Gujarat has launched the sixth edition of Robofest Gujarat, a national-level robotics competition with a total prize pool of ₹5 crore, as the state deepens its push into artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced technology sectors. The event was inaugurated on 15 July 2025 in Gandhinagar by Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia, alongside the signing of two memoranda of understanding aimed at expanding drone infrastructure and accelerating technology commercialisation.

What Robofest Gujarat 6.0 Involves

This year's competition carries the theme 'AI-Powered Robotics Innovation Challenge', designed to cultivate artificial intelligence and robotics capabilities among students and prepare researchers capable of competing on a global stage. The ₹5 crore prize fund will support winners and prototype developers across multiple competition stages.

Participants are divided into two categories. The junior category is open to students from Classes 9 to 12, as well as ITI and diploma students. The senior category targets first, second, and third-year undergraduate students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programmes. Contestants will advance through three competitive stages before the grand finale, which is expected to be held in February 2027.

What the Minister Said

Addressing the launch, Minister Modhwadia said Gujarat had moved well beyond its traditional industrial identity. 'Gujarat has today emerged from being a state with traditional infrastructure into a global hub for high-tech sunrise sectors such as semiconductors, robotics, artificial intelligence and hyperscale data centres,' he said.

He highlighted that the Gujarat Department of Science and Technology, established in 2006 under then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, now operates across 11 major verticals, including space technology, biotechnology, and the upcoming Quantum Mission. Modhwadia also pointed to robotics applications in healthcare, noting that seven complex liver transplants had been successfully performed using robotic surgery at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC).

On defence, he said modern warfare was increasingly reliant on advanced robots, drones, and remotely operated weapon systems, making self-reliance in robotic engineering vital for national security. He further noted that six of India's 12 major semiconductor projects currently under development are located in Gujarat, positioning the state as a key contributor to the country's semiconductor ambitions.

The Two MoUs Signed

The first MoU was signed between GUJCOST (Gujarat Council on Science and Technology) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) to establish a statewide 'Drone Laboratory Network'. RRU Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Kalpesh Vadhera described it as a hub-and-spoke network of drone laboratories and training facilities across Gujarat, supporting education, security, skill development, and innovation. 'Today we are witnessing a technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence, robotics and drones. This partnership will build a drone training ecosystem and laboratories across Gujarat while preparing a skilled workforce, researchers and technology leaders,' he said.

The second MoU was signed between GUJCOST and the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), focused on technology transfer, intellectual property protection, licensing support, and industry-academia collaboration involving universities, research institutions, startups, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). NRDC Chairman and Managing Director Bijay Kumar Sahu described the agreement as 'not merely a partnership, but an opportunity to co-create and celebrate innovation for nation-building', adding that the corporation's objective was to establish 'Mind to Market' and 'Lab to Land' connectivity to reduce dependence on imported technologies.

Broader Context and What's Next

The event also featured live demonstrations by winners of Robofest Gujarat 5.0, showcasing robots designed to address real-world challenges. GUJCOST Director General Digvijaysinh Jadeja said the newly signed agreements would give students greater access to practical education, engineering, research, design, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

This comes amid India's accelerating push into deep-tech manufacturing, with Gujarat emerging as a disproportionately large contributor to the country's semiconductor pipeline. With the grand finale slated for February 2027, Robofest Gujarat 6.0 will serve as a sustained, year-long platform for student innovation across the state.