What if beating the heat begins not with an air-conditioner, but with an idea? That is the question posed by the BrainyBotz STEM Innovation Challenge 2026. The contest invites children aged eight to 16 to explore practical ways of cooling homes without depending on expensive air-conditioning systems or high-cost equipment. Themed ‘Beat the Heat: Cool Homes for All’, the challenge places everyday heat and its impact on families as an opportunity for young minds to innovate.

Participants, working in teams of two to four, are expected to investigate why homes become hot, understand the science of heat transfer and develop solutions using locally available materials. The emphasis is on affordability, safety and scalability, with proposed solutions aiming to reduce indoor temperatures by 4–8°C.

The competition is divided into three age groups. Explorers aged eight to 10 will observe, sketch and explain their ideas, while junior inventors aged 11 to 13 will build small prototypes, take temperature readings and document their findings. For those aged 14 to 16, the design engineers category adds physics, local cost comparisons and a presentation with a Q&A.

The challenge follows the complete innovation cycle from research and idea development to prototyping, testing, documentation and presentation. Registrations are open till September 25, with the first-level idea submission due on October 10. The finals and awards are scheduled for November 21, with the final projects to be showcased at Brainybotz’ annual show of AROHA 2026.

Participants can register through BrainyBotz STEM’s website, www.brainybotz.in. For details, contact 9391442996 or email team@brainybotz.in.