Student-designed aircraft took to the skies as AeroIgnite 2026, a three-day national-level aeromodelling competition that brought together aspiring aerospace engineers from various institutions, concluded at JSS Science and Technology University (JSS STU) here on Friday. Organised by AeroJC under the Department of Mechanical Engineering, SJCE, the event attracted 23 teams, each showcasing fixed-wing radio-controlled aircraft designed and built entirely by students. The highlight of the competition was the flying rounds held at the KSCA Cricket Ground on the university campus. Teams undertook a precision mission that involved aerially dropping golf balls into a designated 5-metre-by-5-metre target area.
According to the organisers, the challenge reflected the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems and aerospace innovation in defence, surveillance and strategic operations. All aircrafts underwent rigorous technical scrutiny and safety inspections before being cleared for flight. Competition flights were operated by a certified pilot, while a dedicated Emergency Response Team (ERT) and safety personnel ensured adherence to safety protocols throughout the event, a press release from the organisers said. Participants represented engineering institutions, including R.V.
College of Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, The National Institute of Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Maharaja Institute of Technology, St. Joseph Engineering College, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering and Global Academy of Technology, among others. Cash prizes worth ₹30,000, along with medals, were awarded to the top-performing teams, while participation certificates were distributed to all contestants.
Team Dhanush from Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology secured first place and won a cash prize of ₹15,000. Team AeroMIT from Manipal Institute of Technology claimed the second prize along with a cash award of ₹10,000, while Team AeroVeloce from R.V. College of Engineering finished third and received a cash prize of ₹5,000. The winners were selected after a comprehensive assessment of their aircraft design, engineering innovation, technical reports, and flight performance during the competition.
A.N. Santosh Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of JSS STU presided over the valedictory and prize distribution ceremony. AeroIgnite 2026 was planned and executed by student members of AeroJC with the guidance of faculty coordinators Prof. Karthik M.S. and Prof.
S.G. Channabasavanna.