Dalhousie: In a groundbreaking achievement for student-led innovation from India, Japteg Singh Bamrah, a Class 12 student at Dalhousie Public School, has been named one of the five global winners of the prestigious HonorsGradU 2025 Scholarship. His award-winning project—the Solar Mech Engine—earned him the “Build a Better Future” Award, placing him at the forefront of youth-driven technological innovation worldwide.
Mentored by Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, Senior Scientist at CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, Japteg developed his invention under the Jigyasa Hackathon initiative, an effort that fosters scientific curiosity and problem-solving among students. The Solar Mech Engine, which converts solar thermal energy into mechanical and electrical energy using a novel approach based on cyclic air expansion and contraction, was recognized as the top technology project among thousands of entries from across the globe.
Japteg has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship for his undergraduate education in the United States and an additional $5,000 development grant to further enhance and scale his invention. Notably, he is the first Indian student since the program’s inception in 2012 to top the global list, marking a proud moment for Indian science education and innovation.
The HonorsGradU Scholarship, administered by U.S.-based nonprofit Honors Graduation, supports student-led initiatives in sustainability and innovation. With only five winners selected annually, the program is among the most competitive scholarships worldwide for school students.
Japteg’s innovation received national acclaim during the National Startup Festival hosted by CSIR-IIIM Jammu on February 22–23, 2025. There, he presented the Solar Mech Engine to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Vice President of CSIR, who praised the innovation as a shining example of India’s grassroots scientific talent thriving under the “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India” campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Solar Mech Engine is a standalone solar thermal power system that utilizes Concentrated Heat and Power (CHP) technology. Its core mechanism involves temperature-induced air expansion and contraction, enabling it to generate mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity using a low-resistance electromagnetic generator. Its reversible heat pump capability and efficiency in off-grid conditions give it significant potential in remote energy access and sustainable power generation.
Thanks to the combined support of the HonorsGradU program and CSIR-IIIM, Japteg has already received admission offers from over ten top universities in the USA, Australia, and Canada, alongside additional scholarships worth $16,000 per year. With a total funding package of $31,000, Japteg plans to refine his innovation and continue his academic journey at a premier international institution.
This achievement highlights the growing importance of mentorship, youth empowerment, and scientific incubation in nurturing young minds. Japteg Singh Bamrah’s story—from a school science lab to a global innovation stage—is a beacon of hope for students across India and a powerful example of what focused vision and support can achieve.
“Japteg’s journey is a celebration of India’s youth potential in science and technology. With the right guidance, our students are ready to lead the world,” said Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed.
