Future Tycoon Class X student bags top prize for agri-tech pitch

Food scientists and soil experts around the world are working on developing nano-biofertilisers, also known as biodegradable nutrient capsules. This technology is considered significant for improving soil health and enhancing crop yield without the use of chemicals.

In line with this concept, Harshit Sharma, a young student from the city, pitched an idea to develop such biodegradable nutrient capsules for Punjab’s agricultural sector. His pitch won him the top prize of Rs 50,000 in the Student Category at ‘Future Tycoons’, a pitch-and-win contest organised by the district administration to promote entrepreneurship among people.

Harshit, a Class X student at Shri Ram Ashram Public School, received the award from Cabinet Minister for Employment Generation and Training, Aman Arora, who praised Harshit’s vision and innovative approach to strengthening the state’s agricultural future. At a time when many young people in Punjab aspire to migrate abroad or pursue careers in fintech, Harshit’s idea focused on two critical sectors, agriculture and the environment. What began as a school laboratory project may now shape his future.

“Biodegradable nutrient capsules are micro-nutrients for soil that not only enhance soil quality but also prove harmless for environment,” Harshit explained during his pitch. “These capsules are small, dissolvable containers made from natural polymers that gradually release healthy nutrients into the soil. These are sustainable as their origins are natural, plant based and eventually they dissolve also in soil,” he added.

The core of these capsules typically contains organic matter such as compost, seaweed or other fibre-based components to maintain its biodegradable nature.

Out of over 1,300 participants, nine students from Shri Ram Ashram Public School qualified for the grand finale. Apart from Harshit, Ansh Kumar, a Class XII student from the same school, secured the second prize in the student category and received Rs 20,000.

Harshit wants to pursue research in the field of agro-science and plans to further develop his idea under the mentorship of Dr Sanjay Mahajan, Chief Development Officer at “Future Tycoons.”

Dr Vinodita Sankhyan, Principal of Shri Ram Ashram Public School, expressed immense pride in her students. She said, “This accomplishment reflects our school’s ongoing mission to empower students with real-world skills, confidence and entrepreneurial thinking. Creativity in business will shape national development and that can only be achieved through quality education and holistic learning.”

Amritsar