Class 11 student Likhila BK shines at National Academia–Industry Conclave
Likhila BK presenting her research poster at First Academia–Industry Conclave 2025.
Team L&M
Likhila BK, a Grade 11 student of St. Francis School, Bengaluru, has emerged as a double award winner at the First Academia–Industry Conclave 2025. The conclave was organised by the Centre for Nano and Material Sciences (CNMS), Jain University. The project was carried out as part of Anveshana 2025, Prayoga’s flagship national student research program, under the mentorship of Dr Ramya Prabhu (Principal Investigator) and Nagarjuna M (Co-PI).
Anveshana is India’s first free and fully-funded scientific research program for high school students (Grades 9–12). It offers young minds the chance to pursue original research under expert mentorship. Bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, it provides access to advanced labs and fieldwork. It also serves as Prayoga’s education research initiative to study how research nurtures scientific temperament.
Tough Competition
Competing against doctoral and post-doctoral scholars from across the country, Likhila secured both the Best Poster Award and Best Idea Pitch Award for her project. Her project was titled “Development of Poly-L-Lactic Acid – Metal Oxide Polymer Composites for Biodegradable Piezoelectric Devices.”
The project focused on developing eco-friendly piezoelectric materials, which generate electricity when pressed or stretched and are often used in healthcare devices. The current implants rely on non-biodegradable materials. But, the team experimented with Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) mixed with metal oxides to create biodegradable films. After testing their properties, they identified a combination that showed excellent performance. Further, it opened possibilities for safer, biodegradable implants in bone and tissue regeneration.
“The time I spent at Anveshana was the most enriching five months of my life. I learnt more about science than ever before, while also building lasting connections. My mentors encouraged me to ask questions, design experiments, and think independently. Presenting my work to industry experts and research scholars was a defining moment where I felt I truly belonged in the world of science. I am deeply grateful to Prayoga for this opportunity,” says Likhila.
Speaking about her achievement, Dr KS Nagabhushana, Director – Research, Prayoga, says, “It is remarkable that a Grade 11 student like Likhila could outperform senior scholars, including PhD participants, at a national-level platform. The confidence and competency she demonstrated are clear outcomes of the experiential learning environment created through Anveshana. This success is a proud moment for her mentors and for Prayoga’s vision of nurturing young researchers.”
