The 38th Kerala Science Congress is currently underway in Ernakulam, Kochi, drawing scientists, students and innovators from across Kerala and beyond to present cutting-edge research and practical solutions to pressing local and global challenges. The event, inaugurated recently as part of the annual state science forum, is being hosted at St. Albert’s College, Kochi, and has a wide range of technical sessions, exhibitions and competitions running through Feb 2, 2026.
A key attraction this year has been SciSol (Scientific Solutions) — a youth-oriented innovation contest that highlights science and technology projects aimed at addressing real-world problems such as public health, agriculture, substance abuse and urban mobility. Young researchers and student teams from colleges across Kerala used the platform to showcase their creative and practical solutions.
Among the notable innovations displayed was a portable drug detection sensor developed by a team from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). This lateral-flow strip-based device is designed for rapid, on-site detection of synthetic drugs like MDMA in beverages or biological samples — a tool with potential use in community safety and law enforcement.
Another student team from Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology introduced OptiTrace, a non-invasive screening tool that uses a smartphone camera to analyse pupil response and preliminarily indicate possible drug use.
Innovations in agriculture were also highlighted, such as a smart crop protection system for rambutan that uses sound and moving lasers to deter birds and bats, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional netting.
Public health received attention with an AI-enabled acoustic system from Government Engineering College, Palakkad that detects mosquito larvae in stagnant water by analysing sound patterns, helping in targeted vector control efforts.
In addition to SciSol, a new AI-powered app “NeophyteID” was launched at the congress to identify invasive plant species using image recognition and geospatial tracking — a tool aimed at biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.
The Congress continues with more sessions, including discussions on ocean science and blue economy, reinforcing its commitment to fostering research, innovation and sustainable solutions for societal challenges.
News as reported
