Revolutionizing the Toy Industry—e-Toycathon 2025 marks a significant step forward

In an exciting new chapter of the toy sector, e-Toycathon 2025 has emerged as a groundbreaking initiative by MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) under its Research Initiatives. This year’s event not only showcased cutting-edge electronic toys but also set a precedent for fostering innovation in the toy industry. As highlighted by the organizers, this platform was co-founded by C-DAC, marking it as a pioneer in connecting researchers with young innovators to drive eco-friendly solutions.

Key Highlights of e-Toycathon 2025

1. Comprehensive Prize Structure: The event, held from March 8-17, 2025, attracted hundreds of engineering students and provided them with an opportunity to showcase their creativity in developing innovative electronic toys. The cash prizes included significant rewards for standout projects—first place awarded ₹2 lakh, second ₹1 lakh, third ₹50,000, and consolation prizes of ₹25,000 each.

2. First Place Winner: Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology

   • Toy Description: “Play Mat Toy” was the winning entry, a fun and engaging play mat with piano keys, animal pictures, sounds/drums/music/rhymes, soft material for folding, and a foldable design.
   • This toy aimed to engage children in both music and dancing, enhancing their learning through entertainment.

3. Second Place Winner: Jaypee Institute of Information Technology

   • Toy Description: “Robo-Mentor AI” introduced an innovative educational toy that combines robotics with generative AI. It serves as a tool for empowerment, allowing kids to learn about technology in an interactive and enjoyable manner.
   • The toy’s goal was to create a learning experience that combines excitement from robotics with the supportive capabilities of AI, fostering children’s sense of agency.

4. Third Place Winner: National Institute of Technology (Durgapur)

   • Toy Description: “Interactive Educational Chart”
   • This chart engaged children in learning about India through activities and features in multiple languages. It was interactive, allowing kids to press on pictures for responses with sound and light.

5. Consolation Prizes: Compact Mini Drone Toy and Electronic Cashier Machine Toy

   • The compact drone toy provided extended flight time and realistic gameplay, while the electronic cashier machine toy introduced basic concepts of money, math, and customer service in an interactive setting.

Educational Impact and Sustainability

e-Toycathon 2025 not only highlights the creativity of toys but also emphasizes their educational value. By blending entertainment with learning, these toys aim to create a more connected ecosystem for children and educators alike. MeitY’s role as a catalyst ensures that future initiatives are designed to be sustainable and inclusive, contributing to a brighter future for all.

In summary, e-Toycathon 2025 marked a significant milestone in the toy industry, showcasing innovative solutions that prioritize creativity and education. It serves as a reminder of how technology can transform learning, reinforcing MeitY’s commitment to advancing the sector sustainably.