Kerala has taken a major step toward protecting its natural ecosystems with the launch of NeophyteID, an AI–powered mobile application designed to identify and track invasive plant species across the state.
The NeophyteID app was officially launched on 2 February 2026 by the Chief Minister of Kerala during the 38th Kerala Science Congress event.
The application was developed by the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MBGIPS).
It aims to assist scientists, students, forest officials, and local communities in detecting and monitoring invasive plant species that threaten native biodiversity.
NeophyteID allows users to click a photograph of a plant or upload an image from their gallery. Using AI-based image recognition, the app instantly identifies the species.
At the same time, geospatial tracking records the plant’s location, creating a real-time map of invasive species across Kerala.
This crowdsourced data helps ecologists and conservation authorities understand how invasive plants are spreading and where immediate intervention is required. The platform transforms ordinary citizens into environmental guardians by allowing them to contribute directly to conservation efforts.
By combining advanced technology with community participation, NeophyteID marks a powerful shift in how biodiversity protection is managed in India.