Tanjot Singh a student of IB DP-1 of Delhi Public School R.K. Puram, has been selected among the Top 60 National Winners at the 12th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) under INSPIRE-MANAK, a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF).
His journey began in 2024 under application reference 24DL5574100, earning him an INSPIRE Award of ₹10,000. After qualifying through the State Level Exhibition and Project Competition (SLEPC) in December 2025, he received mentorship at IIT Delhi in February 2026 to further develop his innovation exploring bio-based alternatives to synthetic HEPA filter media.
Developed through PraaNavya, the research explores sustainable air filtration using compressed wool felt and electrostatic cotton. The prototype underwent internal particulate-removal experiments and comparative pressure-drop testing against a HEPA filter benchmark, addressing indoor air pollution and filtration waste. The 12th NLEPC was held from 12–14 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. On 14 October, the national felicitation ceremony was attended by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.
The recognition opens avenues for patent-related support, participation in the Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE) @President’s Residence, product development and commercialisation, and international exposure through the Japan Sakura Science High School Exchange Programme.
As part of its commitment to fostering scientific inquiry, entrepreneurship and a culture of innovation, Delhi Public School R.K. Puram is also exploring a pilot project to assess the potential application of the innovation in the school’s classrooms, with the broader objective of contributing to efforts to mitigate indoor air pollution.
