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STEMathon India
Do you want to shape the future? We’re looking for talented grade 10 to 12 students from schools across India to join STEMathon 2026, our annual competition for students with innovative ideas to solve global challenges and improve our world.
Applications are now open
On this page
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Hear from 2025 STEMathon participants
What's it like to take part in the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø STEMathon? We spoke to finalists from the 2025 edition of the competition about their experience and what you can expect from STEMathon 2026.
How it works
How it works
Pick your challenge
What’s your idea to help meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals? From zero hunger to affordable and clean energy, we want you to respond to the global challenges that will shape our future.
Build your team
You can compete as part of a team of three with other students in grades 10 to 12 students from your school.
How it works
Design your solution
Use your science, tech, engineering, business and enterprise skills to develop your project.
Present your project
Pitch your solution. Create a video pitch to tell our experts about your solution for the chance to compete in our STEMathon final in Mumbai.
Why take part
As a STEMathon 2026 participant, you’ll get the chance to develop your science and entrepreneurial skills, engage in a hands-on project, challenge yourself and work with other top students from across India.
You’ll also be in with a chance of winning one of our STEMathon prizes, including the opportunity to compete at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s annual Global Natural Science and Innovation Competition in London.
Who’s eligible
STEMathon 2026 is for teams of three students aged between 15 and 17 from the same school and branch in grades 10 to 12.
Schools that are members of the following school boards are eligible to take part:
- Council for Indian School Certificate Examination – Indian School Certificate
- Central Board of Secondary Education – All India Senior School Examination
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
- Cambridge Assessment International Education
For safeguarding, you’ll also need a teacher to support and chaperone your team.
Students who have participated in STEMathon in previous years are welcome to apply again, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. However, they must submit a new project and cannot re-enter the same or a substantially similar project addressing the same Sustainable Development Goal.
Read our full eligibility criteria in our STEMathon 2026 terms and conditions.
Key dates and deadlines
15 May – 4 September | Registration
Complete your registration and payment by 4 September 2026 to take part in STEMathon 2026.
1 July – 21 September | Round one submissions
After registering, you’ll receive the information pack and can start developing your Round one submission. Registering early will give your team more time to refine your idea. Round one submissions open on 1 July and close on 21 September 2026.
9 September | Webinar: Solar storms and space weather
Join Dr Simon Foster for a taste lecture to explore how solar storms affect Earth, why space weather matters, and how we can protect our technology and infrastructure from these powerful events. The joining link will be shared with all registered participants.
17 September | Webinar: Communicating and pitching your idea
Delivered by Ben Mumby-Croft, Director of Entrepreneurship at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, this practical session will help you develop a compelling pitch and confidently communicate your STEMathon idea. The joining link will be shared with all registered participants.
16 October | Shortlisting Results
Twenty teams will be notified whether they have been selected to take part in the STEMathon Finale.
October (Date TBC) | Webinar: Prototyping your idea
This practical session will support finalist teams in developing and refining their projects through effective prototyping. Further details will be shared closer to the event.
23 October | Finale Attendance Confirmation
Shortlisted teams will need to confirm their place at the STEMathon Finale by this date.
26 October – 18 November | Mentoring Programme
Each finalist team will be paired with an 51³Ô¹ÏÍø PhD student mentor and take part in three one-hour mentoring sessions to help develop their project ahead of the finale. The mentoring programme will conclude on 18 November.
20 November | STEMathon Evening Reception in Mumbai
Shortlisted teams are invited to attend a networking reception with representatives from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and EduQuest ahead of the finale.
21–22 November | STEMathon Finale in Mumbai
The two-day STEMathon Finale will take place on 21–22 November 2026. Further details about the programme will be shared in October and November.
Registration fee
All teams are required to pay a registration fee of £150 (GBP) to take part. This is equivalent to £50 (GBP) for each team member.
The registration fee covers our costs for the administration of the competition.
Teams invited to take part in the STEMathon 2026 final in Mumbai will be required to cover their own accommodation and travel costs.
How to take part
Apply using this application form.
Applications close at 23.55 (UK time) on 4 September 2026.
Please note: to complete your application, you will need the details and contact information for all team members and your teacher chaperone. The application form cannot be saved, so you must complete it in one session.
FAQs
Visit our FAQ page to find quick answers to common questions.