From IIT Patna to NASA: Rishabh Rathore’s AR innovation makes India proud

A groundbreaking achievement has placed India on the global innovation map, as Rishabh Rathore, a student from IIT Patna, and his international team NE-AR (Naturalists Explorer – Augmented Reality) earned top honors at the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025.

Competing against thousands of participants worldwide, the team captured global attention by winning the “Global Nominee 2025” title, securing first place at the University of Georgia Space Apps, and receiving the coveted NASA “Galactic Problem Solver 2025 Award.”

Their success marks a milestone in youth-driven technological achievement.

The official NASA certificate of achievement, signed by Brandon Lin (Local Lead) and Nammi Veli (Principal Investigator), reads, “This certificate is presented to Rishabh Rathore for achieving the Global Nominee Award 2025 and securing First Place at the University of Georgia Space Apps.”

The judging committee at the University of Georgia, which included a former NASA Global Judge, praised the project, saying, “A symbol of unique creativity and problem-solving that embodies NASA’s mission of exploration, research, and innovation for the benefit of humanity.”

The NASA Galactic Problem Solver Award certificate, approved by Dr. Keith Gaddis (Program Scientist, NASA International Space Apps Challenge), further commended his contribution, “This certificate is presented to Rishabh Rathore for outstanding contributions and efforts in solving challenges related to Earth and space.”

Team NE-AR’s award-winning project is an AR-based Environmental Exploration Platform that enables users to visualize, simulate, and interact with Earth’s climate and environmental systems in real time.

By combining Artificial Intelligence (AI), Remote Sensing, and Augmented Reality (AR), the platform transforms complex environmental data into immersive, educational experiences, inspiring global awareness about climate change and sustainability.

“This achievement is more than an award; it’s a dream come true for all of us. The journey was filled with challenges, sleepless nights, and moments of doubt, but we kept believing in our vision,” said Rathore.

“What inspired us was the desire to use technology not just to innovate, but to make a difference, to help people see the beauty and fragility of our planet. Standing here today, we feel grateful, proud, and deeply motivated to keep exploring, learning, and creating for a better Earth and beyond,” added Rathore.

Building on their People’s Choice Award in 2024, Team NE-AR continues its mission to merge technology, creativity, and sustainability, demonstrating how science and digital tools can create meaningful impact beyond the laboratory.

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge, now one of the world’s largest collaborative innovation events, includes more than 373,000 participants, over 2,800 local events, and representation from more than 185 countries and regions.

Supported by 15 international space agencies such as NASA (USA), ISRO (India), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), CSA (Canada), and others, the challenge unites people across disciplines to solve global challenges using open data and scientific creativity.

Representing India at this global stage, Rathore and his team demonstrated how determination, collaboration, and vision can redefine boundaries in space and environmental technology.

Their achievement underscores India’s growing influence in international scientific innovation.

The NE-AR team also includes a diverse group of talented individuals from across the globe.

Leading the team is Sanskriti Verma from India, who is affiliated with the Dr KNS Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences in Barabanki.

Representing India as well, Jithin J is associated with TKM College of Engineering in Kollam.

The team further extends internationally with Sachchit Balamurugan from the United States, Fa Syaka Diouf from Senegal, and Viviana Andrea Vargas Martínez from Colombia, bringing a wide range of perspectives and expertise to the collaborative effort.

Reflecting on their achievement, Team NE-AR shared, “This victory is not just an award; it’s proof that innovation knows no boundaries. With imagination, collaboration, and courage, we can build technologies that protect our planet and lead humanity toward a sustainable future.”

Rathore, a Bachelor of Science (Honors) student in Computer Science and Data Analytics at IIT Patna, continues to emerge as one of India’s promising young innovators.

His technical expertise spans Python, C++, Java, Machine Learning, Web and App Development, Robotics, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing.

He is currently a research intern at ISRO-IIRS (May 2025–May 2026) and holds certifications from institutions such as ISRO-IIRS, IIT Kanpur, NIT Rourkela, NIT Tiruchirappalli, and IIIT Allahabad.

His professional background includes the HCL-GUVI Full Stack Development Program, an internship with Prodesk IT & Engineering Services, and an associate role at Paisabazaar.

Rathore has also been part of IEEE Distinguished Lectures like “Deep Dive into FPGA” and “Memory Interfaces: Past, Present, and Future.”

Beyond academics, Rishabh supports several national programs, including Mission LiFE, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Fit India Movement.

Recognized by ISRO, NASA, IEEE, and MyGov India, he represents a balance of innovation, leadership, and community-driven purpose.

Through recognitions such as NASA Global Nominee 2025, Galactic Problem Solver 2025, and University of Georgia Space Apps First Place, Rishabh Rathore and Team NE-AR have set a new benchmark for innovation that bridges science, technology, and humanity.

Their journey stands as a reminder that transformative progress begins with curiosity and the courage to create change.

Team NE-AR (Naturalists Explorer – Augmented Reality) is a globally diverse and multidisciplinary team that brings together innovators, researchers, and technologists from across the world with a shared mission, to bridge Earth, Space, and Technology through the power of Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Earth Observation Data.

The team’s vision is to make environmental and space science accessible, engaging, and interactive for all, empowering individuals to understand planetary systems and sustainability through immersive technology and creative innovation.

The team has earned multiple honors at the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025, including NASA International Space Apps Global Nominee 2025, first place winner at the University of Georgia and Space Apps Judging Committee, NASA Galactic Problem Solver 2025, and NASA Space Apps People’s Choice Award.