Bengaluru – In an inspiring demonstration of intellectual rigour at the high school level, 53 young researchers from areas across the country like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru presented 17 diverse and groundbreaking projects at the Anveshana 2025 Project Showcase, organised by the Prayoga Institute of Education Research in Bengaluru.
Anveshana, India’s first free and fully funded, structured scientific research program for high-school students of Grades 9–12, is conducted annually, offering participants the opportunity to pursue original research under the mentorship of accomplished domain experts. Students from government, tribal, rural, urban and other diverse socio-economic backgrounds gain access to advanced labs, fieldwork, and expert mentorship. For Prayoga, Anveshana is an Education research project, studying the impact of research on the development of a scientific temperament amongst students.
During the showcase, students presented their findings to a panel of scientists and industry experts, defending their methodologies and demonstrating a deep understanding of the real-world applications of their work. Some of this year’s projects explore creating useful enzymes from bacteria for medicine and industry, producing clean fuel from crop waste, and studying how lifestyle products and traditional herbs affect gut health. Others focus on reducing harmful chemicals formed during cooking, identifying healing compounds in plants, and developing materials that turn heat into electricity. Students also investigated nanosensors for health diagnostics, river rejuvenation, mineral–microbe interactions, AI-based air quality prediction, and detecting microplastics in everyday food items like salt.
“Anveshana gave me the opportunity to work under experienced mentors who encouraged us to think independently, explore diverse perspectives, and develop our solutions to research problems. This approach has not only strengthened our critical thinking but has also deepened our passion for science” said Ms. Likhila B. K., a 10th grade student from St. Francis School, Bengaluru.
Since its inception in 2021, Anveshana has supported 114 students through 37 projects, resulting in 11 publications in prestigious international, peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals such as Elsevier, Journal of Emerging Investigators (Harvard University), Journal of Chromatographic Science (Oxford University Press), and several other international platforms. Students have also presented posters at academic conferences and won awards for their work.
“Being part of Anveshana has been a truly transformative experience for me. As someone aspiring to pursue research in the future, the exposure to world-class lab facilities and the guidance of dedicated mentors has significantly deepened my understanding of scientific inquiry. What I value most about Prayoga, however, is the people and the meaningful connections I have built here. These relationships, along with the learning, will continue to inspire me in all my future endeavours.”, expressed Mr. Vipran Vasan, an 11th grade student from Greenwood High International School, Bengaluru.
The event, held at Prayoga’s state-of-the-art campus on Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru, brought together a distinguished gathering of scientists, educators, and policy leaders. Chief Guests Prof. P R Krishnawamy, Designation, and Prof. T N Guru Row joined other eminent dignitaries to witness the students’ work. The initiative was supported by SBI Foundation, Deloitte Foundation, Zerodha, among others.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, Director – Research, Prayoga said, “Anveshana is an education research program for Prayoga and a nation-building exercise. The showcase this year highlighted not only the scientific rigour of our students but also their creativity, curiosity, and perseverance in addressing complex scientific challenges. It is deeply inspiring to witness high school students engage in cutting-edge research at a global standard, and we believe this experience will shape them into critical thinkers and problem solvers for the future.”
Students in India often lack access to quality research due to limited exposure, mentorship, and resources. Cultivating scientists within the school education system is essential to address these gaps and build a strong foundation for inquiry-led learning. Prayoga’s Anveshana program addresses these gaps by embedding research into school education, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, to prepare young minds to represent India’s scientific talent globally.
Anveshana will open applications for its 2026 edition in January, inviting participation from high school students across India. The research outcomes from this year’s showcase will soon be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals for publication.
