Some cultured bacteria. Others wrote AI prompts. Many filed their first patent application.
For two weeks, 100 school students from 17 states experienced life as young researchers at Shoolini Summer Schools 2026. Through the Biotechnology Summer Lab Programme, Generative AI and the Summer Patent School, they worked in advanced laboratories, interacted with researchers and learnt through practical sessions.
Conducted as a week-long residential programme in two cohorts, Shoolini Summer Schools 2026 brought together the University's three flagship summer programmes under one umbrella for the first time. Students could choose from the Summer Patent School, the Biotechnology Summer Lab Programme and the Generative AI programme, allowing them to explore research, innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving through different learning experiences.
The initiative was conceived by Shoolini University Founder and Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla and Trustee and Vice President Avnee Khosla to give school students an early introduction to research while encouraging them to think beyond textbooks.
Ranked No. 1 in Asia for Citations per Paper in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, Shoolini University is also home to researchers listed among the world's top 2 per cent scientists. Students worked in the same laboratories where internationally recognised research is conducted and interacted with the researchers leading it.
Students from leading schools across the country participated in the programme. These included Bangalore International School, Bangalore; Billabong International High School, Mumbai and Kanpur; 10X Indus International School, Coimbatore; The Emerald Heights International School, Indore; The Sanskaar Valley School, Bhopal; The Shri Ram School, Gurugram; DY Patil International School, Mumbai; and The Oasis School, Dehradun. The cohort also included students from Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Ferozepur and Moga, creating a diverse learning community.
Throughout the week, students explored research through three distinct programmes.
The Biotechnology Summer Lab Programme gave students hands-on exposure to advanced research laboratories. They explored microbiology, nanotechnology, immunostaining, bioinformatics, food processing and packaging through experiments, practical sessions and demonstrations. Students also visited specialised facilities, including the Nanotechnology Laboratory and the DST-PURSE Lab, where they worked with advanced scientific instruments and learnt modern research techniques.
The Summer Patent School introduced students to the complete innovation journey. They learnt how to identify real-world problems, develop practical solutions, understand Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and take their ideas through the patent filing process.
The Generative AI programme introduced students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through interactive sessions and practical activities. They learnt about prompt engineering, creative AI applications and the responsible use of AI, while exploring how the technology can help solve real-world problems.
For many students, the week changed how they viewed research and innovation.
For Sanvee from Bangalore International School, the Biotechnology Summer Lab Programme opened the door to a completely new way of learning. "I explored techniques like GC-MS, FE-SEM and fluorescent microscopy and also got hands-on experience in culturing bacteria, using a volume pipette and performing serial dilution. One of the most valuable things I learnt was how to write a research paper, which is a great skill for a high school student," she said.
For Krisha Jain, a Grade 10 student from Shiv Nadar School, Gurugram, Shoolini Summer Schools turned out to be exactly what she was looking for. "I was looking for a programme to help me with my school project, and AI suggested Shoolini Summer Schools. It turned out to be a great experience. I learnt how to solve problems practically, and I think every student should experience a programme like this," she said.
Speaking about the value of introducing innovation early, Richika, Assistant Professor and Attorney at Shoolini University's Intellectual Property Rights Office, said, "Every student has a good idea. What they often don't realise is how far that idea can go. When students understand patents and intellectual property at an early age, they begin to see themselves as innovators and even future entrepreneurs."
The learning extended beyond the classroom. This year, students filed 25 intellectual property applications, including utility patents, design patents and copyrights, covering innovations in biotechnology, artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical sciences. Continuing its strong record, the programme maintained a 100 per cent patent-filing rate, with every eligible student innovation reaching the filing stage.
Talking to Shoolini IMPACT, Programme Head Vinmre Kaushal, who has led the initiative for the past five years, said, "The vision behind the programme has always been to spark curiosity, confidence and innovation. Watching children collaborate, think like researchers, and file patents is a reminder that innovation has no age. Give young minds the right environment, and they will surprise you with what they can create."
The programme was mentored by Programme Mentor and Head of Outreach Shikha Sood. Together with Team Ideas That Matter, the Shoolini Intellectual Property Rights Office (SIPRO), faculty mentors, researchers and the Operations Team, she helped create a meaningful and enriching programme for every participant.
At Shoolini University, research is an integral part of learning at all levels. Through Shoolini Summer Schools, that culture is extended to school students, giving them the opportunity to ask questions, test ideas and work on real-world problems from an early age.
The week ended with new skills, fresh ideas and, for some students, their first patent applications. More importantly, it showed that curiosity, when matched with the right environment, can turn school students into young researchers.