Pune : 500 govt school students present 100 inventive solutions to real world problems at Makers Factory 

The event marked the launch of Vision Digital Pune, hosted by the Pi Jam Foundation in association with Pune Municipal Corporation 

Pune, Maharashtra – After a year dedicated to innovation and problem-solving, over 500 students and 100 educators from Pune district government schools came together to present 100 inventive prototype solutions at the Makers Factory. 

The event, which serves as a testament to the ingenuity of our next generation was inaugurated by Kurush Irani, CSR Head Bajaj Finserv, Dr. Manorama Aware, Project Officer Samagra Shiksha PMC and Dr. Jyoti Shinde, IT Head, SCERT Pune. 

Among the myriad of impressive solutions to the problems, notable standouts included the Transgate Access Control system for PMPL buses, Pad Wise Easy Guide to Periods a SealPad Smart Packing solution utilising unplugged computing, a sign language translator, and a program aimed at Protecting Phones from Scams.

A scalable business plan for a garage in villages by ZP school students also caught the attention of the guests.

The spotlight shone brightly on the 6th and 7th-grade students, who captivated the audience with a skit exploring the intricate relationship between Artificial Intelligence and humanity. Furthermore, a student-led panel discussion delved into the role of future skills in our lives with women CSR leaders. 

In a celebration of young talent, 14 students who have won the Inspire Manak Award executed by DST with National Innovation Foundation were felicitated at the event.

The Makers Factory event also heralded the launch of Vision Digital Pune, a collaborative endeavour committed to ensuring that every child in the Pune district has the opportunity to receive 21st century skills education. This marks the convergence of the ecosystem – government, CSRs, NGO partners and all stakeholders towards digital access, future skills curriculum for students and capacity building of teachers. 

Dr. Manorama Aware expressed, “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to PMC, PCMC, and PI JAM Foundation for their commendable collaboration, showcasing the spirit of ‘for the students and by the students.’ A special round of applause goes to the dedicated team at Makers Factory whose efforts truly made this event a success. These young minds, the future of our nation, are the real Makers Factory, and their initiative deserves immense recognition. The innovative models and projects presented were indeed exceptional and reflective of their out-of-the-box thinking.”

This student-driven platform is dedicated to elevating student perspectives, critiques, and innovative ideas towards forging a digitally empowered Pune. 

The launch of Vision Digital Pune at Makers Factory, hosted by the Pi Jam Foundation was in partnership with the Pune Municipal Corporation and supported by Bajaj Finserv.