SOF- Techfest, IIT Bombay: Innovation Challenge
Welcome to the SOF- Techfest, IIT Bombay: Innovation Challenge!
This is a unique opportunity for you to showcase your creativity, ingenuity and technical prowess. Techfest, Asia's Largest Science and Technology Festival, hosted by IIT Bombay, in association with the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), is conducting this challenge to nurture young talent and innovative thinking among school students like you.
This challenge is a part of the SOF- International Science Olympiad (ISO) examination for students in standards 8-10 (for schools in India only).
How to Participate:
- You will find a special question section dedicated to the SOF-Techfest IIT Bombay Innovation Challenge in your ISO question paper.
- This section will include a problem statement and guidelines on how to answer it.
- You will need to submit your answer online by the given deadline. Detailed instructions on submission will be provided in the question paper.
- No registration fee is required to participate.
The Innovation Challenge: This year's challenge focuses on "The Future Is Yours to Build – Ideas That Create Impact" You will need to select one of the following topics and provide your innovative solutions:
As technology transforms everyday life, students can use AI, IoT and smart technologies to solve real-world challenges in their communities. Choose ONE challenge and propose a creative, technology-driven solution that creates meaningful impact.
1. Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities – How might we use AI, IoT, and smart technology to make everyday activities more accessible and independent for people with disabilities?
2. Women’s Safety – How might we use AI, IoT, and connected technologies to make women safer in public spaces and during everyday travel?
3. Food Waste → Recycling & Reuse – How might we use technology to reduce food waste and transform unavoidable food waste into something useful?
Answer Format: Your answer should follow this format:
- Title – Title of your chosen challenge.
- Problem – Clearly explain the social challenge and its impact (100–150 words).
- Solution – Present an innovative, feasible idea using technology or creative design (150–200 words).
- Conclusion – Justify why your solution is impactful and how it can be implemented (50–100 words).
Grading: The grading of your answer will be done by Techfest, IIT Bombay, based on the guidelines provided by IIT Bombay professors.
Rewards: Exciting rewards await the participants!
- Each participant will be awarded a Certificate of Participation from SOF-Techfest, IIT Bombay.
- Top 20 students will be invited with an accompanying adult to Techfest 2026-27 from 16th to 18th December, 2026, with accommodation provided by Techfest, IIT Bombay.
- Winners will be awarded trophies, gifts, certificates and will get a chance of exclusive VIP entry to International Exhibitions and Lectures at Techfest, IIT Bombay, along with an opportunity to visit IIT Bombay’s campus.
Celebrating Last Year's Young Innovators
SOF–Techfest, IIT Bombay Innovation Challenge 2025–26 Winners
Meet Arnab – A Winner of Last Year's SOF–Techfest Innovation Challenge!
An SOF International Science Olympiad (ISO) aspirant, Arnab transformed his personal rehabilitation experience into an AI-powered solution designed to support recovery. His innovative idea earned him an opportunity to showcase his solution at Techfest, IIT Bombay.
His journey demonstrates how scientific curiosity, personal experiences and creative thinking can inspire meaningful solutions to real-world challenges.
Watch now!
We encourage you to think outside the box and present your most innovative ideas. Best of luck!