Students and young innovators from Arunachal Pradesh made a strong presence at the North East Science Fair (NESF) and Innovation Festival (IF)-2026, held from February 11 to 14 at the National Science Centre in Guwahati. The participants represented the Innovation Hub of the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre under the State Council for Science and Technology (APSCS&T), highlighting the growing interest of the state’s youth in science, research, and innovation. At the regional event, the team presented three different projects that reflected practical ideas and scientific creativity. A project on sound visualisation was presented by Class 9 students Tinyo Sarah and Rei Zerjum from the APSC Innovation Hub. Another project focusing on smart restaurant automation was presented by Class 9 students Shalom Nilling and Wennom Wangno from Exalt Foundation School in Itanagar. A third project, based on a microbial fuel cell (MFC) power plant, was presented by Takhe Mumpi, a Class 9 student of Sainik School in East Siang district. These projects attracted attention from visitors, teachers, and fellow participants for their simple but practical applications.
Adding pride to the state, innovator Pura Papi Singhi from the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre secured the second prize at the Innovation Festival for her grassroots innovation titled “Automatic Tazar Maker.” The achievement was appreciated by officials and educators, who described it as an example of how local ideas can provide useful solutions for livelihood activities.Officials said that participation in the science fair provided valuable exposure to students and innovators, allowing them to present their ideas, learn from others, and interact with experts from across the northeastern region. Such events, they noted, encourage scientific thinking among young students and motivate them to develop innovative solutions to everyday challenges. Meanwhile, APSCS&T also took part in the 21st National Conference of Heads of Science Museums, which began on February 13 at the Manaskhand Science Centre in Almora, Uttarakhand. The three-day conference, organised by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology under the guidance of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Kolkata, brought together directors and heads of science centres from across the country, along with scientists, policymakers, and experts.
The conference focused on the theme “Future of Science Museums and Science Centres,” discussing the changing role of science museums in education, the use of innovative science communication methods, outreach to remote regions, inclusive public engagement, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in museum development. Experts emphasised that science museums should become active centres of learning and youth engagement rather than only exhibition spaces. APSCS&T Director CD Mungyak co-chaired the first technical session and presented various initiatives of the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre and Innovation Hub. His presentation highlighted experiential learning programmes such as planetarium shows, robotics training, summer science camps, and outreach programmes including the “lab-on-wheels” mobile science exhibition that has reached 29 schools across the state. He also spoke about youth innovation initiatives, grassroots technology development for livelihood support, assistance for local innovators, and the work of institutions such as the Centre of Excellence at Kimin and the Patent Information Centre in promoting research and intellectual property awareness. Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre Curator Vivek Kumar also delivered a presentation focusing on science communication activities, especially the dissemination of grassroots technological innovations that can support income generation in rural areas.
