The science and engineering world just got a little brighter as YouTube phenomenon and former NASA engineer Mark Rober landed in India this week, kicking off a highly anticipated tour across the country. Known for his viral squirrel obstacle courses, glitter bomb pranks, and a deep commitment to STEM education, Rober is on a mission to inspire a new generation of Indian inventors, creators, and engineers.
This visit, his first to India, marks a pivotal moment for STEM engagement in the country. “India is a nation full of creativity and ingenuity — the very definition of jugaad,” said Rober. “I’m here to tap into that spark and help light a fire for the next generation of young engineers.”
The timing is no coincidence. Rober’s arrival coincides with the launch of the Jugaad Contest 2025, a national innovation challenge encouraging Indian youth to build imaginative solutions from everyday materials. Ten winners will each receive a prize of ₹5 lakh and the opportunity to showcase their inventions to a global audience.
The contest, open from April 30 to September 15, 2025, invites participants aged 8 and above to post videos of their inventions on public social media channels with the hashtag #MarkRoberJugaad. Entrants must also submit the video link at www.markroberjugaad.com.
“I’ve always admired India’s unique ability to innovate with limited resources,” Rober said. “Jugaad isn’t just an Indian term — it’s a global mindset we need more of.”
His arrival was met with excitement across social media, where Indian fans welcomed Rober with open arms and shared their anticipation for what’s to come. “Mark Rober in India is like Diwali for science lovers,” wrote one enthusiastic Twitter user.
In addition to launching the Jugaad Contest, Rober’s India visit includes appearances at major tech and innovation events, most notably the Waves Summit, where he’s scheduled to deliver a keynote on engineering creativity and problem-solving under pressure.
Rober’s Indian tour will also include collaborations with popular Indian YouTubers such as CarryMinati, Slayy point, Tech Burner, and Curly Tales, blending fun and science in content aimed at reaching millions of youth.
One particularly exciting moment during the tour will be Rober’s collaboration with Indian cricket star Hardik Pandya. While the details remain under wraps, sources suggest the two will be working on a cricket-tech fusion that merges athleticism and engineering in a way only Rober can design.
The man behind CrunchLabs — a creative factory and STEM toy company based in California — Rober has made it his life’s mission to make science accessible, engaging, and entertaining. CrunchLabs’ monthly Build Box and Hack Pack kits have revolutionized home learning in the U.S., and Rober hopes to explore similar opportunities for Indian youth.
“There’s so much raw talent in this country. I’m not here to teach as much as I am to learn,” he told local media. “I want to understand how Indian kids think, invent, and approach problems. That’s the energy I want to bring back to CrunchLabs.”
As Rober’s journey across India continues, fans can expect a wave of content, inspiration, and scientific magic to light up their screens — and maybe their workshops too.
For full contest rules and entry forms, visit www.markroberjugaad.com. To learn more about Mark Rober’s work, visit www.crunchlabs.com.
