2nd STEM & Start-up Festival on August 2, 2025, Washington DC
Shaping the Future, One Idea at a Time
The International Conference for Science and Innovation (ICSI) is a global platform empowering students to showcase groundbreaking ideas and connect with industry leaders.
We are thrilled to invite you to a day filled with innovation, exploration, and creativity. This festival is designed to inspire young minds like yours to explore the exciting worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Entrepreneurship.
Connect with like-minded peers, mentors, and organizations passionate about empowering the next generation of innovators.
1Witness groundbreaking projects from talented high school students covering topics in STEM, sustainability, technology, and more.
3Learn from top industry professionals, academic pioneers, and successful entrepreneurs through keynotes and interactive panels.
2Explore cutting-edge technologies and solutions developed by students and professionals alike in our dedicated showcase area.
4Founder, onlinechalk & ICSI
Garima Rai is the Founder & CEO of onlinechalk, where she envisions revolutionizing personalized coaching for students. With responsibility for strategic development, technology integration, and educational innovation, Garima has transformed onlinechalk into a trusted and invaluable resource for students, parents, and educators worldwide. Before founding onlinechalk, Garima built her expertise in the educational technology sector, working with various companies to hone her skills in strategic business development and digital learning solutions. Her profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the modern educational landscape has driven the success of countless students globally. Garima's strengths lie in her creativity, drive, and leadership. She thrives on tackling challenges that expand the company’s reach and enhance its offerings. One of her most significant achievements includes the development and implementation of an AI-driven personalized tutoring system, which has resulted in a substantial improvement in student performance and engagement. Recognized for her outstanding achievements in the field of education technology, Garima is a frequent and highly-rated speaker at industry conferences, podcasts and is deeply committed to community service. She is dedicated to mentoring students, aspiring business professionals and actively engages in initiatives that inspire the next generation to explore STEM fields. Garima holds a master’s degree in Microbiology. She lives in Maryland with her family. In her free time, Garima enjoys hiking and participating in local tech meetups.
2024 ICSI President
Sanika Devare is a sophomore Bioengineering student at the University of Maryland, College Park, as a part of the University Honors program within the Honors College. She moved from India at age 8 and now calls Howard County home. Sanika's passion for STEM began early, leading her to receive the STEM Award from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in high school and the Girl Scouts Gold Award project, Memory Through Music, featured in the Baltimore Sun. In High School, she was a section leader in the marching band, participated in First Tech Challenge robotics, and co-founded her high school’s ukulele club to showcase her leadership and diverse interests. At the University of Maryland, she is active in the Society of Women Engineers and is a mentor for the Women in Engineering Program, guiding students as they navigate their freshman year. Sanika’s professional journey includes a year-long internship as a medical assistant at Dr. Ruth Agwuna's Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, and she continued this role during her college breaks. Currently, as a STEM Initiatives Development Intern at onlinechalk, she organizes and markets STEM events for youth, combining her love for STEM with leadership and marketing skills to create impactful experiences. Beyond academics, Sanika serves as a puppy sitter for FIDOS for Freedom at UMD, raising service dogs. Her ultimate goal is to specialize in prosthetics or tissue engineering, aiming to enhance lives through healthcare innovation.
2024 Expert Speaker | Harvard & Duke Alumni | Founder Lernadu
Kristina Han graduated from Harvard University with dual concentrations in East Asian Studies and Government. She began her career as an Investment Banker at JP Morgan before obtaining a joint degree from Duke Law School and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Her specialization in conflict resolution and international policy led her to diverse roles, including corporate lawyer at Skadden Arps, private intelligence consultant at Kroll, and in-house counsel for TPG, one of the world's largest private equity firms. Most recently, Kristina founded Lernadu, an innovative daily check-in system that equips parents and educators with actionable insights into students' unique learning profiles and needs, while fostering essential self-management skills in students. Kristina's mission is to empower students to take control of their learning journeys, while providing impactful tools for educators and parents to support their development.
