The iRISE recognition awards aim to celebrate the exceptional contributions made by the finest Innovation Champions and Innovation Coaches who have undergone the iRISE Teachers Development Programme in the Maharashtra state. These awards are designed to honor teachers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to cultivating a culture of Innovation in their region, particularly in areas such as Cascade workshop facilitation, classroom engagement, and INSPIRE Awards - MANAK entries.

The iRISE recognition awards are presented to teachers who have made significant contributions to some of the key areas includes:

• Cascade Workshop: Teachers who have successfully conducted cascade workshops to train other teacher educators on innovation facilitation are recognized under this category. The cascade workshop is an integral part of the iRISE Teachers Development Programme, and it helps to build a strong network of Innovation Champions across the state.
• Classroom Engagement: Teachers who have developed innovative teaching methods and engaged their students in creative problem-solving activities are recognized under this category. The award acknowledges the efforts of teachers who have gone beyond the traditional teaching methods to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
• INSPIRE Awards - MANAK entries: Teachers who have encouraged their school students and motivated other school teachers/students to participate in the INSPIRE Awards - MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) competition  are recognized under this category. The INSPIRE Awards - MANAK is a national competition that aims to promote creativity and innovation among school students.

Through this initiative, we hope to inspire more teacher educators to become Innovation Champions in order to help cultivate an innovation mindset in India.