FLO Northeast, under the leadership of Chairperson Ms. Rashmi Manchanda, in collaboration with Northeast Centre for Equity Action on Integrated Development (NEAID), organized the final round of the STEM Initiative at Mystique Mayong Resort, Assam. The session took place after the successful STEM Orientation Session held on December 12, 2025.
The final event was initiated by Ms. Avantika Gupta, Vertical Head – STEM, FICCI FLO Northeast, and Ms. Rashmi Manchanda, Chairperson, FICCI FLO Northeast. It was conceptualized to introduce students from rural and semi-urban backgrounds to the principles of Design Thinking, enabling them to identify real-life challenges and develop innovative, practical solutions relevant to their communities.
In the first phase, approximately 200 students were introduced to core Design Thinking concepts—Empathize, Ideate, and Prototype. The second and final round served as the competitive culmination of the program.
From the participating schools, 5 schools qualified for the final round, with 13 shortlisted student groups presenting their models and concepts. Participating schools involved Minerva Academy, Burha Mayong Janjatiya Higher Secondary School, Madhya Mayong Secondary School, Shankardev Sishu Niketan, Lokapriya GNB Secondary School, and Dignitaries, Jury Members & Mentors.
The event was enriched by the presence of distinguished jury members and mentors who evaluated, guided, and encouraged the students:
- Mr. Ruhini Dutta, District Programme Officer (DPO), Morigaon.
- Prof. Pankaj Upadhyay, Department of Design, IIT Guwahati.
- Dr. Utpal Nath, Professor, Mayong College.
- Ms. Moushumi Mahanta, Principal, Maria Public School.
Their insights and feedback significantly enhanced the learning experience and confidence of the participating students.
Student Innovations
The student teams demonstrated exceptional creativity and problem-solving abilities through solutions addressing everyday challenges, including:
- Automatic Rain Protection for Clothes – Preventing laundry damage during sudden rainfall.
- Sensor-Protected Fencing – Acoustic alerts to prevent crop damage by animals.
- Safety Shoes for Women – A wearable technology concept for women’s safety.
- Solar Stability System – Addressing voltage fluctuations in rural schools.
Awards & Recognition
Projects were evaluated on innovation, problem identification, relevance, and feasibility.
- 1st Prize – ₹10,000
Shankardev Sishu Niketan
- 2nd Prize – ₹8,000
Minerva Academy
- 3rd Prize – ₹5,000
Lokapriya GNB Secondary School
- Consolation Prizes – ₹3,000 each
Madhya Mayong Secondary School
Burha Mayong Janjatiya Higher Secondary School
Consolation prizes were awarded to teams that demonstrated a strong understanding of local challenges, despite early-stage technical development.
Impact
- Students Reached: ~200.
- Finalist Teams: 13.
- Schools Represented: 5.
- Focus Areas: Design Thinking, Innovation, Problem-Solving, and Confidence Building.
- Outcome: Improved critical thinking, practical STEM application, and increased aspiration among students from rural and semi-urban regions.
The STEM Final Round successfully bridged the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. By providing a platform for young innovators, FICCI FLO Northeast empowered students to identify challenges within their communities and develop meaningful, real-world solutions.
The initiative contributed significantly to bringing modern STEM education and mentorship to students from remote areas, leaving a lasting impact on their confidence, creativity, and future aspirations.