Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced the winners of its 10th annual National Aeromodelling Competition, one of India’s largest programs nurturing aerospace talent. The competition saw participation from over 1,400 students representing 432 institutions nationwide, with women making up 24% of the finalists.A total of 46 finalists from 12 teams competed in the grand finale held in Bengaluru. Three teams emerged as winners: the first-place team from IIT Madras, while the second and third positions were secured by teams from IIT Kharagpur. All 46 finalists will also be eligible for Boeing’s year-long Apprenticeship program, designed to provide hands-on industry experience.
“The Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition offers young engineers a platform to showcase solutions for the aerospace sector,” said SalilGupte, president of Boeing India & South Asia. Stacie Sire, vice president and chief engineer at Boeing India, highlighted the competition’s role in introducing students to practical design and execution under performance constraints. In Kharagpur, the competition has sparked significant local interest, especially at IIT Kharagpur, which hosted zonal rounds and produced the second and third-place winners. Local businesses and educational institutions report increased engagement among students aspiring to aerospace careers, with a noticeable rise in demand for training programs and workshops linked to aviation and engineering innovation.
Boeing, through programs like BUILD and HorizonX India Innovation Challenge, continues to invest strategically in India’s aerospace workforce, fostering innovation and practical skills for the country’s growing aviation and defence sector.