Mark Rober, the celebrated former NASA engineer and YouTube creator known for his ingenious experiments and wildly popular glitter bomb pranks, is now making waves in India. His arrival marks a unique blend of entertainment, education, and innovation—all rolled into one exciting national movement. With a heart full of curiosity and a suitcase full of science, Rober is here to celebrate India’s grassroots creativity through a first-of-its-kind Jugaad invention contest.
Rober’s India visit kicked off in Mumbai, where he was welcomed by local science enthusiasts and digital creators alike. From the moment he stepped out of the airport, fans and followers were eager to catch a glimpse of the innovator whose videos have racked up over 11 billion views. The buzz was palpable at IIT Bombay, where he addressed a packed auditorium of students, challenging them to “engineer joy” using whatever was within reach—a mantra that aligns perfectly with the Indian spirit of jugaad.
In Bengaluru, he attended the “Innovators Unplugged” event, hosted in collaboration with leading tech startups and engineering colleges. Rober explored ingenious solutions built by students, including a smartphone-operated wheelchair and a water purifier made from sand and charcoal. His enthusiasm was visible as he interacted with young inventors, took selfies, and even tried his hand at some of the gadgets.
The YouTube sensation also created a splash by collaborating with some of India’s biggest digital stars. In Delhi, Rober met up with Slay Point, and together they created a hilarious-yet-scientific experiment involving a flying drone made from plastic cups and old fans. The crossover video not only garnered millions of views but also turned into a trending topic across social media platforms.
He didn’t stop there. With Tech Burner, Rober explored the power of repurposing old tech, building a functional gaming console using discarded smartphones. His collaboration with CarryMinati was especially notable—a quirky experiment that involved turning a rickshaw into a moving science lab.
The biggest surprise came during a special segment with Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, where the two tested Rober’s engineering marvels in a cricket-themed science challenge. Watching Hardik try to hit a cricket ball launched by a home-built robotic arm was as educational as it was hilarious.
All of these appearances and experiments were building up to one thing—Rober’s #MarkRoberJugaad contest, a country-wide search for India’s smartest, scrappiest inventors. The contest invites participants aged 8 and above to create something innovative using only household items—the very definition of jugaad.
To enter, participants must:
- Post a video of their invention on Facebook, X, YouTube, or Instagram using the hashtag #MarkRoberJugaad.
- Ensure their social media profile is public.
- Visit the official site markroberjugaad.com and submit the link to the post.
Videos posted without submission through the website will not be considered, so participants must follow both steps.
The contest began on April 30, 2025, and will continue until 11:59 PM IST on September 15, 2025. It’s open only to residents of India, and those under 18 must have a parent or guardian submit the entry on their behalf. Ten winners will be selected, each receiving a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. The entries will be judged on creativity, innovation, and practicality.
This initiative is backed by CrunchLabs, Rober’s engineering start-up that creates monthly STEM kits for kids. Known for inspiring young minds across the U.S., CrunchLabs is now bringing its mission to India, one jugaad invention at a time.
Mark Rober’s journey through India is more than just a celebrity tour—it’s a movement igniting curiosity and innovation across the nation. Whether it’s a toy car powered by balloons or a home alarm made from spoons and string, the message is loud and clear: Innovation doesn’t need a lab, just imagination.