Community Mentor | STEM and Startup Advocate | Medical Diagnostics
Vijay Walia is a distinguished professional in the field of medical diagnostics, bringing over 25 years of expertise to his role in advancing healthcare technologies. His career is marked by significant contributions to the development and implementation of cutting-edge diagnostic tools that have transformed patient care and disease management. Vijay's work in medical diagnostics has been instrumental in improving the accuracy and efficiency of disease detection and monitoring. His leadership in the industry has led to the innovation of numerous diagnostic solutions that are now integral to modern healthcare. These advancements have not only enhanced patient outcomes but have also set new standards for diagnostic practices worldwide. In addition to his professional achievements, Vijay is a passionate mentor dedicated to supporting the Haryanvi communities. He actively engages with community members, offering guidance and encouragement to young professionals and students aspiring to enter the medical and scientific fields. His mentorship is characterized by a commitment to nurturing talent and helping individuals achieve their full potential.Vijay's dedication to fostering the next generation of innovators extends to his advocacy for STEM education and entrepreneurship. He is a fervent supporter of initiatives that inspire children and young adults to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By promoting startup activities and entrepreneurial thinking, Vijay helps equip young minds with the skills and confidence needed to embark on their own ventures and contribute to future technological advancements. Through his exceptional work in medical diagnostics and his unwavering support for community and youth development, Vijay Walia exemplifies the ideal blend of professional excellence and societal contribution. His efforts continue to make a lasting impact on both the healthcare industry and the communities he serves.
Physician | Wilson Medical Center
Dr. Aryendra Shrivastava is a highly skilled psychiatrist practicing at Wilson Medical Center. With a deep commitment to mental health and well-being, he dedicates his career to diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals with various psychiatric conditions. His compassionate approach ensures that each patient receives personalized and effective care. Dr. Shrivastava's journey in psychiatry includes extensive training and experience. At Wilson Medical Center, he collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive mental health services, ranging from medication management to therapeutic interventions. His thoughtful and evidence-based approach to treatment highlights his dedication to his patients and the field of psychiatry. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Shrivastava is a passionate mentor for the Uttar Pradesh community. He offers guidance and support to individuals pursuing careers in the medical field, helping many young professionals navigate the complexities of medical education and training. He frequently speaks to children and young adults about the importance of pursuing careers in medicine, particularly in psychiatry, aiming to cultivate future healthcare leaders. Through his work in psychiatry, mentorship, and community engagement, Dr. Aryendra Shrivastava exemplifies the qualities of a compassionate and committed healthcare professional, making a significant impact on both his patients and the broader community.
Lead Designer, Payol
World is committed to making participation in the event a harass ment free experience for everyone, regardless of level experience gender, gender identity and expression
GET EXPERIENCE
Limited oral presentation slots are available.
43/50
Register by Feb 28, 2025
REGISTER HERE
Our team is actively engaging with leading experts in the field to bring you a lineup of inspiring and knowledgeable speakers for 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as we finalize the details!
Garima Rai
Participants are required to complete registration and set up their exhibits during the designated time to ensure a smooth and organized start to the event.
Garima Rai
The judging process for abstracts and projects at ICSI 2025 emphasizes originality, innovation, and practical impact. Expert judges from academia, industry, and entrepreneurship will evaluate submissions based on clarity, scientific rigor, creativity, and relevance to the theme of "Innovation – Shaping the Future." Projects will also be assessed for their potential to solve real-world problems, demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking, and inspire further exploration. This process ensures a fair and constructive evaluation, celebrating the ingenuity and dedication of all.
Sanika Devare
Program overview by:
Garima Rai
Student Oral Presentations (Round II Judging)
Sanika Devare
2025 Speakers to be selected based upon abstracts
Sanika Devare
2025 Speakers to be selected based upon abstracts
Vijay Walia, PhD MBA
Award distribution
Closing remarks by Garima Rai & Vijay Walia
Walkersville Fire Company (Right beside the Walkersville High School) 79 W. Frederick Street, Walkersville, MD 21793
