The WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai was more than just a spectacle of innovation and entertainment—it was a confluence of creativity, technology, and global collaboration. And at the heart of it all was none other than Mark Rober, the former NASA engineer and beloved YouTube science educator who has transformed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into a global phenomenon. While his keynotes and on-stage experiments made headlines, the real magic happened behind the scenes—where ideas were exchanged, content was created, and new partnerships were forged.
Mark Rober’s arrival in India marked his first official visit to the country, and his excitement was palpable. “I’ve always been fascinated by India’s culture of innovation—from jugaad to the space program,” he said in a candid moment backstage. “Being here isn’t just about sharing what I know. It’s about learning, too.”
His itinerary at the WAVES Summit was packed, but Rober made time to connect with Indian creators, fans, and innovators in informal settings. Early in the summit, he participated in a closed-door roundtable with India’s top science and edutainment YouTubers—CarryMinati, Slayy Point, Tech Burner, and Curly Tales. The session was less about content strategies and more about cultural exchange. “We spoke about how to localize STEM storytelling for Indian audiences,” said Shlok Srivastava, popularly known as TechBurner. “Mark was incredibly open to learning from us just as much as we were eager to learn from him.”
What made these backstage moments especially powerful was Rober’s genuine curiosity. He asked the Indian creators how they manage to engage audiences in multiple languages, what educational challenges their viewers face, and what excites Indian youth about science. He even jotted down ideas for future videos—many of which, he hinted, might feature Indian themes or collaborators.
Another moment that captured the spirit of the summit came when Rober joined cricket superstar Hardik Pandya for a private shoot. What started as a casual meeting turned into a hilarious, science-meets-sports crossover as the two attempted a series of experiments involving cricket balls, spin dynamics, and reaction time. The result? A soon-to-be-released video that showcases both Rober’s knack for simplifying complex ideas and Pandya’s charisma on and off the pitch. “I never thought physics could be this fun,” Pandya was overheard saying after the shoot. “Mark turned my warm-up session into a science class!”
Of course, not all the action was captured on camera. Much of Rober’s time backstage was spent mentoring young Indian students who had been invited as part of the Summit’s “Future Creators” initiative. Selected from across the country for their innovations and STEM projects, these students had the opportunity to show their inventions to Rober in a private breakout session. One student presented a low-cost water purification system made from recycled plastic bottles. Another showcased a wearable device for visually impaired navigation. Rober was visibly impressed. “These kids are solving real problems with creativity and heart. That’s what engineering is all about.”
One of the biggest behind-the-scenes developments was the official launch of the “Jugaad Contest 2025.” Announced by Rober during a casual creator meet-and-greet, the contest invites Indians aged 8 and above to submit their most innovative household STEM hacks using common materials. The top 10 winners will receive ₹5 lakh each. “This contest isn’t about polished videos or perfect English,” Rober emphasized. “It’s about celebrating creativity. The kind of thinking that says, ‘What can I make with what I’ve got?’ That’s what India does best.”
The announcement was met with cheers and even a few tears from grassroots educators and NGO workers in attendance. For many, Rober’s recognition of India’s jugaad spirit felt like a long-overdue validation.
Away from the limelight, Rober also toured local makerspaces and science museums, connecting with grassroots innovators and educators. He filmed snippets for his YouTube channel with Indian creators, shared meals with local families, and even tried his hand at making a paper diya (lamp) during a casual cultural workshop. “India is such a sensory overload,” he joked in one behind-the-scenes vlog. “But in the best way. Every sound, smell, and smile tells a story.”
As the WAVES Summit drew to a close, it was clear that Mark Rober’s presence had left a deep impact—not just on stage, but behind the scenes, where real change often begins. Through candid conversations, hands-on mentoring, and a spirit of open collaboration, Rober turned his India visit into more than a tour—it became a mission to ignite curiosity and spark innovation among a new generation of creators.
And judging by the excitement he generated both on and off camera, that mission was a resounding success.
