Inside the Jugaad Contest: Tips for Creating a Winning Entry

As entries begin to pour in for Mark Rober’s ₹50 Lakh Jugaad Contest, creative minds across India are turning household scraps into genius inventions. The contest, which runs from April 30 to September 15, 2025, is offering ₹5 lakh each to 10 standout inventors, encouraging participants to embrace India’s culture of Jugaad — the iconic blend of innovation, frugality, and street-smart problem-solving.

But what makes a winning entry? While the rules seem simple — create a video showcasing a clever invention using household items — understanding what Mark Rober and the judges are truly looking for could make all the difference between just another submission and one of the ten ₹5 lakh prizes.

At its core, the Jugaad Contest celebrates resourcefulness, practical problem-solving, and creative engineering. You don’t need an expensive workshop, professional tools, or a Ph.D. in robotics. What you need is originality, clarity in presentation, and a healthy dose of fun.

The first step in creating a winning entry is to identify a relatable problem. It could be something you face at home, school, or even while commuting. For example, turning a broken umbrella into a working phone stand during monsoon, or making a pet feeder from plastic bottles and spare wood. The idea is to take something small and solve it in a big, clever way.

Once you’ve zeroed in on the problem, focus on the design of your invention. The most successful Jugaad entries usually blend simplicity with functionality. Think of how your build works, whether it’s durable, and how efficiently it solves the problem. Your materials should ideally be things found around the house — cardboard, plastic containers, old toys, rubber bands, and even broken electronics.

However, the invention itself is only part of the challenge. How you present your idea matters just as much. Mark Rober is a content creator who tells stories through engineering. So your video should not only demonstrate your invention but also narrate your journey — the idea, the trial and error, the final solution. Show your audience the process, the challenges, and the excitement. That storytelling element is crucial.

Make sure your video is clear, well-lit, and easy to understand. Explain the purpose of your invention, how it works, and what materials were used. It doesn’t need to be a cinematic masterpiece — a clean mobile phone video with good narration can win the contest if the idea is strong. Keep your tone enthusiastic, positive, and authentic.

Don’t forget the contest guidelines. Your video must be posted on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or YouTube, and it must include the hashtag #MarkRoberJugaad. Most importantly, your profile must be public, and you must submit the link of your post via the official contest website: www.markroberjugaad.com. Without this final step, your entry won’t be considered — no matter how brilliant it is.

For participants under the age of 18, remember that your parent or legal guardian must submit the entry on your behalf. The contest is open to all Indian residents aged 8 and above, making it one of the most inclusive innovation competitions to date.

What separates an ordinary entry from a winning one is the “wow” factor. Mark Rober, who became a global phenomenon with videos like the glitter bomb trap for porch pirates and the squirrel maze challenge, is looking for smart, fun, unexpected ideas. He’s known for blending engineering with entertainment, and he wants to see that same spirit in your Jugaad.

Rober’s fascination with Indian innovation stems from his admiration for how people here often do more with less. “India’s Jugaad culture is the most exciting form of innovation I’ve seen,” said Mark during a recent visit. “It’s real-world engineering with heart and humor, and I can’t wait to see what people come up with.”

In fact, Mark is already collaborating with top Indian YouTubers like Curly Tales, CarryMinati, Slaypoint, and TechBurner as part of his India visit. He’s also filming a special collaboration with cricketer Hardik Pandya, highlighting the vibrancy and creativity of Indian youth. This contest is an extension of that mission — to uncover and celebrate the hidden engineers in every home across the country.

The Jugaad Contest is not just about winning money. It’s about making, learning, and sharing. It’s about showing the world how Indian creativity thrives even in the most unexpected corners. And who knows? If your invention impresses Mark Rober enough, you might even be featured on one of his legendary YouTube videos — a reward that’s arguably more priceless than the cash prize.

So get building. Open that junk drawer, peek into your recycling bin, and let your imagination take charge. The contest closes on September 15, 2025, and the world is waiting to see what India’s next generation of inventors can do — with nothing more than a few scraps, a brilliant idea, and the spirit of Jugaad.