The National Innovation Foundation (NIF) in India supports grassroots innovations through its Value Addition, Research, and Development (VARD) process, particularly focusing on engineering-related innovations. The process begins with the technical assessment of entries submitted by innovators, followed by prototyping and product development with support from NIF, which includes technical and financial assistance. Value addition techniques are then employed to enhance the utility, quality, and market value of the innovations. Rigorous testing and validation ensure performance, reliability, and safety, often involving field trials and user feedback sessions. Additionally, capacity building initiatives such as training sessions, mentoring workshops, and internships for young students are organized to enhance the skills of innovators and promote societal development.

PROCESS

National Innovation Foundation (NIF) India focuses on Value Addition, Research and Development (VARD) to support grassroots innovations and promote sustainable development. The overview of the VARD process followed for engineering related innovations, is given below:

1. Technical Documentation and Assessment: The entries submitted by grassroots innovators in its biennial competition are reviewed by Scouting, Documentation and Database Management Division of NIF. The entries accepted in competition, are forwarded to VARD _engineering division for further assessment and completing technical documentation (if required). During detailed assessment, detailed prior art search and subject matter’s opinion are taken to establish novelty, technical feasibility, economic viability, and scalability.

2. Prototyping /Product Development: Innovations with high potential for value addition are further developed and refined through prototyping. NIF provides technical and financial support to innovators to improve the design, performance, and marketability of their innovations. Multiple approached are followed to develop a well functional prototype, it may be done by innovator himself, by team of NIF in its fab lab, by engaging fabricators (other than innovator), taking help of design firms, institutions supporting innovations and other innovators.

3. Value Addition (Improved Prototype /Product Development): NIF employs various value addition techniques to enhance the utility, quality, and market value of the innovations. This may include improving the design or functionality of the innovation, optimizing production processes, adding new features or functionalities, or integrating complementary technologies.The value added prototype /products are developed by a) Innovators in guidance of NIF team/experts/other innovators, b) NIF team at its Fab Lab, c) Engg/Design students in guidance of NIF team and/or external experts, d) Institutional collaboration, e) engaging Design firms in project mode,f) engaging Fabricators, etc.

4. Testing and Validation:Prototypes undergo rigorous testing and validation to ensure their performance, reliability, and safety. This may involve field trials, user feedback sessions, and performance testing under simulated/real conditions taking help of relevant agencies/institutions to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the prototypes /products.

5. Capacity Building of Innovators and Young Students:In order to build capacity of innovators NIF organises their training sessions and mentoring workshops. Young buddies from different engineering /design institutions are also given internship on live projects for societal development. NIF also organizes workshops, training programs, and knowledge sharing events to build awareness and enhance the skills of grassroots innovators.

ENGINEERING PROJECTS

No Title Innovator/Community Concerned Laboratory/Institution Sanctioned Date Duration Status

ENGINEERING PATENTS

Sr. Innovator's Name/ Community Innovation Title State From Application Number Priority Date Current Status Filed Through Patent No Date Of Grant

FAB LAB

The Fab Lab (Fabrication Laboratory) at the National Innovation Foundation India (NIF) is a crucial initiative aimed at fostering innovation and creativity among grassroots inventors and innovators. It is designed to provide advanced prototyping and fabrication facilities, enabling these innovators to transform their ideas into tangible products. This initiative supports the vision of democratizing access to technology and nurturing a culture of innovation at the grassroots level in India.

Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and machinery, including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and various electronic and mechanical fabrication tools, the lab facilitates rapid prototyping. This allows innovators to efficiently test and refine their concepts.

The Fab Lab serves as a platform for collaboration, bringing together grassroots innovators, researchers, engineers, and designers to foster a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. It helps bridge the gap between informal and formal sectors of innovation.

By providing access to advanced fabrication technologies, the Fab Lab empowers local communities, students, and innovators to create solutions that address local challenges. It promotes self-reliance and skill development, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development.

Numerous innovations have been developed and refined at the Fab Lab, showcasing the diverse potential of grassroots ingenuity. This initiative not only supports individual innovators but also contributes to the broader objectives of sustainable development and inclusive growth in India.

1. Machines for Rapid Prototyping: Laser cutting machines, VMC CNC machines, CNC turning machines, CNC mould die engravers, CNC EDM wire cut machines, 3D printers, 3D scanners, PCB engravers, Laser welding machines, CNC routers for woodworking, Vacuum forming machines, High-temperature furnace, CNC plasma cutting machines, etc.

