Sriramkumar, a 16-year-old school student from Coimbatore, has invented an innovative slope measuring instrument called 'universal spirit level.' He has filed for patenting his invention in India.

Bangalore native Sandesh, 28, is a nature photographer, conservationist and filmmaker.

The two winners were selected from among eight finalists.

R Sriramkumar (left) and Sandesh Kadur with the award.

Also See: The Guggenheim Scholars