Ms. Likhila B.K, won both Best Poster and Best Idea Pitch Awards for her groundbreaking biodegradable healthcare project, a milestone achievement from Prayoga’s Anveshana program.

Demonstrating the transformative impact of early research exposure, Ms. Likhila B. K., a Grade 11 student of St. Francis School, Bengaluru, emerged as a double award winner at the First Academia–Industry Conclave 2025, organised by the Centre for Nano and Material Sciences (CNMS), Jain University. The project was carried out as part of Anveshana 2025, Prayoga’s flagship national student research program, under the mentorship of Dr. Ramya Prabhu (Principal Investigator) and Mr. Nagarjuna M. (Co-PI).

Anveshana, India’s first free and fully funded scientific research program for high school students (Grades 9–12), offers young minds the chance to pursue original research under expert mentorship. Bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, the program provides access to advanced labs and fieldwork while also serving as Prayoga’s education research initiative to study how research nurtures scientific temperament.

Competing against doctoral and post-doctoral scholars from across the country, Likhila secured both the Best Poster Award and Best Idea Pitch Award for her project, “Development of Poly-L-Lactic Acid – Metal Oxide Polymer Composites for Biodegradable Piezoelectric Devices.” The project focused on developing eco-friendly piezoelectric materials, which generate electricity when pressed or stretched and are often used in healthcare devices. Since current implants rely on non-biodegradable materials, the team experimented with Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) mixed with metal oxides to create biodegradable films. After testing their properties, they identified a combination that showed excellent performance, opening possibilities for safer, biodegradable implants in bone and tissue regeneration.

“The time I spent at Anveshana was the most enriching five months of my life. I learnt more about science than ever before, while also building lasting connections. My mentors encouraged me to ask questions, design experiments, and think independently. Presenting my work to industry experts and research scholars was a defining moment where I felt I truly belonged in the world of science. I am deeply grateful to Prayoga for this opportunity.” Said Ms. Likhila B. K., a Grade 11 student researcher at Prayoga.

 Speaking about her achievement, Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, Director – Research, Prayoga, said,“It is remarkable that a Grade 11 student like Likhila could outperform senior scholars, including PhD participants, at a national-level platform. The confidence and competency she demonstrated are clear outcomes of the experiential learning environment created through Anveshana. This success is a proud moment for her mentors and for Prayoga’s vision of nurturing young researchers.”

Likhila’s achievement is a testament to the power of nurturing young talent through structured research opportunities.Since 2021, Prayoga’s Anveshana has empowered 114 students across 37 projects, leading to 11 publications in leading international journals and several awards at academic forums. The program continues to build skills, confidence, and curiosity among high schoolers to shape India’s future innovators.