2. Machines for Basic Fabrication: Basic fabrication machines are essential for transforming design concepts into tangible products. Key equipment includes lathe machines, which are crucial for precision turning, cutting, and shaping cylindrical objects, allowing detailed work on materials like metal and wood. Drill machines are used for creating precise holes in various materials, vital for assembly and detailed fabrication tasks. Milling machines are versatile, performing complex cutting and shaping tasks on a variety of materials. Shaping machines enable the creation of specific shapes and forms in metal and other materials. Metal sheet bending machines are used to bend and shape metal sheets, essential for creating structural components and intricate designs. These machines collectively provide the fundamental capabilities needed for effective and efficient fabrication in a FAB LAB.

DESIGN REGISTRATION

Sr. Name Design Title Application No Priority Date Current Status Filed Through

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP

NIF has established community workshops in different rural areas of the country at the premises of seasoned innovators so that other grassroots innovators of the region can have access to fabrication facilities and also learn from the experiences of such innovators. 71 such workshops have been established in 24 states of the country (list below).

Many times some ideas which need trial and error, could not be developed due to lack of dimensional drawings, required for communication with the fabricators. Also many times the innovators don’t get it fabricated due to fear of copying by the other fabricators; the community workshop would facilitate the conversion of ideas/dreams into reality. The type of facility provided varies as per innovator’s skills and experience, and facilities already available with him.

All the innovators are willing to help other innovators of the region. Meeting cum workshop of regional innovators are organized from time to time so that the innovators can share their experience, learn the tricks of precise and economic fabrication with minimal wastage

