Opportunity brief
Investigate. Analyse. Find the failure.
- Operation Root Cause is an immersive technical treasure hunt where teams investigate the failure of a top-secret prototype and work together to uncover the root cause of its manufacturing failure.
- Participants navigate multiple Field Stations featuring challenges related to 3D printing, material strength, hidden cracks, measurements, machine errors and assembly defects.
- Using a specially designed Company Blueprint, physical clues, QR codes and evidence collected throughout the hunt, teams must piece together what went wrong.
- The event combines technical problem-solving, analytical reasoning, teamwork, observation, decision-making and time management in a fast-paced competitive environment.
Event Structure:
Round 1 – Operation Root Cause:
- Date: 12 September 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Teams of 3–5 navigate Field Stations, analyse manufacturing and materials-related clues, complete surprise challenges and solve the final root-cause puzzle.
- The fastest team to successfully complete the hunt wins the round.
Round 2 – Operation Root Cause:
- Date: 12 September 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- A fresh set of teams takes on the technical treasure hunt, using the Company Blueprint, physical clues, QR codes, Control Hub tasks and surprise challenges to uncover the cause of the failure.
Round 3 – Operation Root Cause:
- Date: 13 September 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Teams investigate a prototype failure through challenges involving 3D printing, metal strength, hidden cracks, measurements, machine errors and assembly defects.
- The fastest team to complete the investigation wins the round.
Round 4 – Operation Root Cause:
- Date: 13 September 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Another set of teams competes through the complete technical treasure-hunt experience, analysing evidence, collecting clues, completing Field Station challenges, responding to surprise alarms and solving the final root-cause puzzle.
What You'll Test:
- Technical problem-solving
- Root cause analysis
- Manufacturing and materials knowledge
- Analytical and logical reasoning
- Observation and attention to detail
- Teamwork and communication
- Decision-making under pressure
- Time management and adaptability
Event Details:
- Format: Technical Treasure Hunt
- Team Size: 3–5 participants
- Eligibility: Open to all students
- Registration Fee: ₹120
- Prize Pool: ₹12,000
- Dates: 12–13 September 2026
- Each team will receive three lifelines that can be used to obtain hints during the challenge.
- Can your team follow the evidence, decode the clues, identify the failure and uncover the Root Cause before everyone else?