Engineering and Design – The Tinkering Scientist Competition

The Tinkering Scientist Competition at The Cosmic Fest 2026 is designed to challenge students to not only think like engineers and innovators but artists solves real problems in space exploration. Organized by The Sky Explorers, this competition invites students to define a problem related to human presence on Mars and design a practical engineering or technological solution. Participants are encouraged to explore ideas involving robotics, electronics, automation, or mechanical systems that could support astronauts living and working on Mars.

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The competition invite students from Grades 8 to 12. Schools must first complete pre-registration between 16th March and 21st March 2026 to express their intent to participate. Once pre-registered, schools will receive a registration link to submit student details such as names and grades. the link for which will be open from 22nd March to 31st March 2026.

 

Post registration, a Coordinator's Online Meeting will be held on 3rd April 2026 wherein all detailed instructions and guidance will be provided. Participants will then attend online workshops on 6th and 7th April 2026, where they will receive support and direction to strengthen their project ideas and designs.

Each participating team must submit a concept note outlining their chosen problem statement and the proposed engineering solution. This concept note will serve as the qualifier for the competition,  the last date for submission is 10th April 2026. Additional details and guidelines will be communicated during the coordinator meeting.