S. No. Innovator Address State Preferred language for communication
1 C V Raju Hasthakala Nilayam, etikopakka, Yelalamachili Mandal, Vizag, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh - 531082 Andhra Pradesh English, Telgu
2 Mihin Yalio Pussang Limpia, Upper Tajang, Ziro, Lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh,791120 Arunachal Pradesh English
3 Mehtar Hussain and Mustak Ahmed Muslim Ghopha, Teh: Darang, Via: Sipajhar, Dist: Dibrugarh, Assam - 784145 Assam Assamese
4 Uddhab Bharali U K B Agro Tech, K B Road North Lakhimpur, District: Lakhimpur, Assam 787001 Assam English
5 Kanak Das Ward No 3, Mori HiraGaon, Dist: Marigaon, Assam 782105 Assam Assamese, Hindi
6 Karunakanta Nath Nadatari, Hengalpara, Darrang, Assam -784148 Assam Assamese
7 Md. Aminuddin Ahmed North East Refrigirator & Electricals, Darbar Road, Village: Arjunguri District - Sibasagar, Assam 785640 Assam Assamese, Hindi
8 Nabajit Bharali C/o Mr. RudraBharali, Michamari Gaon, P/O: Michamari, District: Dhemaji, Assam -787026 Assam Assamese, Hindi
9 Milan Jyoti Das Village and Post: Soneswar, Via: Kamalpur, District Kamrup, Assam -781382 Assam Assamese, Hindi
10 Suren Barua Tea Engineering Works, A.T. Road, Panitola, Tinisukia , Assam, 786183 Assam Assamese
11 Durlov Gogoi M./s Gogoi Innovations , Dhaman Nalani Kapouhuam P/O: Dhaman, P/s Tingkhang, District: Dibrugarh, Assam; 786610 Assam Assamese
12 Saruj Chetia Aichang Innovation and Research, Village: Naojan Gaon; PO: Nitai pukhuri, Dimou, District: Sivasagar, Assam -785671 Assam Assamese
13 Bijoy Tisso Ram Sing Tisso Gaon, PO: Baghpani, PS: Dokmoka, Dist. Karbi Anglong, Assam 782441 Assam Assamese
14 Buddheswar Pamy Vill-Shantipur, Po-Demow, Teh-Sisiborgaon, Dhemaji, Assam 787059 Assam Assamese
15 Birendra Sinha Muhalla: Belwanwa, Post- Motihari, Distt: Purvi Champaran, Bihar, 845401 Bihar Hindi
16 Kapil Dev Thakur Vill & Po-Bariyarpur, Dist : Sitamadhi, Bihar 843302 Bihar Hindi
17 Usman Shekhani P.O. Bhanupratappur Dist: Kanker, Chhatisgarah -494669 Chhatisgarah Hindi
18 Lakhan Lal Patel Village- Budeli, PO- Malda, Tahsil- Sarangarh, Dist- Raigarh, Chhattisgarh- 496001 Chhatisgarah Hindi
19 Amrutbhai Agrawat Vill-Pikhor, Post-Maliya, Dist: Junagadh, Gujarat, 362227 Gujarat Gujarati
20 Mansukhbhai Jagani Mota Devaliya, Dist. Amreli, Gujarat, 365410 Gujarat Gujarati
21 Gopalbhai Surtia At. Katholi, Taluka. Sankheda, Dist. Baroda, Gujarat - 391145 Gujarat Gujarati
22 Paresh Panchal 302, Kalptaru Complex, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054 Gujarat Gujarati, Hindi
23 Arvindbhai Patel 92, Pragatinagar Society, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat,380026 Gujarat Gujarati, Hindi
24 Mansukh Prajapati Ramkrishnanagar , Panchasar Road, Village: Wankaner, Taluka: Morbi, District: Rajkot, Gujarat,363621 Gujarat Hindi, Gujarati
25 Nattubhai Wadher Village Erwada Patadi, Dist: Surendranagar, Gujarat- 382750 Gujarat Gujarati, Hindi
26 Dharamveer Kamboj Village Damla, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana,135001 Haryana Hindi
27 Jeetender Mallik Village : Seenkh, Tehsil: Israna, District : Panipat, Haryana,132107 Haryana Hindi
28 Mushtaq Ahmed Dar R/o Kreri, Teh. Doru, Dist: Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir - 192211 Jammu & Kashmir Hindi
29 Mohd RafiqAhnager Village : Adlash-MagamSirguffara, Near Masjid Sharif Post Sirguffara, Dist: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir- 192401 Jammu & Kashmir Hindi
30 Shafi Ahangar  R/o Kapran,Po-Verinag,, Teh: Doru, Dist: Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, 192211 Jammu & Kashmir Hindi
31 Sukhram Mistry Doda Toly, Power Ganj, PO: Power Ganj, Lohardaga, Jharkhand - 835302 Jharkhand Hindi
32 Annasaheb Udgavi Pattanmoduthotta, Post: Sadhalga, Taluka: Chikkodi, Dist: Belgaum, Karnataka,591201 Karnataka Kannada, Marathi
33 G. K. Rathnakar Turbo Turbine Lights, Jayapura, Koppataluk, Chickmagalur district, Karnataka - 577123 Karnataka English, Kannada
34 Biju Narayanan 86, Thachananicked (H), Po-Vazhithala, Via-Thodupuzha, Idukki, Kerala 685583 Kerala Malyalam
35 Roshanlal Vishwakarma At. & Po. Mekh, Tehsil: Gotegaon, Dist: Narsimhapur, Madhya Pradesh,487114 Madhya Pradesh Hindi
36 Maharaj Singh Lodhi Nayarkheda, Richhavar, Udaypura, District: Raisen, Madhya Pradesh - 464774 Madhya Pradesh Hindi
