Bhubaneswar: Bringing laurels to Odisha, young innovator Shraavya Mishra from Bhubaneswar has been selected among the winners of the prestigious “Future Global Leaders – 18 Under 18 Award 2026”. She is the only student from Odisha to receive the international recognition this year.
The award honours exceptional young leaders from across the world who are driving change through innovation, leadership and social impact. The 2026 edition witnessed participation from students working in diverse fields, including artificial intelligence, scientific research, healthcare, climate action, entrepreneurship, education and public policy.
After a rigorous multi-level selection process, an independent jury comprising alumni of renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business and Yale University shortlisted 18 young leaders globally. The candidates were evaluated on parameters including innovation, originality, measurable impact, leadership qualities, scalability and their ability to create sustainable solutions.
Shraavya was honoured for developing I-SRAVIA (Indian Sign-Language Responsive Voice Intelligent Assistant), an artificial intelligence-based assistive technology aimed at reducing communication barriers faced by people with hearing and speech impairments.
The innovative system, based on the concept of “AI for Good,” uses computer vision and machine learning to identify Indian Sign Language gestures and convert them instantly into voice and text. The technology enables smoother communication and promotes greater inclusion for people with disabilities.
The list of award winners features young innovators from countries including India, the United States, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Cameroon and Afghanistan, reflecting the global reach and significance of the honour.
Shraavya’s achievement highlights Odisha’s emerging talent in the fields of innovation and artificial intelligence. Her success showcases how young minds can use technology to address social challenges and create solutions with a wider impact.
The recognition is not only a milestone in Shraavya’s journey but also a proud moment for Odisha, inspiring students across the state to pursue innovation, research and entrepreneurship with a vision of building a more inclusive society.
