Mechathon “The Race” 2019: A Showcase of India’s Creative Best

Mechathon “The Race” 2019: A Showcase of India’s Creative Best

Strate School of Design has always emphasized the need for learning by ‘doing’ rather than ‘talking’. We believe in the power of young minds to create products that have a purpose, look amazing, and make the world a much better place.

There are so many creatives out in the world who relish their dreams, experiment, and finally create. Mechathon “The Race” 2019, a mega event showcasing talent from across India, was envisioned to discover these hidden talents.

And it did not disappoint!

We received over 100 registrations for the event. Youngsters from all across the country sent in their names hoping to be the lucky ones to win the grand prize of INR 1,50,000. Additionally, the most creative kart was to be awarded a special prize of INR 50,000.

23 teams, consisting of 5 participants each, were invited to compete. The teams were made up of not just designers but architecture, engineering, and commerce majors, proving that creativity is boundless; it isn’t restricted to only artists and art majors.

The format of THE RACE was simple. Each racing team would consist of 5 participants who had 6 hours to build a racing push/pull kart from parts provided by THE RACE Organisation Team. On completing the kart, teams had to race them across the track with a driver manning the path and the rest pushing it across the obstacles. The team that got across the finish line first won.

On D-day, teams first registered themselves and were then briefed about the rules and regulations. Our Dean, Mr. Thomas Dal, shared some words of inspiration with them. The event kicked-off at 9.30 a.m. with all teams starting their builds. They had until 3.30 p.m. to complete their karts.

Meanwhile, the race track was engaged by bikers, training on their supermobiles. Our lively emcee kept the audience and teams engaged during the entire event. Everyone grooved to our DJ’s beats. There wasn’t a dull moment the whole time.

Post 3.30 p.m. the teams tested their karts in order to ensure it complied with safety standards and the rules set by THE RACE Organization Team. Teams raced in groups of 6. The winners of each group proceeded to the finals. The final was between 4 teams.

The winners were team TRADENT comprising Mr. Sridhar K, Mr. Sivamagadev M, Mr. Ranjith K, Mr. Suhail Dianddina Syed, and Mr. Varun Ganesh Sondur. Their kart defied the laws of gravity and zoomed past their competitors. The most creative kart was designed by Mr. Ajith Binu, Mr. Abin Saji Paul, Mr. Nibin Varghese, and Mr. Steffin Paul. Their kart not only functioned like a race car but looked like one as well.

We were delighted to be supported by an enthusiastic audience who cheered on the teams and motivated them throughout the day. A shoutout to our team of volunteers, who worked tirelessly to make this event a grand success.

Events such as Mechathon “The Race” 2019 enforce innovative thinking in young minds and encourages them to embrace their creative gifts. It shows that being a designer is definitely not a hobby and something that they can truly enjoy and succeed in.

We hope to conduct more such events to truly bring out the raw talent of young designers in India and across the globe.

Mechathon “The Race” 2019 was held on December 14, 2019, at Aruani Grid in Bengaluru.