Ahmedabad, March 23 (NationPress) Over 200 patent applications have been submitted for innovative projects created by students during the ‘Robofest Gujarat 5.0’ event, as announced during the final ceremony at Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad on Monday.

The patents were processed through the Patent Information Cell (PIC) of the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), showcasing a commitment to transforming student concepts into intellectual property and functional technologies.

This competition has evolved into a prestigious national platform, drawing participants from leading educational institutions across the country.

The Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia, who chaired the event, presented awards totaling Rs 5 crore to the winning teams and announced the next edition, ‘Robofest Gujarat 6.0’.

During his address, Modhwadia remarked that today's world is characterized by robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced technology, emphasizing that countries excelling in these areas will dominate globally.

“The establishment of the Department of Science and Technology in Gujarat in 2003, initiated by then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, laid the groundwork for the state’s technological leadership,” he stated.

He elaborated, “The advancement of the semiconductor sector in Gujarat exemplifies this progress. Technology now pervades every sector from industry to defense, and the country mastering it will have a significant global influence.”

Modhwadia pointed out India's burgeoning semiconductor industry, highlighting that facilities being built in Sanand and Dholera will be critical in positioning India as a global center.

He also emphasized that initiatives aimed at bringing advanced foreign technologies, such as semiconductor chips, into India have bolstered the country's self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, he noted the expanding prospects for young engineers and students in the fields of robotics and quantum technology.

Commenting on the students' capabilities, he stated: “The sophisticated robots created by school students today are a testament to the younger generation's talent. Gujarat is continually enhancing its startup ecosystem, showcasing that young innovators are poised to contribute to a technologically robust India.”

Dr. Debanik Roy, Head Scientist of the Robotics Division at BARC and Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee for Robofest 5.0, remarked that every team that reached the grand finale is a winner.

“This competition represents more than just a single event; it is a comprehensive learning experience. Over the past five years, Robofest has emerged as one of the largest national competitions, and I am confident it will continue to grow in the future. Our nation’s advancement relies on developing indigenous technology, and Gujarat's initiatives are effectively nurturing technical skills through application-focused robotics,” he noted.

Dr. Narottam Sahu, an advisor at GUJCOST, stated that 2,096 teams took part in this year's competition, marking it as the largest robotics contest in India.

“Through the state’s science, technology, and innovation policy, we are cultivating an ecosystem where student ideas can transition into prototypes and subsequently into actual technologies. The competition is not merely a contest; it serves as a platform for fostering future startups and technocrats,” he shared.

Participation included esteemed institutions like IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Bombay.

Among all participants, 137 teams advanced to the final prototype phase, competing in junior and senior categories across fields such as AI homobots, autonomous driving systems, aerial robotics, and underwater vehicles.

In the junior category, the first place prize was Rs 5 lakh, second place Rs 3 lakh, and third place Rs 2 lakh, alongside a consolation prize of Rs 1 lakh. Winners included Vardhman Vidyalaya from Mehsana for AI Homobots, Delhi Public School from Anand for AI Autonomous Driving Bots, Calcutta Boys School for Maze Solving Robots, and St. Kabir School from Ahmedabad for Robo Athletics.

In the senior category, first place received Rs 10 lakh, second place Rs 7.5 lakh, and third place Rs 5 lakh. Winners were Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College for Aerial Robotics, Government Engineering College, Gandhinagar, for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, for Autonomous Maze Solver Robot, Parul University for Intelligent Ground Vehicle, and CHARUSAT University in the application-based IEEE R10 category.

The event also showcased a film chronicling the five-year journey of Robofest Gujarat, with students from Gujarat and other states sharing their experiences.