DTU Student Wins IET India Scholarship for AI Device

Kush Garg, a student at Delhi Technological University (DTU), has been awarded the 10th IET India Scholarship Award for his innovative development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled device designed to assist neurodivergent children. This device helps children navigate everyday situations independently, including ordering food, shopping, and engaging in classroom discussions. Garg was selected as the National Winner from a competitive pool of 48,761 engineering students across India, highlighting the significance of his work and the rigorous selection process of the scholarship program. The IET India Scholarship Award recognizes undergraduate engineering students who demonstrate strong academic performance, innovation, and leadership. The selection process involved multiple stages of evaluation, including academic assessments, online tests, regional competitions, and National Finals. Garg's project distinguished itself through its practical application and its focus on addressing the needs of neurodivergent children, underscoring the importance of understanding user experiences in developing technological solutions.

Garg’s award-winning device is a compact Internet of Things (IoT) tool that employs sensors and AI to offer real-time, context-aware assistance. By evaluating various factors such as activities, preferences, and social cues, the device helps children understand and respond to their environments. This approach enables neurodivergent children to engage more confidently in social situations and daily tasks, ultimately promoting greater independence. The scholarship program has experienced significant growth this year, with the total prize pool increasing from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing emerging engineering talent in India. The initiative has become a flagship program of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), encouraging not only academic excellence but also the application of engineering principles to real-world challenges.

This year’s competition emphasized the importance of tackling impactful problems, as noted by Ajay Salariya, the India Awards & Scholarships Manager at IET. Looking ahead, Garg's achievement serves as an inspiration for future engineering students to pursue innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. The recognition he received through the scholarship highlights the value of empathy and user-centered design in engineering. As the program continues to support aspiring engineers, it is likely to play a crucial role in fostering advancements in technology that can enhance lives and promote inclusivity for diverse communities.