UPWIECON 2026

About the Competition

"InnovateHer-2026" is a STEM innovation competition organized under the IEEE Student-Teacher and Research Engineer/Scientist (STAR) Program, aligned with the IEEE UP Section WiE Affinity Group's mission to inspire the next generation of girls in STEM.

This unique initiative provides a platform for schoolgirls from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to showcase their creativity and problem-solving abilities through STEM-based projects focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Innovation Meets Impact

Objectives

Promote Girls' Participation

Engage girls in real-world problem-solving activities through STEM education and practical applications.

UN SDG Alignment

Encourage development of STEM-based projects that address key UN Sustainable Development Goals.

UN Sustainable Development Goals Focus

Good Health and Well-being

Projects promoting health tech, hygiene, mental health, or well-being.

Quality Education

Ideas to improve learning accessibility, inclusive education, or e-learning tools.

Clean Water and Sanitation

Innovations for water purification, waste reduction, and hygiene solutions.

Affordable and Clean Energy

Projects focused on renewable energy, energy-saving, or clean tech.

Sustainable Cities and Communities

Ideas related to smart cities, mobility, safety, or green infrastructure.

Responsible Consumption and Production

Projects encouraging recycling, upcycling, or sustainable practices.

Climate Action

Technologies or campaigns addressing climate change and environmental issues.

Who Can Participate?

Participants

Girls from Classes 8–12 (Government and Private Schools in UP & Uttarakhand)

Team Requirements

Team Size: 2–4 girl students + 1 mentor
Mentor: Science/Math/Tech Teacher
Entry Limit: 1 team per school
Submission: Via school principal's/teacher's official email only

Competition Format

Stage 1: Registration & Project Submission (Pre-Screening)

Registration Requirements:

Team name
Project title
SDG Alignment
School details
Team member details (name, class, and ID card)
Mentor details along with ID Proof
Recommendation letter from School Principal

Submission Guidelines:

5-minute video + project report
Clearly define the problem and related SDG(s)
Explain the solution/model/project
Include visual demonstration of prototype
Highlight roles of each team member

Submission Deadline: September 30^th, 2026

Evaluation Criteria:

Alignment with UN SDGs
Innovation and originality
Relevance and impact
Scientific method and execution
Clarity and presentation

The decision of the jury regarding the evaluation and selection of projects shall be final and binding.

Stage 2: Final Presentation @ UPWIECON 2026

Top 3 teams from each category will be selected for the final round
Teams will display and present their projects at UPWIECON2026 on 20 November 2026
1 team from each category will be selected as winner

Venue

India Expo Centre & Mart
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Timeline Snapshot

15th July 2026

Proposal Launch

Official announcement and call for participation

30th July 2026

School Outreach & Registrations

Active outreach to schools and registration period begins

30th September 2026

Video Submissions Deadline

Final deadline for Stage 1 submissions

25th October 2026

Jury Evaluation & Selection

Expert panel evaluates and selects finalists

1st November 2026

Finalist Announcement

Selected teams are notified and announced

20th November 2026

Project Display at UPWIECON2026

Final presentations and winner selection

Awards & Recognition

Finalist Teams

Certificates of Excellence
IEEE-branded merchandise
Trophy
Interaction with Women Engineers & IEEE Professionals

Winning Rewards

1st

₹10,000

2nd

₹8,000

3rd

₹5,000

Both Categories:

Mentors

Certificate of Appreciation
Appreciation letter to School Principal

All Participants

E-certificates for participation
Social media acknowledgement on IEEE UP Section WiE Affinity Group

Call for Collaborators

IEEE Members & Reviewers

IEEE TryEngineering STEM Grant Reviewers & IEEE UP Section Members to assist in outreach, evaluation, and mentorship.

Join as Evaluator

School Authorities

Encourage participation and mentor nominations from your institution.

Contact Us

For registration details and queries, reach out to:

Ready to Innovate?

Join InnovateHer-2026 and be part of the change towards a sustainable future!

Conference Venue

INDIA EXPO CENTRE & MART, Plot No. 23-25 & 27-29, Knowledge Park-II, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Greater Noida - 201306

Phone: (+91) 9650339961 / 9910719256

Important Dates

Paper Submission Opens

1^stMarch 2026

Rolling Acceptance (Round 1)

1^stMarch 2026

Rolling Acceptance (Round 2)

11^th March 2026

Rolling Acceptance (Round 3)

23^rd March 2026

Rolling Acceptance (Round 4)

02^nd April 2026

Final Submission Deadline

31^st August 2026

Notice of Acceptance

15^th September 2026

Early Bird Registration

1^st September 2026

Camera Ready Submission

31^st October 2026

Conference Date

19^th - 20^th November 2026

Note: Papers accepted in Round 1, 2 and 3 of Rolling Acceptance will be asked to pay registration fee early

InnovateHer-2026

STAR Project Competition - Empowering Girls Through Innovation for a Sustainable Future