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
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
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
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
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
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?
Venue
SJT 307
Vellore, India