37 Rajpal Singh Narvariya Village : Jamakhedi, Post: Garenthi, Teh: Chanderi, Dist: Ashok Nagar, Madhya Pradesh 473440 Madhya Pradesh Hindi
38 Gopal Malhari Bhise Shendurni, Taluka: Jamner, Dist: Jalgaon, Maharashtra -424204 Maharashtra Marathi, Hindi
39 Shaikh Jahangir Supreme Colony, Opp. Dutta Dairy, Nr. Dr. Pramod Chaudhary's Clinic, Jalgaon, Maharashtra - 425002 Maharashtra Hindi, Marathi
40 Indrajit Balvirsingh Khas Gurunanak Engineering Works, A/P Soygaon, Tal: Soygaon, Dist: Aurangabad,Maharashtra - 431120 Maharashtra Hindi, Marathi
41 Kshetrimayum Nicholson Singh Wangkhei Koijam Leikai, Post. Poromat, Nr. Wangkhei Meihouban Leikai, Dist: Imphal East, Manipur 795001 Manipur Hindi, English, Manipuri
42 Maibam Deben Singh Singjameri chingamakha, Imphal west Imphal west, Imphal - , Manipur,795008 Manipur Manipuri
43 M. Manihar Sharma Nongmeibung Wangkheirakpam Leikai (Pung Makhong), P.O. Porompat, District: Imphal East, Manipur -795005 Manipur Hindi, Manipuri
44 A. K. Mawlong ELHANAN', Langkyrding Mihngi, Block IV, Shillong, Meghalaya - 793001 Meghalaya English
45 H.V. Lalzuimawia C/o Dr P.C. Biaksiama, House No 37/A, P.O. Vaivakawn, Aizawl, Mizoram,796009 Mizoram Mizo
46 L. Ralte and L. Sailo P&B Machinery Y 143 A/1, Ramhlun, South Aizwal, Mizoram -796001 Mizoram English and Mizo
47 Lalpiangliana Sailo H.no: Z A37,Village-Salem Veng,Locality-Mualpui Tlang,Po-Kulikawn, Aizawl, Mizoram 796005 Mizoram Mizo
48 Lanu Jamir Zip Engg and Innovation Centre, 138, Sector A, Lane 7, Aoyimti Village, Dimapur, Nagaland-797112 Nagaland English
49 Selichum Sangtam Vill. Angangba, P.O.- Longkhim, Locality- Angangba Forest, Landmark - Longkhim Town, Tuenasang, Nagaland 798616 Nagaland Naga
50 Imlitoshi Namo H No 19 A, Arkong Ward, 1st floor, Above Eagle Printing Press, Opp New Market, Mokochung, Nagaland 798601 Nagaland English
51 Imna Meren Suhoi Village, Dimapur District, Nagaland 797112 Nagaland English
52 Sadhu Patel Village- Salepali, Post: Paikmal, District- Bargarh, Odisha 768039 Odisha Hindi, Odiya
53 Madhab Behera Phuka, Post: Rudayagiri, Dist: Gajapati, Odisha 761016 Odisha Odiya
54 Gopabandhu Patel Kegaon, Block Golanunda, Dist: Kalahandi, Odisha 766036 Odisha Odiya
55 Jogendra Patra Srabana, Post Agria, Block: Betanati, Dist: Mayurbhanj, Odisha 757025 Odisha Odiya
56 Pramod Kumar Pradhan R Padikia, Post : Rattinga, Block G Udaygiri, Dist: Kalahandi, Odisha 762100 Odisha Odiya
57 Sadasibo Majhi PWD colony (Dhepasahi), Post Jeypore, Dist- Koraput, Odisha 764001 Odisha Odiya
58 Ranjeet Mirig Post: Gadamunda, Via : Remad, Block: Dhankauda, Dist: Sambalpur, Orissa -768004 Orissa Oriya
59 Gurmail Singh Dhonshi Dhonsi Mechanization, Padampur, Dist: Shri Ganganagar, Rajasthan,335041 Rajasthan Hindi
60 Madan Lal Kumawat Village Danta, Dist Sikar, Rajasthan,332702 Rajasthan Hindi
61 Mohammad Yusuf Khan Yussuf krishi yantra udyog, Fatehpur road, In-front of hotel paradise, Sikar, Rajasthan - 312001 Rajasthan Hindi
62 Raisingh Dahiya F937, Mahadev Industries, Nr Bharat Gas Go-down, VKI Road No. 14, Jaipur, Rajasthan- 302013 Rajasthan Hindi
63 V. Jayaprakash JP Tech, 8A, Vilan kurichi road,shivananda puram,Coimbatore,Tamilnadu,641035 Tamil Nadu Malayalam
64 D. N. Venkat 3/940, Vetrivelava Nagar, Poochiyur, Narasimhanaicken Palayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641031 Tamil Nadu Tamil
65 M. Abdul Razzak 149, Nabigal Nayagam Street, Beebikulam, Madurai , Tamil Nadu , 625002 Tamil Nadu Tamil
66 Ranjan Dhar North Jogendra Nagar, Vill & Po-Jogendra Nagar, West Tripura, Tripura - 799004 Tripura Bengali, Hindi
67 Abdul Kaleem S/o Md Aziz Mansuri(Arfi), Deoria Khas, Bhujauli road, Arfi Manjil, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh- 274001 Uttar Pradesh Hindi
68 Sukhranjan Mistry Village: Dev Nagar (Shakti Farm No. 3),Post: Shakti Farm, Tehsil: Sitar Ganj, Dist: Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand 262405 Uttarakhand Hindi, Bengali
69 Dipak Sardar Sri Krishna Nagar, Sardar Para, Joy Nagar, S 24 Parganas, West Bengal 743372 West Bengal Bengali
70 Bakul Chandra Das Village- Basanta, PO- Trimohini, Dist- Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal- 733126 West Bengal Bengali
71 Mohan Sharma Kabilpur, Angargoria , Dist : Birbhum, West Bengal -731132 West Bengal Bengali

