Maker Fair

About Maker Fair

MakerFair Track is a unique platform for innovators, makers, and creators to showcase their hands-on, technology-driven prototypes and innovative products to a global audience. This track encourages students and young creators to transform their ideas into tangible, demonstrable solutions that can have a meaningful social or environmental impact. MakerFair Track is designed to inspire pre-final, final-year, and graduate students to develop functional prototypes that could evolve into full-scale products. It is an opportunity for passionate innovators to demonstrate creativity, technical skill, and practical problem-solving while addressing real-world challenges.

Theme

Maker Fair Track 2026: Sustainable Agriculture, Unsustainable Actions, Miscellaneous

“Innovating Sustainable Solutions for Inclusive Communities, Resilient Climates, and Thriving Ecosystems. ”

This year, MakerFair Track focuses on solutions that align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 10, 12, 13, 15. Participants are encouraged to tackle urgent global issues spanning sustainable agriculture, pollution mitigation, social inclusion, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and beyond.

SDGs Aligned

This track encourages projects addressing one or more of the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

Timeline

Call for Abstracts-1	17th Jan 2026
Deadline for Abstract-1	20th Feb 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	20th Feb - 28th Feb 2026
Call for Abstracts-2	1st March 2026
Deadline for Abstract-2	20th March 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	20th March - 30th March 2026
Announcement of qualified abstract	30th March 2026
Final Call for Abstracts	1st April 2026
Deadline for Final call for Abstract	25th April 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	25th April - 10th May 2026
Announcement of qualified Abstract	15th May 2026

Submit your Abstract now

Open

Call for Abstract-1 Ends: 20th Feb 2026

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The Objectives of the Maker Fair Track

The MakerFair Track aims to provide a hands-on platform for experimenters and creators to demonstrate innovative solutions to global challenges.
It encourages ideation, prototyping, and early-stage commercialization while highlighting creativity and practical problem-solving.

Who is eligible?

Innovators, makers, and doers coming together to showcase their products to the local community.
All types of creators, such as tech enthusiasts, crafters, innovators, and hobbyists.
Students from different technical universities, who wish to participate and showcase their innovations.
Graduate members, capable of delivering solutions to problem statements, are welcome to join this track.

Benefits of participating

Gaining a good network: Connect with passionate people worldwide and share your thoughts, talents, and passions. Opportunities to meet professionals are endless.
Understand present trends: Participate to gain insight into the society's current state and emerging trends.
Attempt a real-world task: Solve real-world problems to unleash your team's creativity.
Put yourself to the test: Advance your project management abilities through practical experience in overseeing projects and navigating all stages.
Improve your public speaking skills: Showcase communication and entrepreneurial abilities during project presentations.
Gain knowledge from industry experts: Attend webinars from prominent professionals for guidance, insight, and inspiration.

Rules for participation

Team Size: 1 to 4 members (Max: 4, Min: 1).
Team Members: Can come from the same or different academic institutions/industries and countries. Only registered members will get certificates. Mentor names must accompany registration.
Team Lock: Teams locked after abstract submission; no changes allowed afterward.
Project Display: Teams must display their projects, explain, and demonstrate to evaluators and audience.
Evaluation Criteria: Challenge, Innovation, Feasibility, Extendibility, and Business Model/Marketability.
Plagiarism: Strictly prohibited at any stage.
Responsibility: Teams are solely responsible for cooperation and teamwork.
Updates: Venue, platform, and logistics details will be updated soon.

Track Structure

The MakerFair Track follows a structured process to identify and showcase innovative projects, consisting of the following phases:

Phase 1: Call for Abstracts-1

Abstract submission is open to anybody who is interested in taking part in MakerFair Track. The call for abstracts will go globally, and participants can submit their abstracts through the abstract submission form (available on the website).

Phase 2: Call for Abstracts-2

The second call for abstract submission is open globally for those interested in taking part in MakerFair Track, and participants can submit their abstracts through the abstract submission form (available on the website).

Phase 3: Selection & Registration

Potential and innovative projects are selected for finals, and the teams are intimated via mail.

Phase 4: Finals

Selected teams will present their project works before the jury during the finals, and evaluation will be carried out based on the criteria.

Submission Mode

Pilot Entry

Participants from regions with an active YESIST12 Pilot event.
Projects are first presented and evaluated at a preliminary competition.
Winners from the Pilot event get a direct entry into the Grand Finale.

Direct Entry

For participants from countries or regions without a YESIST12 Pilot event.
Submissions (Abstract, PPT, Video) are evaluated directly by the jury.
Selected projects are notified via email and advance to the Grand Finale.

The submission could be related to the following topics

Zero Hunger

Innovate approaches to improve agricultural productivity, food security, and supply chain efficiency while preserving ecosystems. Examples: precision farming, urban farming kits, waste-to-resource technologies, and climate-resilient agriculture solutions.

Reduced Inequalities

Create solutions that improve social inclusion, empower vulnerable populations, and enhance quality of life. Examples: accessible technologies, low-cost assistive devices, community-support platforms, and solutions addressing inequality or disaster resilience.

