FAQs

Teams of 2 to 5 undergraduate or postgraduate students from any recognised STEM institution are eligible. Faculty may be part of the team as mentors only. The team lead must be a student.

No.

Your idea should:

• Adhere to one of the Vishwakarma themes (including sub-tracks)
• Solve a real-world problem
• Include a hardware component
• Result in a working prototype demonstrated at the finals

Pure software-only or theoretical solutions are not eligible.

Only work done during the program timeline will be evaluated. Prior research or builds won’t be considered.

Applications open on August 1, 2025. You’ll need to submit:

• • An online form

• A written problem statement and proposed solution (Word document)

You’ll receive an email update by September 3rd, 2025, if your team is selected for the next stage. If you are not selected, you’ll still regret communication.

Please ensure your application includes a valid and regularly checked email ID.

Clean Technology and Water & Sanitation themes are not being discontinued. All sustainability themes will be part of the Global Sustainability Challenge; details will be announced by August end.

 Yes, finalist teams will attend an in-person bootcamp and finale.

Travel will be at your cost. If you do not have the funds, you may apply for a travel scholarship from Maker Bhavan Foundation. Scholarships are limited.

 Yes. We provide:

• Accommodation + meals during the bootcamp and finale

No, additional on-ground fees are required to be paid to Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF).

Travel will be at your cost. If you do not have the funds, you may apply for a travel scholarship from MBF. Scholarships are limited.

Yes, only finalist teams will travel to a partner IIT for the bootcamp and finale:

• Arrival: Jan 22, 2026
• Departure: Jan 24 or 25, 2026
• Minimum team members required onsite: 1
• Maximum supported: 2 team members per team (stay funded). More Members can come at their own cost
• Visa (if applicable): International students, if shortlisted, will be informed of the procedure
• Skipping the Bootcamp? No — the Bootcamp is mandatory for finalists
• Do we need to bring our prototype? Yes
  • Working video: Must be submitted prior
  • Physical prototype: Must be brought for live demo at the finale

• ₹30,000: For finalist teams to further develop their prototypes
• Mentorship: From industry experts & innovation leaders
• Pitch Coaching: With communication experts
• Showcasing Opportunity: In front of investors, media, and institutions
• Possible Internships: With partner companies

Certificate + Optional LORs from mentors/selection committee

• Best Invention Award: ₹1,00,000 
  

• Industry Internships for selected teams: subject on availability

 You must demonstrate a working prototype with a hardware component. It should:

• Be cost-effective
• Address a real need
• Be easy to use, scalable, and sustainable

Show community engagement (this counts toward final scores!)

Yes, as long as there is a hardware component and the overall solution can be physically demonstrated.

• Relevance
• Effectiveness
• Clarity (technical + reasoning)
• Uniqueness
• Ease of use
• Sustainability & scalability
• Community involvement (10–15% of score)

Each team is assigned a technical mentor (If needed) and a communication consultant post-shortlisting. These experts help you develop your prototype and refine your pitch for the jury.

• All finalist teams are eligible for post-program support, networking, and alumni engagement

Yes, all participants will receive a certificate of participation, and finalist teams will receive the winner certificate and can request Letters of Recommendation from mentors or jury members or Maker Bhavan Foundation.