SciSol Competition at Kerala Science Congress Spotlights Youth-Led Scientific Innovations
The 38th Kerala Science Congress witnessed a vibrant display of youth-led, science-based innovations through its key event, SciSol (Scientific Solutions). This contest brought together young innovators from across the state to present practical solutions to pressing social and community-level challenges, with a special emphasis on issues relevant to Ernakulam district.
Promoting Real-World Applications of Science
SciSol aimed to foster the application of scientific ideas to real-world problems, encouraging participants to develop affordable and locally applicable solutions. Projects spanned diverse areas including substance abuse, public health, agriculture, urban mobility, and social security, reflecting a comprehensive approach to community development.
Notable Innovations from Young Minds
Among the standout projects, a team from Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) introduced a portable lateral-flow strip-based sensor designed to detect synthetic drugs like MDMA in beverages and biological samples. This system enables rapid, on-site testing, offering a practical tool for combating substance abuse.
Another innovative project, OptiTrace, developed by students of Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology, showcased a non-invasive screening tool. Utilizing a smartphone camera, it analyzes pupil responses to indicate possible drug consumption, providing a user-friendly and accessible solution.
Addressing Agricultural and Public Health Concerns
In the agriculture category, students from Amal Jyothi College of Engineering presented a smart rambutan crop protection system. This innovation uses sound and moving laser light to deter bats and birds, serving as a low-cost alternative to traditional netting methods and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Public health was another key focus, with an AI-enabled acoustic system from Govt Engineering College, Palakkad. This system detects mosquito larvae in stagnant water by analyzing sound patterns, aiding in the prevention of vector-borne diseases through early intervention.
Enhancing Urban Mobility and Traffic Management
Urban traffic management received attention through a project by a team from College of Engineering Trivandrum. They developed a system to dynamically control traffic signals, ensuring smooth passage for ambulances and improving emergency response times in congested areas.
The winners of the SciSol competition are set to be announced at the valedictory session on Monday, recognizing the most impactful innovations.
Technical Sessions on Blue Economy and Marine Development
Beyond SciSol, the Kerala Science Congress featured technical sessions delving into critical topics. A panel organized by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) discussed the role of the blue economy and science-led marine development. Chaired by Kufos vice-chancellor A Bijukumar, the session convened scientists and experts to deliberate on sustainable use of marine bioresources, fisheries management, climate change impacts, and technology-driven interventions for ocean conservation.
This event underscores Kerala's commitment to harnessing scientific talent for societal benefit, inspiring the next generation of innovators to tackle local and global challenges with creativity and precision.
