RGUKT Basar Student Shweta Reddy Wins National Science Expo Award with Eco-Sense Prototype

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 7:54 GMT by Telangana Today
      Locale: INDIA

RGUKT Basar Student Honored for National Science Expo Achievement

A bright star has emerged from the RGUKT Basar campus after a student was felicitated for an outstanding performance at the National Science Expo. The event, held in New Delhi last month, saw participants from across the country showcasing innovative research and technology projects. One participant from the RGUKT Basar campus not only represented her college with distinction but also captured the attention of national leaders, earning her a formal award and an enthusiastic round of applause at her home institution.

The Rising Talent

The student, Shweta Reddy, is a senior in the B.Tech. Computer Science program at RGUKT Basar. Shweta has always been fascinated by the intersection of artificial intelligence and environmental science. For the expo, she developed a prototype named “Eco‑Sense” – a low‑cost sensor array coupled with a machine‑learning model that predicts air‑quality indices in real time. Her project aimed to provide small‑towns and rural communities with an affordable way to monitor pollution levels, thereby helping local governments make data‑driven decisions.

Shweta’s journey began in her second year when she first read about sensor networks in a university workshop. Over the next 18 months, she worked with faculty mentor Dr. K. R. Prasad and a group of peers, iterating on the design and refining the data‑processing algorithm. “It was a steep learning curve, but I knew that real‑world impact mattered more than theoretical perfection,” Shweta told the press after her award ceremony.

The National Science Expo

The National Science Expo (NSE) is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the All India Council for Technical Education. Its mission is to promote scientific curiosity and showcase emerging talent among students from 15,000+ schools and universities nationwide. The 2024 edition took place from April 12‑15 at the Delhi Expo Centre, drawing over 1,200 participants and 8,000 visitors.

Participants presented in a variety of categories – from robotics and nanotechnology to agricultural science and information technology. Each project was evaluated by a panel of academicians, industry experts, and government officials, and the top projects were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash prizes and scholarships.

A Moment of Pride for RGUKT Basar

After her successful presentation, Shweta was called onto the stage by the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Vijayendra Prabhakar, who presented her with a certificate of merit and a ₹10,000 cash prize. The event was streamed live on the Ministry’s social‑media channels, making Shweta’s success a source of pride for the entire nation.

Back at the campus, a special felicitation ceremony was held on May 2nd. The Principal, Prof. S. R. Nair, delivered a keynote speech that highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering innovation. “Shweta’s work exemplifies the spirit of research that we encourage at RGUKT Basar,” Prof. Nair said. “She has taken an idea, refined it, and brought it to fruition in a way that can truly benefit our society.”

The ceremony also featured the attendance of local government officials, alumni, and industry representatives. The mayor of Basar, Ms. A. M. Rao, praised the institution’s role in nurturing young talent. “Our students are the future of this region, and seeing one of our own recognized on a national platform reaffirms our collective investment in education,” she remarked.

The Ripple Effect

Shweta’s achievement has already begun to inspire her peers. During the felicitation, a group of sophomore students approached her to ask about her research process, expressing interest in collaborating on future projects. “I’m grateful that my work has sparked curiosity among my classmates,” Shweta said. “I hope they see that science isn’t just about equations; it’s about solving real problems.”

The college’s Science & Technology Department has announced a new scholarship program, funded partially by the Ministry, to support projects that demonstrate societal impact. “We want to create a pipeline where more students can replicate Shweta’s success,” said Dr. Prasad. “Our curriculum now includes a mandatory research elective, and we’re offering mentorship opportunities through industry partnerships.”

The National Science Expo also announced a new ‘Green Innovation’ track for the next year, a decision influenced by projects like Eco‑Sense. This addition will encourage more students to work on environmental challenges, potentially opening doors to international collaborations.

Looking Ahead

While Shweta has already secured a ₹10,000 cash prize, she is also in the running for the National Young Scientist Award, which could bring a larger scholarship and international exposure. She is planning to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Engineering and hopes to expand her prototype into a commercial product.

For RGUKT Basar, the event underscores a broader objective: to become a flagship institution for technology and innovation in Andhra Pradesh. The college’s latest annual report highlights increased funding, expanded lab infrastructure, and a surge in research publications, all of which set the stage for more students to thrive.

Key Takeaways

1. Student Achievement – Shweta Reddy’s Eco‑Sense project won recognition at the National Science Expo, earning her a certificate, cash prize, and national media coverage.
2. Institutional Pride – RGUKT Basar’s felicitation ceremony showcased the university’s commitment to fostering scientific talent and highlighted the role of faculty and community support.
3. Community Impact – The project has sparked local interest in environmental science and has influenced curriculum changes, mentorship programs, and new scholarship offerings.
4. National Significance – The National Science Expo’s recognition of green‑focused research aligns with broader environmental goals, potentially influencing policy and funding decisions.

The story of Shweta Reddy and her Eco‑Sense prototype serves as a testament to how dedicated effort, guided mentorship, and a supportive institution can culminate in national acclaim. As the RGUKT Basar community celebrates this milestone, the ripple effect of such achievements promises to inspire future generations of engineers and innovators.