Junior Makeathon by Shaastra IIT Madras - India's Innovation Challenge for School Students
Cash Prize & Grants
Junior Makeathon by Shaastra IIT Madras is a nationwide innovation challenge for school students (Grades 6-12) to solve real-world problems using STEM skills, culminating in a grand finale at the IIT Madras campus. Free registration.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Team
Teams of 3
Duration
Multi-round event, typically spanning several weeks for online submissions and offline grand finale.
Eligibility
The Junior Makeathon is open to all school students in Grades 6 to 12 across India. Students can participate in teams of 3 members, provided all team members are from the same school. The competition is divided into two categories: Juniors for Grades 6-8 and Seniors for Grades 9-12.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Age range
- 11 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to all school students currently enrolled in Grades 6 to 12 in India.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of scientific and mathematical principles.
- A keen interest in technology, innovation, and problem-solving.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹60,000
Attractive cash prizes for winners and top-performing teams, with previous editions offering up to ₹60,000. Promising solutions may also receive potential grants or incubation support for further development.
Prizes
Medals & Trophies
Winners and finalists will receive prestigious medals and trophies.
Certificate
Certificate from IIT Madras
All finalists, including winners, will receive printed certificates from Shaastra, IIT Madras. All participants who successfully complete the submission or immersion and ideation phases will receive a digital certificate of participation.
Opens doors to
Provides a significant advantage in applications to top engineering and science institutions like IITs and NITs, demonstrating practical skills, innovation, and problem-solving abilities. Offers exposure to the IIT Madras campus environment and faculty, which can be beneficial for future academic pursuits.
Recognition
National Recognition by IIT Madras
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 7 Sept 2026
- Registration closed
- 19 Sept 2026
- Competition
- 3 Jan 2027 to 7 Jan 2027
Immersion & Ideation Start Date
Problem statements are released, marking the beginning of the immersion and ideation phase.
Immersion & Ideation End Date
Deadline for teams to submit their ideated solutions and design sketches online.
JMT Final
Selected teams are participating in the final on-site makeathon at IIT Madras.
IIT Madras Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
How to apply
- 1Online registration on the official JMT website (jmt.shaastra.org).
- 2Submission of an abstract and a detailed scientific proposal based on selected problem statements for Round 1 (preliminary online submission).
- 3Shortlisted teams will be notified and invited to the IIT Madras campus for the final round, which involves intensive prototype development and a final presentation.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must adhere to the given problem statements and themes.
- Submissions for the preliminary round typically involve detailed descriptions of ideas, product descriptions, and dimensions.
- Only fresh designs are generally entertained for competition; existing solutions may be eligible for validation/mentoring but not competition.
- High-scoring weight may be given to teams that connect with real users and stakeholders to understand problems or validate solutions.
- All intellectual property rights for submitted ideas and prototypes will be governed by the competition's terms and conditions, which participants must agree to upon registration.
Technology requirements
- Reliable internet access and a computer/laptop for online registration, submission of proposals, and participation in virtual workshops.
- Access to various materials, tools, and basic electronics for hands-on prototype building during the final offline round. Specific requirements will be communicated to shortlisted teams.
About this opportunity
The Junior Make-a-thon (JMT) is a flagship event of Shaastra, the annual technical festival of IIT Madras, meticulously designed to cultivate a strong maker culture and ignite the spirit of innovation among school students across India. This prestigious competition empowers young minds to identify pressing real-world problems and engineer feasible, efficient, and impactful solutions by applying principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Participants gain invaluable practical skills through hands-on activities, transforming their imaginative ideas into tangible, working prototypes.
JMT places a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking, advanced problem-solving abilities, and collaborative teamwork. The competition is structured in multiple rigorous rounds, typically commencing with online submissions of innovative ideas and detailed proposals based on predefined problem statements.
Shortlisted teams receive dedicated mentorship from IIT Madras faculty and industry experts, along with participation in specialized workshops to refine their concepts and construct robust prototypes. The grand finale is a highlight, hosted at the iconic IIT Madras campus, where finalists present their groundbreaking innovations to a distinguished panel of judges comprising leading figures from industry and academia.
