HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company, announced a collaborative programme for students – ScienIT - Science in Information Technology – to crowdsource technology and innovation in environmental, social and governance (ESG) in Sri Lanka. 

HCL Corporate Vice President Srimathi Shivashankar launched the programme at Cinnamon Lakeside in Colombo, with representatives of higher education, vice chancellors and deans from leading private and public institutions.

The programme has two central tenets – annual innovation competitions and monthly discussion forums led by teachers, subject matter experts and sustainability enthusiasts. 

The innovation competitions aim to attract, identify and nurture ideas from bright students across Sri Lanka. HCL will select, nurture and seed-fund the best ideas from students from ideation to execution and invite colleges across Sri Lanka to register their students online to submit their ideas. Each of the ideas submitted will be evaluated based on originality, innovation and application of technology, impact and sustainability. 

The winning team in the innovation contests will receive Rs.600,000 and will be invited to join a dedicated webinar as panellists while the runner-up team will receive Rs.400,000. The members of both teams will be offered internship opportunities at HCL Sri Lanka. Applications for the first innovation competition opened on December 15, 2021.
The monthly discussion forums will provide participants with a regular exchange of thoughts, ideas and deliberations on the latest developments in science and technology. They will also offer youth opportunities for mentoring, networking and collaborating with students, academicians and industry veterans.

“ScienIT is a collaborative programme that encourages the youth of Sri Lanka to seek impactful solutions in ESG,” Shivashankar said. 

“We urge students to participate to resolve issues that matter to their communities and to envision sustainable steps for a better tomorrow. We are committed to providing programmes and platforms that encourage youth to take on leadership opportunities that contribute to the greater ecosystem. We believe ScienIT will unleash the potential of many aspiring thinkers and leaders among the youth of Sri Lanka today.”