With over 11 billion views on YouTube and a global reputation for turning science into fun, Mark Rober has launched one of the most exciting innovation contests India has ever seen — the Mark Rober Jugaad Contest 2025. But while thousands of Indians have already entered the ₹50 lakh giveaway challenge, many are now asking: what exactly is Mark Rober looking for in a winning Jugaad invention?
The contest, running from April 30 to September 15, 2025, is open to all Indian residents aged 8 and above. Participants are asked to submit a video showing off a homemade invention using everyday materials, upload it to social media using #MarkRoberJugaad, and submit the link via the official website www.markroberjugaad.com. Ten winners will each receive ₹5 lakh. But it’s not just about building something cool — Rober and his team at CrunchLabs will be using a specific set of criteria to evaluate each entry.
First and foremost, originality is key. Mark Rober isn’t interested in store-bought kits or cookie-cutter science fair projects. He’s looking for solutions that feel fresh, creative, and uniquely Indian. Whether it’s a clothesline that doubles as a solar dryer or a water-saving sink made from scrap plastic, the idea should reflect real-world thinking and practical needs. For Rober, Jugaad is most powerful when it solves problems in clever, unexpected ways.
Next, resourcefulness ranks high. Rober loves when creators turn limitations into opportunities. Can an old fan motor become part of a washing system? Can plastic bottles become vertical gardens? These are the types of projects that show true engineering spirit — not just working with what’s available, but turning trash into treasure. Using everyday items in new and intelligent ways is exactly the kind of ingenuity Rober wants to celebrate.
Another important element is functionality. It’s not enough for a project to look cool — it has to work. The judges want to see inventions that actually do what they claim to. If it’s a security alarm built from scratch, it should trigger reliably. If it’s a mechanical hand made from cardboard and strings, it should demonstrate movement and purpose. Mark Rober has always emphasized that the joy of science lies in making ideas come to life, and this contest is no different.
Storytelling also plays a big role. Rober’s career as a YouTuber proves that how you explain something matters as much as what you build. Contest entries should clearly communicate what the invention is, how it works, and why it’s useful. A well-narrated, easy-to-understand video — even if filmed on a simple phone — can go a long way in helping the judges grasp the depth of your project. Passion, clarity, and a bit of humor or heart never hurt either.
Of course, safety and ethical use are essential. Any project that poses harm or involves dangerous materials may be disqualified. The emphasis is on smart, safe, and community-friendly inventions. Whether it’s helping elders carry groceries or improving water access in a village, the best entries will demonstrate not just intelligence but empathy.
Mark Rober has been outspoken about his admiration for India’s inventive culture. During his collaborations with Indian YouTubers like Curly Tales, TechBurner, and CarryMinati, Rober expressed how impressed he is with the country’s grassroots innovation. He believes Indian creators have a natural flair for solving complex problems with minimal resources — exactly what this contest aims to spotlight.
In his special collaboration with cricketer Hardik Pandya, Rober explored the idea of “street science,” applauding everyday Indians for turning mundane materials into meaningful machines. This appreciation is shaping his approach to judging: it’s not about having the flashiest tools, but about showcasing depth of thought and problem-solving spirit.
Rober’s judging panel will include engineers and makers from the CrunchLabs team, known for designing wildly creative STEM toys and content. Their goal is to find entries that reflect the same energy that powers CrunchLabs: curiosity, fun, and hands-on learning. Whether the contestant is a 10-year-old with a tape-and-cardboard solution or an adult who’s built a helpful gadget for their community, each invention will be judged on its own merits.
Finally, Rober’s dream is that this contest does more than reward clever builds — he hopes it sparks a movement. A movement where children see themselves as inventors, where classrooms become makerspaces, and where science is seen not as a subject, but as a superpower.
As the September 15 deadline approaches, inventors across the country still have time to participate. The most important thing to remember? You don’t need expensive materials, a fancy camera, or a formal lab. What Mark Rober is truly looking for is your passion, creativity, and a pinch of desi Jugaad.
