Shillong, July 27: The South West Garo Hills district administration has invited grassroots innovators, farmers, artisans, students and traditional knowledge holders to participate in the Honey Bee Network Creativity and Inclusive Innovation Awards India (HBNCRIIA-India) 2025-26, a national platform aimed at recognising innovative ideas emerging from the grassroots.

Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak has directed all Block Development Officers, the District Horticulture Officer, General Manager of the District Commerce and Industries Centre (DCIC), Skill Development Officer, and district project managers of MSRLS and MBMA to publicise the awards extensively to ensure that deserving innovators from the district take part.

The awards, organised by the Honey Bee Network (HBN) and the Gujarat Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network (GIAN) in partnership with the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO), seek to identify and support innovative technologies, creative solutions and traditional knowledge developed by individuals and communities.

The top three winners will receive cash prizes of ₹5 lakh, ₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh, while 12 additional innovators will receive appreciation awards of ₹50,000 each.

Apart from the prize money, selected innovators will also be eligible for incubation support, mentorship, intellectual property assistance, product development and business support through the Honey Bee Network and GIAN ecosystem.

The district administration has urged innovators across South West Garo Hills to submit their entries before the October 31, 2026 deadline and use the opportunity to showcase their innovations on a national platform.