Naidu Unveils South India Rocketry Challenge 2026 Poster

Naidu said the initiative was aimed at igniting creativity, scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills among young minds, while laying a strong foundation for future careers in aerospace, defence and advanced technologies.

The Chief Minister said the state government would organise the prestigious rocketry competition under the aegis of the Science City of Andhra Pradesh in Amaravati. The grand finals will be held over three days from January 22 to 24 at Vignan University, Guntur.

He said the competition aimed to identify and nurture rocket design and fabrication skills among school students and college youth, while encouraging innovative thinking and hands-on learning in science and technology.

Officials said the initiative was being conducted for the first time under the Science City of Andhra Pradesh banner. Briefing the Chief Minister on the programme, Minister BC Janardhan Reddy and special chief secretary for transport, investments and infrastructure M T Krishnababu said the challenge would feature two distinct categories tailored to different age groups.

At the college level, chemical rocketry competitions will be organised, with participants aged 16 years and above eligible to compete. For school students, hydro rocketry contests have been designed for children in the 6–12 age group, offering early exposure to basic rocketry concepts through safe, hands-on experimentation.

Students and institutions interested in participating can register online through the official Science City of Andhra Pradesh website at sciencecity.ap.gov.in/rocketry_challenge. Officials urged schools and colleges across the State to encourage students to participate, describing the event as a unique platform to showcase talent and innovation.