New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS): In its bid to encourage innovators to make in India, Infosys on Monday announced the winners of its first 'Infy Maker Awards' in the country.

In the first Indian edition, 20 winners were selected from more than 280 entries and over 2,500 registrations. 

The winners were chosen from categories like health, energy, education, sound and music, social change solutions, robotics, art and design, artificial intelligence and electronics, among others.

"The 'Infy Maker Awards' in India aim to recognise some of the best minds and unleash the power of creativity and imagination of the next generation of thinkers," said Pravin Rao, Chief Operating Officer, Infosys, in a statement.

"We believe that these awards will ignite the spirit of 'making' in India and celebrate excellence in innovation. Infosys intends to steadily empower and reward such makers in India across communities and organisations," Rao added.

The 20 winners will be presented with Rs 5 lakh each, a trophy and a certificate.

The awards were launched in the US by the Infosys Foundation USA in June 2015 in support of President Barack Obama's "Nation of Makers" initiative.

"Building on the success of this awards programme in the US, the 'Infy Maker Awards' in India is a reaffirmation of our commitment to contribute significantly to the larger global community and inspire the next generation of makers," said Vandana Sikka, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation USA.