DTU Student Kush Garg Wins IET India Scholarship for AI Device

Kush Garg, a student from Delhi Technological University (DTU), has gained notable recognition by winning the 10th IET India Scholarship Award for 2026. This award was given for his development of an innovative artificial intelligence-based device designed to assist neurodivergent children in managing everyday social situations. Garg stood out among a remarkable pool of 48,761 engineering students who applied for this prestigious scholarship, earning the title of national winner. The announcement, made on October 12, 2026, highlighted the role of technology in addressing the social challenges faced by children with differences in communication and social interaction.

The device created by Garg combines artificial intelligence (AI) with the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor-based inputs. It offers context-sensitive assistance tailored to the child’s immediate environment and social cues. The project aims to aid children in various scenarios, such as ordering food in a café, shopping for groceries, using public transport, and participating in classroom discussions. By focusing on these practical applications, the device seeks to empower children to better understand social contexts and respond appropriately, ultimately enhancing their confidence in everyday interactions.

This initiative was born from the challenge titled “Technical Solutions for Integration of Neurodivergent Children into Society.” Garg’s project emphasizes practical assistance, reflecting a commitment to making daily activities more accessible for children who may face difficulties with communication and social interaction. However, details regarding the device's market availability or results from clinical testing have not been disclosed.

The IET India Scholarship 2026 also acknowledged two other engineering students as runners-up: Omkar Jadhav from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology secured the first runner-up position, while V. Avinash from BIT Mesra was named the second runner-up. Notably, the total scholarship prize pool for this edition increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh. The program evaluates students based on their academic performance, innovation, leadership, and problem-solving skills in real-world engineering challenges.

The recognition of Kush Garg’s project underscores the importance of engineering solutions that address genuine human needs. Ajay Salariya, the India Awards and Scholarships Manager at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), highlighted the significance of developing technology that is socially relevant. Garg’s device exemplifies how emerging technologies can create more inclusive environments, though its real-world impact will depend on further development and testing.