Teams choose any product they believe in — real or imagined — and have two weeks to build an ad that sells it. Then they take the stage and pitch it to the judges.
The Ad Break is where Commerce stream and Science stream collide. Teams pick a product — an app, an AI tool, a clothing brand, a service, anything — and build a video advertisement around it. On event day, they screen their ad in front of a panel of teachers and the Principal, then pitch the product live and answer questions.
The event tests two very different skills at once: the creative instinct to make something worth watching, and the strategic thinking to stand behind it and sell it. A great ad with no conviction behind it won't win. Neither will a sharp pitch with a forgettable ad.
↑ Tap a product to see what a great ad might look like.
Teams are given two weeks to choose their product, plan their campaign, and produce their ad. There are no restrictions on product type, production style, or tools used. A video is required — creative decisions are entirely the team's own.
Part A — The Ad: The team's video is screened in front of the judges and the audience. A live skit or performance can accompany it within the 5-minute window.
Part B — The Pitch: After the ad, the team pitches directly to the judges, who will ask questions about the product, the choices made, and the thinking behind the campaign.
✦ Judges evaluate the full live experience — both the video and the pitch together.
Creativity & Originality
How fresh and unexpected is the campaign concept? Judges reward teams that go beyond a straightforward product demo — an original angle, a surprising narrative, or a format no one else would have thought of. Safe and predictable ads score lower regardless of production quality.
Production Quality
How well-made is the video? Editing, visuals, audio, pacing, and overall finish. Judges assess quality relative to age and resources — a Class 5 team with a well-edited phone video can score just as high as a Class 12 team with professional equipment.
Relevance to Product
Does the ad actually sell the product? A clever ad that leaves viewers confused about what's being advertised will lose marks here. The product must be clear, and the ad must make a genuine case for it.
Impact & Memorability
Would someone remember this ad? Does it land emotionally, make the audience laugh, think, or feel something? Judges note whether the ad stays with them after the screening ends.
Clarity of Idea
Can the team clearly explain what their product is, who it's for, and why it matters? Judges want to see that the team genuinely understands what they've chosen to advertise and can communicate it simply and convincingly.
Confidence & Delivery
Does the team command the room? Judges look for composure, eye contact, and the ability to speak naturally without reading from notes. Nervous energy is fine — judges want to see genuine presence and engagement.
Product Knowledge
How deeply does the team know their product? Judges will probe — asking about features, target users, competitors, and the decisions behind the campaign. Teams who chose a product they genuinely care about will always outperform those who picked something convenient.
Response to Questions
How well does the team handle judge questions? A strong answer under pressure demonstrates real understanding. Teams that admit what they don't know and respond thoughtfully will score well. Bluffing rarely works.
A few things to know before you start building your campaign.
You choose your product. There are no restrictions on what you advertise. An app, an AI tool, a clothing line, a food brand, a service — real or entirely made up. The product choice itself is part of your score. Pick something you can sell convincingly.
A video is required. Every team must produce and submit a video advertisement. Beyond that, you're free to add a live skit, a performance, or a product demo on the day — as long as everything fits within the 5-minute window.
All videos are reviewed before the event. Event heads will check every submission before the day. This is a content check only — no restrictions on style, length, language choice, or production approach beyond basic decency.
✦ Judges are teachers and the Principal. They will watch both the ad and the pitch, and they will ask questions. Know your product, know your campaign, and be ready to stand behind every decision you made.