The Lemelson Recognition and Mentoring Programme (L-RAMP) Innovators Awards programme was instituted on the 29th of April 2005, to identify and recognize Innovators who have developed innovations that address essential human needs such as food, shelter, energy, water, health, sanitation, agriculture etc. L-RAMP is a joint initiative of the IIT Madras and Rural Innovations Network, Chennai and supported by The Lemelson Foundation, US.

The Innovators Awards programme attracted nearly 450 applications. The range of innovations submitted proved that necessity is indeed the mother of invention. Short-listed candidates were invited to make a presentation to the Jury of L-RAMP. The Jury comprised of:

• Dr M Raveendran, Advisor, Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG)
• Prof Kalyanraman, Dean, IC&SR, IIT-Madras
• Dr Karunakaran, Vice-Chancellor, Gandhigram Rural University
• Ms Vanitha Mohan, Executive Director, Pricol, Coimbatore
• Mr L Kannan, Managing Director, Vortex Engineering Ltd, Chennai
• Dr K Balasubramaniam, Consultant, Common Wealth of Learning (COLE), Chennai

The awards were announced at a function at IIT Madras on July 15. L-RAMP Innovators Award winners were given Rs. 15,000/- each, along with a "Certificate of Excellence". Additionally, six innovators were selected for special recognition and they were Rs. 1,000/- each along with "Certificate of Appreciation." IIT Madras Director, Prof. Ananth, presented the awards.

» Press Release
» Pictures

Top

The awardees of the INNOVATOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS are:

• Anandan S - Louis Walker (Walking stick).
• Aparna T.A, Anand Vishnu, and Vijayan - New Asthma Inhaler.
• Dr. Kathiresan G - Sugarcane Detrasher.
• Manivannan - Multipurpose Agricultural Machine.
• Manoharan A.N - Rotary Hulller / grinder.
• Muruga Selvan - Spathe cutting instrument.
• Neethala Mittu - Shoulder Harness.
• Rajendran N - Natural Enemy for Eriophyte Mite.
• Raju S - Pocket Manuring Stick.
• Sengolan J - Machine for Producing Incense Sticks.

The awardees of the INNOVATOR APPRECIATION AWARDS are:

• George Eapen - Mobile Chimney for bricks.
• Mahesh M.U - Wireless multiplexed energy meter reading system and power theft detection.
• Dr. Mayil Vahanan Natarajan - Custom mega prosthesis.
• Narayana Perumal K - Melur tiller cum tractor.
• Sheik Noor Theen M.A - Railway unmanned gate-warning system.
• Dr. Venkatakrishnan R - Mastitis prognostic, prevention and control kits.

Top

This report was compiled by Lavu Sridhar (2000 BTEE) with contributions from IIT Madras, Swaminathan - (OAA), and K.N Satyanarayana (1984 BT CE) - Advisor, (OAA).

Top

This Report » Pictures

» Press Release
» Report in The Hindu

News » 2005 Archive

Top