Gandhinagar15 July 2026:Shri Arjun Modhwadia Launches National Level Competition ‘Robofest Gujarat 6.0’ Total Prize Money of Rs. 5 Crore Announced to Encourage Winners and Prototype Developers Next Year Key MoUs – MoU Signed Between GUJCOST and Rashtriya Raksha University for Establishing a Statewide Drone Laboratory Network – MoU Signed Between GUJCOST and National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to Promote Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property Protection, Industry Academia Collaboration for Startups and MSMEs, and Related Initiatives.
https://www.youtube.com/live/IH8TeDbT20I
While launching ‘Robofest Gujarat 6.0, Science and Technology Minister Shri Arjun Modhwadia stated that Gujarat has today evolved from a state known for its traditional infrastructure into a global hub for high tech “sunrise sectors” such as semiconductors, robotics, artificial intelligence, and hyper scale data centres.. He stated that the Science and Technology Department, established in Gujarat in 2006 under the visionary leadership of the then Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is now working across 11 major verticals, including space technology, biotechnology, and the upcoming Quantum Mission. He further said that while science fairs in primary schools were once limited to simple models, today thousands of young students are demonstrating the revolutionary transformation in education by developing highly complex real world robots through the integration of mechanical, electrical, and information technology disciplines on platforms such as ‘Robofest’ organised by GUJCOST.
The Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), functioning under the Science and Technology Department of the Government of Gujarat, today launched the country’s most prestigious and talent driven robotics competition, ‘Robofest Gujarat 6.0’, in Gandhinagar at the hands of Science and Technology Minister Shri Arjun Modhwadia. Minister Shri Modhwadia said that robotics technology is no longer confined to scientific research but has become essential for human life and national security. Citing achievements in the medical field, he said that seven complex liver transplants were recently completed painlessly through robotic surgery with a 100 percent success rate at the renowned Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) in Asia.
He further noted that amid changing global trends, future wars are increasingly being fought through advanced robots, drones, and sophisticated weapon systems operated remotely from bunkers rather than by soldiers directly on the battlefield. Therefore, achieving self reliance in robotic engineering is essential for safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and border security. Until 2022, India had a negligible presence in the semiconductor sector. Today, with Gujarat’s active contribution, the country is poised to become a global leader in this field. Of the country’s 12 major semiconductor projects currently under development, six are progressing in Gujarat alone. Similarly, in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), India is also preparing to emerge as a global leader in the field of hyper scale data centres, supported by unprecedented investments over the next five years. The Minister added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ can be realised only when this scientific advancement and the innovative ideas of the youth are transformed into startups and entrepreneurial ventures. Pro Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University, Dr. Kalpesh Vadera, said that the creativity displayed by the winners in both the junior and senior categories clearly demonstrates that Gujarat will never face a shortage of innovative entrepreneurs.
On the occasion, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and GUJCOST signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a statewide Drone Laboratory Network, marking a significant step towards promoting education, security, skill development, and the innovation ecosystem across the state. He further stated that the world is witnessing a technological revolution driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones, with drones becoming an indispensable component of good governance, economic development, and national security. Through progressive reforms, the Government of India has created a robust drone ecosystem, making India one of the fastest growing drone markets globally.
In this context, the partnership between GUJCOST and Rashtriya Raksha University will establish a network of drone training ecosystems and laboratories across Gujarat under the Hub and Spoke model. This initiative is not limited to training drone pilots but will also prepare a skilled workforce, researchers, and technology leaders, ensuring Gujarat remains at the forefront of India’s technological transformation. Chairman and Managing Director of the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), Shri Bijay Kumar Sahu, said that the MoU signed today between NRDC and GUJCOST is not merely a collaboration but an opportunity to co create and celebrate innovation for nation building. He said NRDC’s objective is to establish ‘Mind to Market’ and ‘Lab to Land’ connectivity.
He further said that developing indigenous technologies is essential to reduce the country’s dependence on imported technologies and to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. No institution can achieve this ambitious goal alone. Meaningful transformation can be achieved only when institutions complement each other’s strengths and work together. He added that the present era is driven by the knowledge economy, and therefore knowledge must not only be acquired but also effectively managed and converted into economic value. Director General of GUJCOST, Shri Digvijaysinh D. Jadeja, said that ‘Robofest Gujarat’ is a flagship programme of the Government of Gujarat.
Through this initiative, the state will promote research driven innovation, technology translation, skilled human resource development, and technology based entrepreneurship. He added that the various MoUs signed today will provide thousands of students with greater opportunities for practical learning, engineering skills, research, design, and entrepreneurship. Shri Jadeja also extended his best wishes to all the participants. In the presence of Science and Technology Minister Shri Arjun Modhwadia, an MoU was signed between GUJCOST and the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC). Through this agreement, technology transfer, commercialisation of research, intellectual property protection, licensing support, and industry academia collaboration for universities, research institutions, startups, and MSMEs will be promoted. In addition, GUJCOST and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, also signed an MoU for establishing a statewide Drone Laboratory Network. The theme of this year’s competition is “AI Powered Robotics Innovation Challenge”.
The primary objective of the competition is to nurture world class researchers by promoting artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics skills among young students. A total prize money of Rs. 5 crore has been announced to encourage winners and participants who develop prototypes at various stages of the competition. The competition will be conducted at two levels. The junior level will include students of Classes 9 to 12, ITI students, and diploma students, while the senior level will include first to third year undergraduate students pursuing studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Participants at both levels will have to qualify through three successive stages. The grand finale is expected to be held in February 2027, during which the winners will be honoured with prizes. A major attraction of the event was the live demonstration of award winning robots developed by the winners of ‘Robofest Gujarat 5.0’. The Minister, dignitaries, and students observed various robotic solutions and experienced how robotics can address real life challenges. The creativity, technical excellence, and innovative thinking displayed by the participating teams were highly appreciated by the dignitaries. GUJCOST Scientific Officer Shri Payal Pandit delivered the vote of thanks. Executive Director of IACE Shri E. Rajeev, along with officials and employees of the Department of Science and Technology, as well as a large number of students and competitors, were present on this occasion.
