Nasheman news
Two talented students from NMIMS University, Ms.
Amruta Mali and Ms. Poonam Patil, pursuing their Final Year B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture at
the School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Shirpur, have emerged as shining
stars at the SmartIdeathon Competition, held at GITAM University Hyderabad. This
prestigious event was organized in collaboration with Startup India, IIC, Ministry of
Education, Govt. of India, and Northeastern University, Boston, USA, drawing
participants from universities and institutes across the country.
Amruta and Poonam, the founders of Agro-India, an initiative under SVKM’s NMIMS –
School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Shirpur, showcased their praiseworthy
innovation during the competition. They presented a board game which has evolved
into a comprehensive simulation of the agricultural ecosystem. This game captures the
intricacies of crop management, resource allocation, and market dynamics in an
appealing and educational manner.
The SmartIdeathon Competition, a ‘Student pitching competition,’ saw the duo advance
to the final rounds, securing a coveted position among the Top 8 Finalists from
participants across the nation.
The competition drew participants from diverse fields of study and was a vindication of
the power of ideas and their potential to bring about big change in the industries. The
students’ passion for agriculture and strategic thinking resulted in a concept that
combined these two elements into an agriculture-based board game. The process
involved refining the game mechanics, designing the board, and devising challenges that
tested their innovation and creativity.
For the two students, reaching the top 8 is not only a personal victory, but also a
validation of the numerous hours they spent brainstorming, designing, and refining the
game. It speaks volumes about their capability for interdisciplinary thinking and the
ability to bridge gaps between traditional industries and modern innovation.
Dr. Suseelendra Desai, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology,
expressed his pride for the students’ achievement and said, “Amruta and Poonam’s
outstanding achievement at the SmartIdeathon Competition highlights NMIMS
University’s firm belief in promoting innovation and nurturing their creativity. I am
certain that this is only the beginning of their journey and they will go on to win many
more accolades.”
About SAST:
School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SAST), Shirpur is the first School of
Agriculture under SVKM’s NMIMS to be started in 2019 to bring prosperity to the small
and marginal farm holders. The School focuses on teaching, research and outreach, the
three arms of agricultural research and education to meet the stakeholders’ aspirations
with more participatory devolutions. The School has air-conditioned class rooms with
smart boards, 117 acres of farm, and fully-equipped laboratories. The integrated
campus set-up provides an opportunity for the students to get exposed to engineering
& pharmacy faculties and thus promote holistic development. The robust
agricultural education curriculum in line with national agricultural education systems
as recommended by the ICAR provides a platform where knowledge, resources and
opportunities to address aspects of enhanced farm productivity, profitability and
sustainable livelihoods. The skills of the students are honed in basic and applied aspects
of agriculture and allied sectors; constant practical hand-holding; and assurance of
learning to develop into future researchers or entrepreneurs. The students involve in
experiential learning projects and agro-industrial attachments for beyond academic
expertise. NMIMS’s SAST is focused to give an extra mile to the knowledge and career of
graduates because we help them think both critically and creatively, and to express withenergy, precision, and dynamism.
