LUCKNOW, Uttar Pradesh: The image of a global tech judge is typically one of a seasoned CEO, a distinguished professor, or a Silicon Valley titan. But Shivansh Chaurasiya, a mere 20-year-old from Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh, India has decisively shattered this stereotype, ascending to a global judging panel and redefining what it means to be a tech changemaker.
A second-year Computer Science & Engineering (IoT) student in Lucknow, Shivansh’s journey to the international stage is nothing short of remarkable. In 2025, he was chosen as a Gold Judge for the Technovation Girls Challenge, a global initiative that empowers young women to innovate technology-driven solutions. From the confines of his hostel room, Shivansh meticulously evaluated 36 technical projects across Junior, Beginner, and Senior Divisions in both Qualifier and Semifinals rounds.
His role involved rigorous research into project descriptions, pitch decks, technical presentations, and business plans, delivering detailed feedback to empower girls to address social challenges and excel in STEM. “It was an overwhelming, yet profoundly inspiring experience to witness such global talent up close,” he shared, reflecting on the weight of his solitary, crucial task.
His discerning evaluations did not go unnoticed. Shivansh’s name was officially published among the Top 100 Judges globally on the Technovation Girls website. His expertise further distinguished him as one of just 20 Gold Judges from Asia, a status confirmed by both a formal Certificate of Recognition and a Gold Judge Letter of Appreciation. The Letter of Appreciation, in particular, detailed his substantial contribution: over 14,500 global scores across 3,200+ team projects, and a dedication of over 7 hours directly advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).
Shivansh’s trajectory is a powerful testament to ambition thriving despite limited resources. “I didn’t have access to big coaching institutes or a high-profile tech ecosystem,” he candidly admits, attributing his rise to crucial mentorship, including from Dr. Om Prakash sir, and his friend Vinay Kumar, relentless self-learning.
He firmly believed: “if your intention is right and your purpose is strong, the world opens doors for you.” For Shivansh, this global recognition is a clarion call to India’s smaller towns: “You don’t need to wait to be older or more established to create impact. You just need to start.” He views his Gold judge role with a deep sense of responsibility. “Being a Technovation Judge isn’t about authority; it’s about representing something bigger,” Shivansh asserts, believing his own journey demonstrates what’s possible for students who have been told their background limits their potential.
His ultimate vision is simple: to bridge rural India to global innovation. His story powerfully reiterates that “talent may indeed be born anywhere but with unwavering belief, it can truly go everywhere.
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Photo credit: Image provided by the storyteller.