JMT's core mission is to inspire and nurture future entrepreneurs and innovators, providing them with a unique and unparalleled platform to explore their full potential and collaborate with like-minded peers from across the nation. The event also aims to introduce students to the entrepreneurial journey, encouraging them to think about the real-world applicability and impact of their solutions.
Rounds and format
Round 1 (Prelims): Online submission of abstract and scientific proposal based on selected problem statements. Round 2 (Semifinals): 6 regional semi-finals: Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Raipur, Mumbai. Top 3 teams per category per region = 18 teams each in Junior and Senior categories advance to finals. Round 3 (Finals): Top shortlisted teams are invited to the IIT Madras campus for a 3-day event involving mentorship, workshops, prototype building, and final presentations to a judging panel.
How entries are judged
Submissions are evaluated based on feasibility, efficiency, effectiveness, innovation, and the quality of the prototype. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the problem and validating solutions with real users.
Selection process
Teams are shortlisted based on the quality and innovation of their ideas submitted in the preliminary round. The top teams proceed to the final prototyping round.
How to prepare
- Workshops and mentorship sessions provided by Shaastra IIT Madras
- Guidance on design thinking and prototyping
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition is centered around real-world problem statements, encouraging participants to develop interdisciplinary solutions. Comprehensive workshops and dedicated mentorship sessions provide guidance on design thinking, effective prototyping techniques, and the use of various technical tools and software. The curriculum is hands-on and project-based, fostering practical application of knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants best prepare for the Junior Makeathon competition?
Participants are encouraged to develop strong problem-solving skills, engage in design thinking exercises, and familiarize themselves with basic STEM principles. Reviewing previous year's problem statements and solutions can also provide valuable insights into the competition's expectations and scope. Focus on understanding real-world challenges and brainstorming innovative, practical solutions.
What are the key judging criteria for the prototypes and presentations in the final round?
Judges typically evaluate prototypes based on innovation, feasibility, efficiency, effectiveness, and the quality of execution. Presentations are assessed on clarity, communication of the solution's impact, the team's understanding of the problem, and their proposed solution. Originality and real-world applicability are highly valued.
How does participation in JMT benefit students' long-term academic and career goals?
Participation in JMT provides a strong foundation for future careers in engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship. It helps students build a portfolio of innovative projects, develop critical thinking and teamwork skills, and gain exposure to the IIT Madras ecosystem, which can be advantageous for higher education applications.
What kind of mentorship and support is provided to the shortlisted teams during the final round?
Shortlisted teams receive dedicated mentorship from IIT Madras faculty and industry experts. This includes guidance on refining concepts, technical assistance for prototype development, and workshops focused on design thinking and presentation skills to enhance their final projects and overall learning experience.
Are there opportunities for teams to continue developing their projects after the competition concludes?
Promising solutions and top-performing teams may receive potential grants or incubation support to further develop their innovations. The competition aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, and avenues for continued project development are often explored for impactful ideas with real-world potential.
What technical skills are beneficial for participants in the Junior Makeathon?
While specific technical skills depend on the problem statement, a basic understanding of electronics, coding (e.g., Python, Arduino), mechanical design, and 3D modeling can be highly beneficial. Workshops during the event will also help participants acquire necessary skills for prototyping.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
The IEOM High School STEM Competition
by IEOM (Industrial Engineering and Operations Management) Society International
A national competition for Indian students to present innovative STEM projects at the IEOM India International Conference.
What your child could gain:
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow India - Health and Education
by Samsung India
National innovation competition for Indian youth (14-22) to develop tech solutions for societal challenges, offering grants, mentorship, and incubation.
What your child could gain:
WRC Fastest Line Follower Robotics Competition
by All India Council For Robotics & Automation (AICRA)
Design and build autonomous robots to navigate a black line on a white track at high speed in the WRC Fastest Line Follower competition, organized by AICRA.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app