IIIM Mentored technology of Solar Mech Engine wins USA HonorsGradU 2025 Scholarship with top “Build a Better Future” Award
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In a momentous achievement, Japteg Singh Bamrah, a Class 12 student from Dalhousie Public School, has secured the prestigious HonorsGradU 2025 Scholarship, winning the “Build a Better Future” Award along with a $10,000 grant and additional $5000 grant for his groundbreaking Solar Mech Engine project. Mentored by Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, Senior Scientist at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu, under the Jigyasa Hackathon initiative, Japteg’s innovation stood out among thousands of global applicants, earning him one of the five coveted scholarships awarded worldwide this year.
The HonorsGradU Scholarship, organized by Honors Graduation-a nonprofit initiative supporting students in sustainability and innovation-selects only five exceptional projects globally, each receiving $10,000 for college tuition in the United States. The top technology among these winners is granted an additional $10,000 for college tuition in the United States.
The top technology among these winners is granted an additional $ 5000 to refine and scale the innovation. Japteg Singh’s Solar Mech Engine, a sustainable energy solution, not only won the scholarship but also claimed the highest honor, making it a landmark achievement for India in global student innovation. Since 2012, Japteg is the only student from India to top the list among thousands of applications every year.
CSIR under the aegis of Union Ministry of Science and Technology at Pan India level initiated supporting the Startup and young innovators at all level across different sectors of Science & Technology ranging from Agriculture, healthcare, Artificial Intelligence and to the deep tech. Such endeavours by CSIR at national level and CSIRIIIM, Jammu at regional level are in the pursuit of a game changer campaign “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India”, unveiled by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2015, to promote entrepreneurship at grass root level which was further steered by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy & Space and Vice President of CSIR. Jagpet’s work which received the incubation support from CSIR-IIIM, Jammu is really inspiring and rarest one in the energy generation is testament to the institute’s commitment to the hand hold the young to develop their innovative ideas to the sustainable solutions & technologies. Notably this innovation was earlier declared winner of CSIR Jigyasa Heckthon 2024.
Pertinently, CSIR-IIIM mentored technology called as Solar Mech works on Solar Thermal Technology as a standalone system, works on CHP (Concentrated Heat & Power) and proves to be an efficient Solar Energy Technology which works on principle of cyclic air expansion and contraction by Temperature difference converting Heat Energy into Mechanical Energy. It features a low resistance generator that uses electromagnetic induction for Direct Mechanical to electrical energy conversion. The USP of demonstrated Technology is its functionality as Reversible Heat Pump. Japteg Singh’s journey began at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, where he participated in the Pan-CSIR Jigyasa Hackathon under the mentorship of Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed. His project, the Solar Mech Engine, harnesses solar energy for mechanical applications, earning first prize in the hackathon. Impressed by his potential, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, took personal interest in the project, providing lab access, expert guidance, and continuous monitoring to refine the technology.
Under Dr. Nasir’s mentorship and Dr. Zabeer’s leadership, Japteg further developed his prototype at CSIRIIIM’s state-of-the-art facilities, gaining access to cutting-edge research tools, industry connections, and technical expertise. The institute’s open innovation ecosystem played a pivotal role in transforming his idea into a globally competitive technology. Japteg Singh Bamrah and his Mentor, Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, demonstrating the Solar Mech Engine project executed under the Jigyasa Hackathon initiative. Beyond the HonorsGradU recognition, Japteg Singh’s achievement has attracted offers from over ten top universities in the USA, Australia, and Canada, with additional scholarships worth $16,000 per year for his undergraduate studies.
This underscores the global appeal of his innovation and the quality of mentorship at CSIR-IIIM. Japteg Singh expressed deep gratitude to CSIR-IIIM Jammu, particularly Dr. Zabeer Ahmed and Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, for their unwavering support. “CSIR-IIIM provided me with the perfect environment to innovateaccess to labs, expert guidance, and encouragement to think big. Dr. Zabeer’s vision of empowering students and Dr. Nasir’s hands-on mentorship were instrumental in this success,” he said. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, congratulated Japteg and his mentor, stating, “This achievement reflects CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to fostering young talent in sustainability and innovation. We encourage students across India to leverage our facilities, mentorship, and hackathons like Jigyasa to turn their ideas into reality.”
He reiterated that CSIR-IIIM remains open to students and startups working on futuristic technologies. “Japteg Singh Bamrah’s success highlights the power of innovation, mentorship, and perseverance. His Solar Mech Engine project, developed under the guidance of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, not only earned him global recognition but also positioned India at the forefront of student-driven sustainability efforts. Winning the prestigious HonorsGradU Scholarship with the “Build a Better Future” Award is no small feat-it speaks volumes about his dedication and the support system provided by CSIR-IIIM’s mentors. The fact that his work has attracted multiple international university offers further underscores its impact.” Dr Zabeer further said that, “It’s inspiring to see young innovators like Japteg making strides in sustainable technology. His journey proves how institutional support, expert mentorship, and a strong vision can propel groundbreaking ideas onto the global stage. Hopefully, his story will encourage more students in India and beyond to pursue innovation with confidence!” HonorsGradU is a nonprofit initiative by Honors Graduation, supporting students worldwide in sustainability-driven innovation.
The Build a Better Future Award recognizes technologies that can positively impact global challenges, providing financial aid and global exposure to young innovators. With the $31,000 grant, Japteg Singh plans to further refine his Solar Mech Engine and pursue higher education in a top global university, continuing his journey as a sustainability pioneer. His success story is a testament to the power of institutional mentorship and India’s growing prowess in innovation.
