The Lam Research Challenge 2026

The Lam Research Challenge 2026 is India's premier systems engineering and hardware prototyping competition for college students, organized in collaboration with Lam Research, E-Cell IIT Bombay, and T-Works. The competition brings together cross-functional student teams to tackle real-world challenges from the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry through a rigorous, multi-stage format.

Built around systems-level engineering challenges, the competition focuses on the intersection of hardware, firmware, robotics, business operations, and industrial control systems. Participants are encouraged to think beyond individual disciplines, collaborate across domains, and develop practical solutions for complex engineering problems. In addition to gaining industry-relevant experience, top-performing teams can compete for a prize pool of up to ₹10 lakh and explore internship and full-time career opportunities with Lam Research.

Key Details

• Theme & Focus: Systems engineering, semiconductor equipment design, hardware, firmware, robotics, and multidisciplinary problem-solving.
• Team Size: Formed in 4-member teams (typically including mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering students).
• Eligibility: Undergraduate engineering students (2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year students) from colleges across India.
• Prizes & Rewards: Total cash prize pool of around ₹9,50,000 to ₹10,00,000 (1st Place: ₹5,00,000, 1st Runner-Up: ₹3,00,000, 2nd Runner-Up: ₹1,50,000) plus certificates and direct internship or full-time hiring pathways with Lam Research for top finalists.