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- National Science Olympiad (NSO) 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 NSO 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 "Innovation for Real-World Challenges – Technology & Creativity for a Better Tomorrow" You will need to select one of the following topics and provide your innovative solutions:
As we move into a rapidly changing world, students face many real-life challenges in their schools, neighbourhoods and communities. From health and safety to inclusivity and accessibility, innovation and technology can play a key role in improving daily life. Choose ONE of the following pressing challenges and propose a creative, technology-driven solution:
1. Inclusive Learning for All – How can we design innovative and affordable solutions that make learning more inclusive
whether by supporting students with disabilities, bridging the digital divide, or creating smarter classrooms that cater to different
learning needs?
2. Traffic & Mobility – Urban traffic causes delays, fuel waste and pollution. What innovative solution can make daily
transportation safer, faster and eco-friendlier for students and citizens?
3. Every Drop Counts – With water scarcity increasing, how can schools and communities use technology to reduce wastage
and manage water efficiently?
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 2025-26 from 22nd to 24th December, 2025, 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.
We encourage you to think outside the box and present your most innovative ideas. Best of luck!