

Mr. Aseem K. Sharma (IFS Retd.)Shared valuable insights on environmental stewardship, natural resource conservation, and the importance of sustainable development practices.

Dr. Reet Kamal TiwariAddressed the participants on the growing significance of Earth observation technologies and their contribution to solving environmental challenges.

Dr. Sartajvir Singh DhillonInspired students by discussing scientific innovation, research opportunities, and the importance of cultivating analytical thinking from an early age.

Dr. Vishakha SoodFurther enriched the discussions by highlighting contemporary advancements in science and technology and their societal relevance.

Drone Demonstration & Competition

Live UAV / Drone Demonstration

Another key attraction of the program was the live drone demonstration conducted by Mohit Patial, Mohit Thakur, and Randeep Singh. The demonstration offered participants a hands-on understanding of drone technology and its applications in remote sensing, mapping, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and precision agriculture. Students were fascinated by the practical showcase of how drones collect and analyze geospatial data, reinforcing the connection between theoretical concepts and technological innovation.

Earth & Space Science Competition

The Earth and Space Science Competition served as a vibrant platform for students to showcase their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The competition encouraged participants to think critically about environmental issues and explore innovative solutions inspired by scientific principles and space-based technologies. The enthusiasm and active engagement displayed by the students reflected the success of the event in nurturing scientific temper and innovative thinking.

Awards Ceremony & Gratitude

The program concluded with an Awards and Certificate Distribution Ceremony, recognizing outstanding performances and acknowledging the enthusiastic participation of all students.

“CoE SenSRS, IIT Ropar, expressed its sincere gratitude to the distinguished speakers, organizing teams, institutional partners, teachers, volunteers, and participants whose collective efforts contributed to the grand success of the event. GeoInnovate Thon 2026 stands as a testament to the commitment of IIT Ropar and ISRS toward promoting science education, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation, while inspiring the next generation of researchers, innovators, and responsible global citizens.”