Dheyay Shah wins vivo Ignite 2026 for AI groundwater project

On October 28, 2026, vivo India announced Dheyay Shah from RMG Maheshwari English School in Surat, Gujarat, as the national winner of vivo Ignite 2026 for his project JALAAKAR. This innovative initiative utilizes AI and historical data to predict groundwater availability, addressing a critical issue in water management. The competition, now in its fourth edition, saw participation from over 38,000 students representing more than 12,000 schools across India, showcasing the increasing interest in STEM education among young innovators.

The JALAAKAR project, titled 'The Shape of Water: Predict, Alert, & Act', employs machine learning techniques alongside historical groundwater-related data to estimate water availability at the taluka level. Recognized for its potential to support informed water management decisions, the project stood out among many. The announcement was made during the vivo Ignite 2026 National Finale, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where the top ten student innovations were celebrated for their creativity and problem-solving skills.

This year’s competition featured 13 young innovators who presented eight individual and two group projects, offering solutions to real-world challenges such as groundwater conservation, women’s online safety, and assistive technologies. The program provides educational scholarships and rewards valued at up to INR 35 lakh to encourage innovation among students in grades 8-12. The growing participation across 4,500 cities and 705 districts reflects the initiative's potential to become one of India's largest school-level STEM innovation platforms.

Geetaj Channana, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at vivo India, congratulated Dheyay Shah and the top ten finalists, emphasizing the program's ambition to empower young minds and foster innovation. The National Finale brought together student innovators, educators, and industry stakeholders, highlighting collaborative efforts to recognize and support the achievements of young talent. The event also featured the National Teacher Innovation Fellowship, acknowledging educators for their innovative approaches to STEM education.

As vivo Ignite continues to expand, the initiative aims to strengthen its reach, particularly in government schools and Aspirational Districts, while enhancing mentorship opportunities for students. The evaluation of the top projects was conducted by a jury of academicians and industry experts, focusing on creativity, feasibility, and potential social impact. With the recognition of Dheyay Shah’s project, vivo Ignite 2026 reinforces the importance of nurturing innovation in technology and education, contributing to India's long-term goals for innovation and development.