PUBLICATIONS

Patel, K., Nayaka, M., Maheshwari, R. and Chauhan, D. (2023). Design and Development of Ragi (Finger Millet) Thresher. In: Chakrabarti, A., Singh, V. (eds) Design in the Era of Industry 4.0, Volume 2. ICORD 2023. Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies, vol 342. Springer, Singapore.

Pawar, P., Gardia, S., Gupta, A., Jakasania, R. andMaheshwari, R. (2023). Design and Development of an Ergonomic Rag Picking Kit for Rag Pickers. In: Chakrabarti, A., Singh, V. (eds) Design in the Era of Industry 4.0, Volume 2. ICORD 2023. Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies, vol 342. Springer, Singapore.

Patel K. & Kamila R. (2023). प्याज़ की पत्ती और जड़ काटने का औजार. कृषि कुंभ, 3(7): 25-26.

Sharma, A., & Maheshwari, R. (2022). Novel Fall Prevention Technique in Staircase Using Microsoft Kinect. Sustainable Advanced Computing. Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, 840. Springer, Singapore.

Mihir, L., Kadam, R., Maheshwari, R., Upadhyaya, D., Dahiya, R., and Patel, R. (2019), Performance Evaluation of Downdraft Gasifier for ‘Refuse Derived Fuel’.  In Technologies for sustainable development Talyor & Francis Group, London

Patel, H., Prajapati, A. and Maheshwari, R. (2018). Design and implementation of solar weeding robot for cotton field. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology. 5 (4): 3295-3298.

Chhajed, K., Maheshwari, R., Lohar, R. and Kanadiya, K. (2016). Assistive Aid for Women Workers Carrying Load on Their Head: A Case Study. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology. 5 (2): 2159-2168.

Solanki, V., Vyas, D., Patel, M., Patil, S., Pathan, J., Sheikh, N., Maheshwari, R. and  Garg, T. (2016). Cotton Wick Making Machine - a case study of in situ incubation. Technomic Review.

Mahipalchary, K., Maheswari, R., Ravikumar, R.K., Chauhan, M., Kinhekar, A., Kumar, V. and Kumar, V. (2015). Integrated approach for Engaging Farming Community- Opportunities and Challenges for Low Cost Inputs. International Journal of Agriculture Innovations and Research. 3 (6): 1691-1695.

Maheshwari, R., Vishpute, V. and Kumar, V. (2014). Grassroots innovations in farm machinery sector: Scope and challenges; Proceedings in National Meet of Tractor and Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers (TAMM 2014), 10-19

ACTIVITIES

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) from Institutions/Organizations/Agencies

Purpose

To add value to innovative technologies developed by Grassroots Innovators in Agricultural Machinery, Textiles/Looms, Automobiles, General Utility Products, Automation, etc.

The National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Indian institutions and organizations to collaborate on advancing grassroots technological innovations in agricultural machinery, textile/looms, automobiles, general utility products, and more. NIF provides structured support to grassroots innovators and traditional knowledge holders through activities like scouting, documentation, patent filing, prototyping, value addition, validation, and diffusion (both social and commercial).

Grassroots innovators often create prototypes from locally available resources to solve immediate problems, but these solutions may not be optimized for broader marketability. NIF is looking for partners who can refine and transform such prototypes into viable, marketable products by integrating scientific, design, and engineering expertise.

Eligibility Requirements

The applying institution/organization must be a registered Indian entity with experience in designing and developing marketable products, particularly innovative technologies in fields such as agricultural machinery, food processing machinery, textiles and looms, general utility products, automation, etc.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate expertise in related fields, evidenced by past projects and the credentials of core team members. Organizations lacking relevant experience, providing incomplete or incorrect information, or failing to show verifiable outcomes will not be considered.

Submission Process

Interested institutions/organizations should submit their EOI along with a portfolio detailing their work in technology development.

Details of specific technologies will be shared upon signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to facilitate a project proposal with the organisiations meeting the above mentioned eligibility criteria. All proposals will be reviewed by an Expert Committee, and only those with clear objectives, deliverables, and a reasonable budget will be considered.

Expressions of interest can be sent via email ( rakesh@nifindia.org ) or by post to:

Er. Rakesh Kumar Maheshwari

Scientist E

National Innovation Foundation - India

Amrapur, Gandhinagar-Mahudi Road

Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382650