This year marks the third iteration of Synquizitive, Syngene International’s annual science quiz, which engaged students from 200 government schools across Bengaluru, Dakshin Kannada, and Hyderabad. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with Biocon Foundation and Agastya International Foundation.
The primary goal of Synquizitive is to kindle curiosity and passion for science among students from underrepresented communities, offering them a platform for learning, competition, and personal development. By harnessing interactive learning methods and providing mentorship, this program aims to reduce educational inequity and identify young individuals who show promise in the realms of science and technology. Syngene staff significantly contribute to the event as facilitators, judges, and mentors during the competition phase.
Awarded students received trophies and cash incentives, while their schools benefited from newly outfitted classrooms equipped with advanced educational technology, turning them into hubs for digital learning. Additionally, the top-performing school was honored with a rolling trophy. Key figures present at the concluding event included Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, Director & CEO of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms; Prof. G K Ananthasuresh from the Indian Institute of Science; Sadashiva Prabhu B from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka; Vaishali Sinha and Mohan Pandey from Syngene International; and Ramji Raghavan, founder of Agastya International Foundation.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founding trustee of Biocon Foundation, reiterated the Foundation’s mission, stating, “The third year of Synquizitive has notably contributed to fostering scientific curiosity among youth. By ensuring students in government schools get equal access to scientific exploration, we strive to ignite their enthusiasm for learning and pave the way for them to consider science-related careers, thus enabling them to help shape a brighter future for our society.”
Emphasizing the initiative’s impact, Mohan Pandey, leader of Syngene’s global program office, remarked, “Synquizitive transcends the concept of a mere contest. It serves as a catalyst for talent discovery, giving students the self-assurance needed to venture into new domains. We aim to cultivate curiosity and analytical abilities, encouraging youngsters to see science as a key to future breakthroughs.”
This year’s standout performers—Government Model Primary School, Nekarara Colony (Bengaluru), Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayath Higher Primary School- Sandspit Bengre (Mangaluru), and Zilla Parishad High School – Moosapet (Hyderabad)—excelled amid a competitive environment involving 200 schools, divided among 100 in Bengaluru, 50 in Dakshin Kannada, and 50 in Hyderabad.
The quiz itself incorporated a curriculum-based question pool with real-world applications, enhancing critical thought and practical comprehension. A preliminary round involved a 20-minute multiple-choice examination to determine the finalists, who showcased their talents in a lively and challenging setting.