Functional Prototype
Build a working solution—not just a presentation or concept.
Working > Talking
Registrations open
NEXTGEN 26'1
NEXTGEN 26'1
Chennai.
Build AI, robotics, software and engineering solutions that solve real-world problems. Showcase your talent, work with AI, and win serious maker gear.
CHENNAI / 2026
FOR CLASS 9–12
THINK.BUILD.SHOW.
Hack with AI Magic
GRAND PRIZE
Full Raspberry Pi 5 Maker Kit
Everything needed to build AI, robotics and IoT projects.
- Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB)
- Camera Module
- High-Speed SD Card
- 45W USB-C Charger
Top 5 Teams
Medals & Certificates
All Participants
Participation Certificate
02 — WHY NEXTGEN 26'1?
Why NextGen 26'1?
Not another science exhibition. Not another coding contest. NextGen rewards students who identify real problems, build functional solutions, and prove that their ideas work.
NextGen 26'1 is an innovation showcase built for students who love solving real-world problems. Every project is evaluated on functionality, implementation, testing, and impact—not just ideas or presentations.
Every winning project shares four qualities:
✓ Solves a real problem
✓ Demonstrates working functionality
✓ Survives live testing
✓ Creates measurable impact
Live Verification
Demonstrate your project live as judges test functionality, reliability, and technical implementation.
Built to PerformReal-World Impact
Every project should solve a meaningful problem and create practical value for society.
Impact FirstEngineering Excellence
Innovation is rewarded through execution, technical quality, creativity, and scalability.
Ideas → Reality
Competition Tracks
Choose your track
Participants must choose one of the following two tracks for their project.
TRACK A · SOFTWARE
Future of Education
Projects that transform the educational landscape.
- Educational technology platforms
- Student productivity and time-management tools
- Accessibility solutions for inclusive education
- AI-assisted learning and tutoring systems
- Academic management and administration systems
- Digital learning experiences and interactive revision tools
- Educational games and simulations
Examples: AI Study Assistant, Smart Attendance System, Personalized Learning Platform, Career Guidance Portal.
TRACK B · HARDWARE
Engineering for Tomorrow
Hardware, automation, and engineering solutions.
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Internet of Things (IoT) applications
- Automation and smart device integration
- Sustainability and environmental monitoring solutions
- Assistive technology and mobility devices
- Embedded systems and smart infrastructure
- Intelligent disaster response systems
Examples: Smart Waste Management System, Agricultural Monitoring Device, Assistive Mobility Device, Disaster Response Robot, Smart Home Automation System.
Presentation Format
Your time on stage
4
Minutes
Project Demonstration
2
Minutes
Judge Questions
6
Minutes
Total
Testing & Verification
How projects are tested
Judges may request any of the following at any time during the evaluation.
01
Live Demonstration
Project must be fully operational before the presentation begins.
02
Feature Validation
Judges will verify that claimed features actually work.
03
Architecture Explanation
Explain how your system is designed and why.
04
Source Code Review
Judges may review your code and ask about implementation choices.
05
Logic Explanation
Be ready to walk through your algorithms and decision-making.
06
Hardware Inspection
Physical components and wiring may be examined.
Projects unable to demonstrate claimed functionality may receive reduced scores or disqualification.
Standards & Integrity
Originality matters
What we value
- Original thinking
- Technical creativity
- Practical implementation
- User-focused design
- Scalability and growth potential
What is prohibited
- Copying online projects
- Purchased projects
- Presenting someone else's work
- Reusing winning projects without major modifications
Innovation does not necessarily mean complexity. Simple, well-executed solutions solving important real-world problems are highly encouraged.
Judges may question implementation. Failure to explain functionality can result in disqualification.
Judging Criteria
How we evaluate
Each project is scored across six key dimensions.
15%
Problem Identification & Understanding
20%
Innovation & Creativity
25%
Technical Implementation
20%
Testing & Reliability
10%
Real-World Impact & Feasibility
10%
Presentation & Communication
Awards & Recognition
GRAND PRIZE
TOP 10 TEAMS
TOP 5 TEAMS
ALL PARTICIPANTS
What you can win
Raspberry Pi 5 Kit
Full maker kit including Raspberry Pi 5, camera module, SD card, and 45W charger.
+ Medal + Certificate of ExcellenceESP Kit + Certificate
ESP32 development kit and Certificate of Excellence for the top ten teams.
Recognition for strong buildsMedal + Certificate
Medal and Certificate of Excellence for the top five teams overall.
Recognition across all dimensionsParticipation Certificate
Every participant receives a certificate recognizing their contribution.
Everyone who builds matters
Code of Conduct
Play fair. Build with purpose.
All participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect throughout the competition.
Respect competitors, judges, and volunteers
Maintain academic integrity
Follow venue regulations
Misconduct, harassment, or cheating = immediate disqualification
Registration
Bring your team.
Register one or two teams from your school, or sign up as an individual. Each team may include up to three students.
✓Students must be in Classes 9–12
✓Maximum 2 teams per school
✓Team size: 1–3 students
✓Or register as an individual
✓Cross-school teams are allowed
✓A participant may belong to only one team
Organising Team
Reach out for registrations, sponsorships and event queries.
LG
SNV
AK
AM
Annamalai M
Event Manager
AA
Arvindhan A
Financial Manager
TP
Thirukartikeyan PR
Media Manager
KG
Kamleshwar GV
Outreach Lead