• Duration: 1-day intensive programme at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Kochi
• Format: On-campus competition with a mandatory online Design Thinking Workshop prior to the event.
• Timeline:
  • October 04^th 2026 : Last day for registration.
  • October 6^th & 7^th 2026 : Online Design Thinking Workshop
  • October 09^th 2026 : Inter-College & Inter-School with Final Presentations, Judging & Winner Announcement

Phase 1: DESIGN THINKING WORKSHOP

The mandatory online workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of Design Thinking and innovative problem solving.

The workshop will cover:

• Introduction to Design Thinking methodology
• Problem-solving frameworks
• Ideation techniques
  
• Understanding real-world challenges
• Developing user-centred solutions
• Converting ideas into actionable concepts

Duration : Half-day online session.
Attendance is mandatory for all registered participants.
Participants will complete an assessment, and the Design Thinking Workshop score will carry weightage in the final judging criteria.

Phase 2: On-Campus IDEAFEST 2026

All registered teams will participate in a one-day intensive competition at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Kochi.

The programme will include:

• Problem identification and refinement
• Intensive mentoring sessions
• Solution development
• Prototyping
• Final pitch preparation
• Final pitch presentations
• Final pitch presentations
• Jury evaluation
• Winner announcement

A Parent Engagement Programme will also be conducted concurrently with the competition.