When Mark Rober, the globally loved
engineer-entertainer, touched down in India, few anticipated the kind of
whirlwind impact his presence would generate. Known for turning science into
viral entertainment—from the world's most complicated squirrel maze to
anti-scam glitter bombs—Rober brought his signature mix of curiosity,
playfulness, and precision to Indian soil. But beyond the fanfare, his mission
was laser-focused: to ignite India’s innate innovation instinct through the #MarkRoberJugaad
contest, offering ₹5 lakh each to 10 standout inventors.
His Indian tour began with appearances at some of
the country’s most vibrant learning and innovation hubs. From IIT Bombay to
Hyderabad’s T-Hub, Rober engaged with students, engineers, and creators who
showed off their homegrown innovations—from bottle-powered air coolers to
AI-powered school bags. It was a meeting of minds, cultures, and tools, with
Rober constantly praising India's “creative efficiency,” or as he fondly termed
it, “the Jugaad superpower.”
Among the many memorable moments, Rober’s
collaboration with Slay Point stood out for its satirical spin on Indian
life hacks. Together, they explored desi shortcuts—like using a washing machine
to churn lassi—and recreated them under scientific scrutiny. The result?
Laughter, learning, and a newfound appreciation for India’s inventive DNA.
At the heart of Rober’s visit lies the #MarkRoberJugaad
contest, a countrywide call to action for creators aged 8 and up.
Whether you’re a kid with a cardboard-crafted robot or a teenager who’s
converted kitchen waste into battery fuel, this is your stage. All you need to
do is post a video of your invention on Facebook, Instagram, X, or YouTube
using the hashtag #MarkRoberJugaad. Most importantly, you must go to www.markroberjugaad.com and submit the link to your post. Without this final
step, your entry won’t be counted.
Entries are open until September 15, 2025, 11:59
PM IST. The contest is organized by CrunchLabs LLC, Rober’s
engineering and education startup, which has already redefined how science
reaches young minds in the U.S. through its monthly STEM kits and immersive
videos.
Rober’s India trip wasn’t just about challenges and
labs—it also celebrated collaboration. His fun yet fierce session with CarryMinati
quickly trended online. The duo challenged each other to build a working fan
from junk electronics sourced from Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk in under 30
minutes. Their humorous banter, combined with surprisingly effective outcomes,
made it an instant hit among viewers.
Rober also brought together the worlds of tech and
entertainment during his episode with Tech Burner. The duo built a
low-cost robot using discarded devices from a local electronics market, testing
the boundaries of function and design. Viewers got an inside look at how
accessible tech, combined with curiosity, can lead to incredible results.
But perhaps the most unexpected pairing came when
Rober met Hardik Pandya. In a truly offbeat episode, they explored the
physics of cricket. Using sensors, ball tracking tech, and slow-motion cameras,
they experimented with spin rates, swing angles, and even “jugaad bat grips”
that could help maximize shot control. It was science meets sport in its most
entertaining form.
The #MarkRoberJugaad contest is more than a
competition—it's a movement designed to celebrate originality, encourage
practical problem-solving, and shine a light on India's hidden geniuses.
With hundreds of thousands of entries expected, Rober has said that he’s
“excited to showcase Indian brilliance on a global platform.”
Winners will not only receive ₹5 lakh each,
but also the opportunity to have their inventions featured in one of Rober’s
global YouTube episodes. With over 68 million subscribers, that’s
visibility most inventors can only dream of.
As India gears up to tinker, tape, and transform
the ordinary into the extraordinary, Mark Rober’s influence continues to ripple
across classrooms, living rooms, and rooftops. The man who turned backyard
science into global entertainment may have just inspired India’s next
generation of innovators.
