Registrations for the 7th edition of HCL’s flagship student innovation platform officially opened on May 15, bringing together project-based learning, startup-style collaboration, and hands-on problem solving for students from Classes 6 to 9.
With a Rs 12 lakh prize pool and a redesigned format, Edition 7 marks a significant shift from traditional quiz-based competition models. Instead of testing recall, students will work in teams to identify real-world problems, build solutions, develop prototypes, and pitch their ideas at a national finale.
Students will move through a structured five-stage journey covering problem identification, design thinking, prototyping, product development, and pitching. Teams will also assume defined innovation roles such as Project Lead, Research Analyst, Technical Designer, and Creative Strategist, reflecting how modern startups and product teams operate in the real world.
Solving for a Better India: Four Themes That Matter
Student teams will tackle real-world challenges across one of four themes:
- AI & Digital Futures: AI-powered solutions, smart digital systems, responsible AI, and emerging technologies
- Climate & Sustainability: Renewable energy, waste management, water conservation, and climate-tech innovation
- Medical Innovation: Healthcare accessibility, smart diagnostics, wellness technologies, and assistive innovation
- Robotics & Automation: Robotics systems, intelligent automation, manufacturing innovation, and industrial technology
- Teams will be encouraged to create working models, functional prototypes, digital products, AI concepts, or IoT-based demonstrations as part of their submissions.
A Five-Stage Journey to the National Finale
The competition will unfold through five stages:
- Stage 1 — Outreach & Onboarding (May–July): School registrations, team formation, and theme orientation
- Stage 2 — Foundational Learning: Design thinking modules, future-skills content, and innovation frameworks
- Stage 3 — Role-Based Building: Teams build and test prototypes with expert-led webinars on product building and pitching
- Stage 4 — Pitch Perfect: Submission of pitch videos, jury evaluation, and zonal shortlisting (top 10% teams per grade per zone advance)
- Stage 5 — National Grand Finale (November 22, 2026): Live prototype presentations in front of industry experts and HCL leaders
Registrations will remain open until July 31, 2026, with schools from across India eligible to participate. Register at: www.hcljigsaw.com
