K J Somaiya School & College of Nursing, in collaboration with the Trained Nurses Association of India – Maharashtra State Branch, organised the Innovation Contest 2026 at the Somaiya Ayurvihar campus.

Held under the theme “Innovate to Heal, Steer to Transform,” the initiative recognised the critical role nurses play in identifying challenges related to patient safety, clinical workflows, and healthcare delivery.

The competition received over 42 entries from nursing colleges across Maharashtra.

Prof. Avani Harshad Oke, Principal of K J Somaiya School & College of Nursing, said, “By encouraging nursing students and practitioners to think beyond routine clinical responsibilities, we are fostering a mindset where healthcare improvement begins with observation, inquiry, and purposeful problem-solving. Such initiatives reflect our commitment to building academic environments where knowledge translates into meaningful real-world impact.”

Dr. Vivek Sunnapwar, Principal of K J Somaiya Institute of Technology, added, “Nursing has always been central to healthcare delivery, yet its role in innovation is often under-recognised. Through Innovation Contest 2026, we wanted to create a platform where students and professionals could apply their clinical understanding to develop practical solutions for contemporary healthcare challenges.”

Among the innovations recognised during the contest, Ms. Dena John and Ms. Sneha Sivichan from P D Hinduja College of Nursing won the undergraduate category for “Curo-Shield,” a device designed for automated disinfection..

In the professional nursing and postgraduate category, Mr. Karnellya Ohol and Prof. Janaki Shinde from D Y Patil College of Nursing, Kolhapur, were recognised for their innovation, a technology-enabled solution titled “By the Nurses, For the Nurses.”

The contest was evaluated by a jury comprising Dr. Santosh Narayankhedkar, Dean – Academics and Research at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and Dr. Vivek Sunnapwar.

Nearly 10 ideas were shortlisted to support implementation.Teams will also receive mentorship, technical guidance, prototype development assistance, and support related to intellectual property protection, including copyrights and patents.