Event Information
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Event-Specific Information
As a reminder, MIT Invitationals will be following nationals rules with any rules clarified on this page. A list of event supervisors can be found here.
Updates on other events may be added in the future.
All Build Events
As a reminder, tournament policy strictly prohibits competitors from testing build devices anywhere on campus during or before the tournament. Please do not access build event spaces before Impound or your testing time–doing so may result in your team being disqualified.
Astronomy
At least one competitor must bring a cell phone with internet connection and access to email for MIT wifi verification.
Boomilever
For the 2026 Invitational, the Event Supervisors plan to use the same Test Apparatus (as defined in rule 6.) from prior years (see photo 1, which shows the setup for Boomilever) with modifications to the Test Base layout to meet current specifications (in rules 6.b.i-v.). Sand will be used for the free-flowing material (as specified in rule 7.f.). The event will be in a different room, 34-101 (see photo2), from prior years. All participants must bring their own type “B” eye protection. While the Event Supervisors will make every effort to run the event as planned, competitors should be prepared for any adjustments from prior years’ setup that may be necessary to allow the event to run; these may include but are not limited to changes to the Test Apparatus, changes to the free-flowing material, and changes to how sand is loaded.
Bungee Drop
Due to specifics of our venue space, we are not releasing the location of Bungee Drop until 6:00 AM on Tournament Day (1/24/26). There will be maps and clear signage to the venue.
Chemistry Lab and Forensics
Competitors must bring the full laboratory kits specified in the Division C Chemistry Events Lab Equipment List, as well as required PPE. Students without PPE will not be permitted to enter the laboratory room. In addition, due to changes in MIT’s chemical safety policies, competitors cannot use open flames during the Forensics lab portion.
Electric Vehicle
Overall scores will be calculated using the Event Time Bonus, according to the Division C National Rules (5.f).
Helicopter
The updated location of Helicopter (as of 1/21/26) is now 45-230 (Schwarzmann Building). The ceiling height is approximately 15 ft. Stations will be set up in the front of the classroom (the left side of the picture).
Due to MIT safety policies, we also ask that competitors bring eye protection.
Robot Tour
Overall scores will NOT be calculated using the Track Time Bonus from the Division C National Rules (5.g). Due to state laws, the water bottle weights will use sand instead of metal ball bearings.
Materials Science
Competitors must bring required PPE but do not need to bring the additional lab materials specified in the Division C Chemistry Events Lab Equipment List.
Competitors should also bring one laptop per team (should be a computer instead of a tablet/smart phone) capable of connecting to the Wi-Fi and running a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, etc. If teams cannot bring one, a laptop will be provided for the team by the event supervisors.
Trial Events
For the 2026 Invitational, we will be running three trial events below. Trial events are self-scheduled through ISOTOPE, and alternates are allowed to compete in them.
| Event | Rules |
|---|---|
| Lean Mean Meme Machine | Link |
| Scavenger Hunt | Link Clarifications Blog Post Sample Test Post |
| Science Scramble | Link |
Lean Mean Meme Machine
This year’s pre-built meme should follow the suggested theme: “My Worst Fear Come True at MIT SciOly”. Whether it be getting shocked at EV, lost on MIT campus, losing to your worst rivals, or your entomology partner asking you if you would still love them if they were a worm (you definitely wouldn’t), we are enthusiastically waiting for your worst fears in the form of easily digestible .png’s and .jpeg’s. Submissions should be submitted through this form by 1/23/26 (end of day). They will be casually doomscrolled through and evaluated based on creativity (15%), relevance to the topic (20%), and humor (65%).