Sona College of Technology Triumphs at 6th Mitsubishi Electric Cup
Sona College wins the 6th Mitsubishi Electric Cup, showcasing Industry 4.0 innovation in automation and smart manufacturing.
National Automation Competition Returns After Five-Year Hiatus to Crown "Nexus AI" Champions
PUNE, February 21, 2026 — Mitsubishi Electric India has announced the winners of the 6th Mitsubishi Electric Cup, a flagship national-level automation competition that returned to the physical stage after a five-year gap. Under the theme "Automating the World through Digital Innovation," 35 finalist teams converged in Pune to demonstrate working models that bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world industrial challenges.
The competition saw an overwhelming response during the qualifying stages, with 288 proposals submitted from 140 institutions across India.
Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune
The Winners’ Circle
The 2026 edition showcased a diverse range of projects spanning IoT, AgriTech, and Energy-Efficient Manufacturing. The top honors were awarded based on system design, innovation, and the integration of Industry 4.0 concepts.
Top Three Performers
Winner: Team “Nexus AI” from Sona College of Technology, Tamil Nadu. The team received a prize of ₹1,00,000 and will go on to represent Mitsubishi Electric India at the global MECA competition.
Runner-up: Team “Recycron” from MKSSS Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune, awarded ₹75,000.
Third Place: Team “Pegasus” from COEP Technological University, Pune, awarded ₹50,000.
Most Popular Team: Team “Trisense Innovators” from Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT-WPU, Pune.
Building the Engineers of "Society 5.0"
Beyond the competition, the ME Cup serves as a massive skill-development initiative. Participating teams were mentored by Mitsubishi Electric’s technical experts and provided with high-end industrial hardware to build their prototypes.
COEP Technological University, Pune
The Technology Stack
Students were required to build systems based on the e-F@ctory concept, utilizing:
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for core process logic.
Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for real-time data visualization.
Servo Motors and VFDs for precision motion control.
CNCs for advanced manufacturing applications.
"The Mitsubishi Electric Cup’s core vision is to cultivate future-ready engineers who can innovate and contribute to a sustainable world," said Mr. Atsushi Takase, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Electric India. "We are strengthening students’ innovative consciousness by encouraging hands-on projects in IoT and smart manufacturing."
Strategic Impact on Indian Manufacturing
The competition directly aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision by preparing a workforce capable of managing software-defined, autonomous operations. By forcing students to build models that are "deterministic, explainable, and auditable," the competition mirrors the rigorous standards of modern global factories.
FAQ.
What is the "e-F@ctory" concept mentioned in the competition?
e-F@ctory is Mitsubishi Electric’s integrated solution for industrial automation. it focuses on connecting all factory devices—from sensors to the cloud—to enable real-time analysis, reduce total cost of ownership, and improve productivity.
How does the ME Cup support India's skill development?
By providing students with industrial-grade equipment and mentorship, it allows them to gain experience in Society 5.0 environments. This ensures that when they graduate, they have practical, industry-ready skills that go beyond textbook learning.
What is the MECA?
MECA stands for Mission, Experience, Communication, and Achievement. It is a comprehensive educational support initiative provided by Mitsubishi Electric, designed to nurture aspiring engineers and equip them with the skills to excel in the field of factory automation (FA).
