RIT Completes Inaugural Global Scholar Quest Programme in India

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has concluded its inaugural Global Scholar Quest (GSQ) programme in India with a Grand Finale event held at Sofitel, BKC, Mumbai. This innovative programme aimed to foster creativity and problem-solving skills among students, specifically targeting those in Grade 11 and 12 from International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, and Indian board schools. The winning team received $50,000 from the RIT scholarship pool along with a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 to support the development of their innovative ideas. Running from May to August 2026, the GSQ programme included a series of challenges and mentorship sessions focused on various innovation tracks such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and healthcare.

Students were evaluated on their ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and present their concepts, rather than on traditional academic performance. This approach encouraged students to think critically and creatively about real-world issues, fostering a deeper understanding of innovation. Throughout the programme, participants took part in an online screening, followed by team submissions across ten diverse innovation tracks. Shortlisted teams received mentorship from industry experts and academics, including Dr. M. A. Rehman from TIFR, to refine their ideas.

During the Grand Finale, the top national teams presented their projects to a jury composed of RIT faculty and industry leaders, who assessed the submissions based on originality, feasibility, and potential impact. The GSQ programme represents RIT's commitment to experiential learning and its engagement with Indian educational systems. By providing a platform for students to showcase their capabilities beyond traditional assessments, RIT aims to identify and nurture talent that may not be visible through conventional academic routes. This initiative builds on RIT’s previous engagement with Indian classrooms through its Tiger STRIPES programme, which focused on hands-on learning in diverse school settings.

Looking ahead, the success of the inaugural GSQ programme opens doors for future collaborations and initiatives aimed at fostering innovation among students in India. RIT officials expressed their intention to continue engaging with Indian youth, emphasizing the importance of listening to their ideas and aspirations. The insights gained from this programme will help RIT tailor its educational offerings and support systems to better serve the needs of students in India. By nurturing innovation and creativity, RIT aims to contribute to the development of a generation equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.