Responsible Consumption and Production

Develop products or systems that minimize waste, promote recycling and resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impact throughout the lifecycle of materials. Examples: eco-friendly manufacturing, upcycling solutions, biodegradable products, and smart inventory or waste tracking systems.

Reduced Inequalities

Climate Action

Design solutions that mitigate climate risks, strengthen adaptation, and protect ecosystems. Examples: early-warning systems for natural disasters, smart irrigation, renewable energy integration, and community-focused climate tools.

Life on Land

Protect natural habitats and restore biodiversity through technology-driven or hands-on initiatives. Examples: reforestation kits, wildlife monitoring systems, pollution tracking, and solutions for sustainable land use.

Selection Method

The selection process will be conducted in two main stages:

Stage 1 - Abstracts & Prelims

Abstract submission is open to all students via Pilot entry or Direct Entry.

A) Direct entry participants will be evaluated based on abstract submission. Selected innovative projects will be informed via email.

B) Pilot entry participants present projects in a preliminary round conducted by pilots. Winners move to finals.

Stage 2 - Grand Finale

Selected teams will present their projects before the jury during the finals.

Evaluation will be carried out based on criteria such as novelty, technical implementation, clarity of pitch, and expandability of the idea.

Methodology

The participants will be evaluated in either of the two modes: Pilot entry mode or Direct entry mode.
Direct entry mode is for participants from countries without Pilots and will be evaluated based on their submission of Abstract, PPT, and Video demonstration of their project.
Pilot entry mode will select eligible teams for participation by conducting a preliminary project competition at their venue.
Teams need to submit the problem statement and the detailed solution as a PPT for evaluation by experts/Jury.
Selected teams will be notified and asked to submit an executive summary and video demonstration of their project.
During the finale, teams will present their projects virtually, evaluated by the jury.
Prizes will be awarded based on jury, track chair, and general chair recommendations.

Sample Project Topics

No Poverty: Build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations.
Zero Hunger: Ensure sustainable food production systems.
Responsible Consumption & Production: Minimize natural resource use and toxic materials.
Climate Change: Build solutions to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity.
Loss of Biodiversity: Focus on sustainable forest management and halting habitat degradation.
Pollution: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
e-Waste Management: Innovative ways to collect, recover, and recycle e-waste.
Miscellaneous: SDG other than 7, 9, and 11.

Previous Year Achivers(2025)

Gallery

For any Queries, please contact

Chair
Mr. Arun M
Chair | Maker Fair Track
Email ID: yesist12.makerfairtrack@gmail.com
+91 7200096048
Co-Chair
Ms. Dhanalakshmi G P
Co-Chair | Maker Fair Track
Email ID: dharshnid410@gmail.com
+91 8939652730

FAQs:

1. What is the Maker Fair Track about?

Maker Fair Track is a distinctive platform that offers innovators, makers, and creators the opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking products to a global audience. The Maker Fair Track is designed to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting innovation and creativity, Maker Fair encourages solutions that address the difficulties faced by society in recent years, fostering a community of change-makers dedicated to a sustainable and better future.

2. Who can participate in the Maker Fair Track?

The Maker Fair Track is open to anyone passionate about innovation, including students, young professionals, start-ups, and hobbyists. Participants can register individually or in teams of up to four members.

3. Do I need a fully working prototype to participate?

A fully working prototype is necessary for participation. While a complete prototype is not required during the initial phase (abstract selection rounds), it is mandatory for teams selected to present their projects in the finale.

4. What are the key deliverables for participating in the Maker Fair Track?

Participants are required to present:

A working prototype or a detailed concept demonstration.
A technical presentation or poster explaining the project.
A document detailing the problem addressed, the innovation, and its potential impact.

5. What are the evaluation criteria for the Maker Fair Track?

Projects will be evaluated based on the following parameters:

Innovation and originality of the idea.
Practicality and feasibility of implementation.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Technical presentation and demonstration quality.
IEEE Standards Used.
Quality and functionality of the prototype (marks will be awarded based on the completeness, technical complexity, and working model of the prototype).

6. Are there any registration fees or deadlines for the Maker Fair Track?

Yes, there is a registration fee, which varies based on category (IEEE students, IEEE Members or non-members). Deadlines for registration and project submission will be announced on the official IEEE YESIST12 website. Participants are advised to check regularly for updates.

7. What are the benefits of participating in the Maker Fair Track?

Participants gain:

A platform to present innovative ideas to a global audience.
Opportunities to network with industry experts, researchers, and peers.
Feedback from judges to refine and enhance their projects.
Recognition and potential awards for outstanding innovations.

8. Do I need to be an IEEE member to participate in the Maker Fair Track?

No, IEEE membership is not required to participate. However, IEEE members may receive additional benefits, such as a reduced registration fee.

9. Will there be any training or guidance provided before the competition?

Yes, participants may have access to webinars, mentorship sessions, and resources to help refine their projects and presentations. Details will be shared with registered participants closer to the event date.

10. How will the projects be presented during the finale?

In the finale, selected teams will present their projects through a live demonstration and a technical presentation. Each team will have a designated time to showcase their working prototype, explain its functionality, and answer questions from the judges. Participants are encouraged to highlight the impact of their project, the problem it solves, and its potential for real-world application.