Jai Kumar Relwani
November 14, 2025
In 2023, during the first edition of Data & AI Talks, we hosted a press conference to share our vision of nurturing young innovators in emerging technologies. The event was filled with energy, curiosity, and ideas for the future. But one question from a journalist lingered long after the event was over:
“Why are government schools not participating?
Do you believe those students are not fit for the competition?”
In response, I explained the logistical challenges — government schools require official permissions, coordination timelines are longer, and we were unable to complete those formalities that year.
The answer was factual.
But it didn’t feel right.
Because the heart of the question pointed to something larger — access.
And it made me reflect deeply.
For two years, that moment stayed with me.
It reminded me that if we want real impact, the platform must belong to every child — not just those who already have access to opportunities.
So we made a commitment:
When the competition returns, it will return with inclusion at its core.
Immediately after the 2023 competition, we knew we could not wait until the next edition to create change.
So, with support from the Collector’s Office, we signed an MOU to begin building AI Clubs inside government schools.
These clubs became spaces for:
We successfully launched AI Clubs in three government schools, ensuring students received consistent exposure, guidance, and mentoring — not just a one-time event.
This was the beginning of bridging the opportunity gap — one school at a time.
This year, as we launched the second edition — The AI Startup Show Juniors 2025 — we took decisive steps. We got the approval from the Collector’s Office and the District Education Office. With their support, a formal notice was sent inviting government schools across Raipur to participate.
And the response was inspiring.
From these schools, 15 students earned their way into the finals — alongside 35 students from other institutions — making 50 finalists in total.
And then came the moment that defined everything:
Four students from government schools stood on the podium as winners.
Their ideas were brilliant, thoughtful, and full of purpose.
Priyal Sinha
School: Govt. Middle School B.P. Pujari, Raja Talab
Category & Position: Runner Up - Group B
Innovation: SmaranAI — A guide to explore Indian History in an interactive, digital storytelling format
Abheek Roy
School: Shaheed Smarak Utkrisht Vidyalaya, Fafadih
Category & Position: Runner Up - Group C
Innovation: DataGuard — A device to protect personal data by bypassing unwanted tracking & cookie traces
Shriya Sirmour
School: PM Shri Pt. R.D. Tiwari School, Raipur
Category & Position: Winner - Group D
Innovation: DietBuddy — An ingredient decoder that analyzes food content and suggests healthier consumption
Shriyanshu Mishra
School: Govt. Jagannath Rao Dani Girls HSS, Raipur
Category & Position: Runner Up - Group D
Innovation: Smriti — An emotional wellness companion encouraging mindful mental health practices
These students didn’t just participate.
They excelled.
They proved that innovation is not bound by background, language, or resources.
Talent simply needs opportunity.
Watching these students express confidence, originality, and purpose reaffirmed why we do this work. Their curiosity was fearless. Their ideas were powerful. Their presence reshaped the narrative forever.
This wasn’t just a competition.
This was a shift in possibility.
This year, we did not just host an event.
We opened a door that will stay open.
This is just the beginning.
We are committed to:
Because the future of technology must be built with everyone at the table.
Here’s to curiosity.
Here’s to courage.
Here’s to a generation ready to imagine and create.
And here’s to every child who dreams.
We see you. We believe in you. We are building with you.
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