The 7th Amazon Big Science Carnival was held on March 6 at the CIDCO Exhibition Center in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, where students from city schools came together to showcase science and technology-based solutions to real-world challenges.The program, powered by Amazon and implemented by Learning Links Foundation, engaged more than 12,000 students from schools run by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation over a period of five months. The initiative culminated in a grand finale with selected teams presenting working prototypes and ideas based on themes such as “STEM for Sustainability” and “Tech for Good”. According to organizers, the selection process involves multiple stages. Around 90 student teams presented their projects for the first time at the three-day mini science carnival, after which industry experts, government representatives and educators selected the top 20 teams to present their innovations in the finals.The carnival also features activities such as STEM quizzes and robotics competitions, designed to encourage participants’ analytical thinking, technical knowledge and teamwork.More than 2,500 students visited the event, which included interactive exhibits and hands-on learning sessions hosted by organizations including Amazon Future Engineer, SeadNXT, Museum of Solution, Pi Jam Foundation and Pluto Drone.Speaking at the event, Nikhil Pingle, COO of Learning Links Foundation, thanked Amazon for supporting the program and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation for its cooperation.Witnessing students present their ideas shows the importance of providing opportunities for young learners, he said. He also encouraged participants to stay curious and continue to use STEM to solve real-world problems.Anurag Khilnani, director of data center planning and delivery for Amazon Asia Pacific, said he was encouraged to see students transform ideas into practical solutions. He also acknowledged the role schools, teachers and program partners play in supporting student innovation.Organizers say the initiative aims to improve students’ scientific thinking and problem-solving skills while encouraging the use of technology to solve social and environmental problems.
