Bengaluru: Bhanzu, the global mathematics learning platform, has partnered with NODWIN Gaming and Rusk Media to launch Math Bee, India’s first large-scale, reality-show-style mathematics championship for students in Grades 7, 8 and 9. The initiative aims to transform mathematics into an engaging entertainment experience while inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers.
Designed to move beyond the conventional academic competition format, Math Bee combines competitive learning with storytelling and digital engagement, bringing mathematics into mainstream entertainment. The championship will culminate in a professionally produced OTT reality series, where shortlisted students will compete before celebrity hosts and judges.
The nationwide competition is free and open to students studying in Grades 7–9 across India. Participants will first compete through digital qualifier rounds on Bhanzu’s MathUp App, with the highest-performing students advancing to virtual bootcamps before earning a place in the televised championship. The winner will be crowned India’s first Math Bee Champion, with rewards for other top performers.
Speaking at the launch, Neelakantha Bhanu, Founder of Bhanzu and World’s Fastest Human Calculator, said, “For generations, mathematics has been viewed as a subject of fear rather than enjoyment. Math Bee is designed to fundamentally change that perception by bringing mathematics into the mainstream of popular culture. We want every child to experience the excitement of solving problems, competing with the country’s brightest minds and discovering that mathematics is not just an academic subject, but a superpower that shapes the future.”
Sharing NODWIN Gaming’s perspective on the initiative, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder & Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said, “Math is fun because it is not just about getting the right answer. It is about spotting a pattern, trying something unexpected and finding a smarter way through a problem. That instinct to look at a challenge and ask, ‘How do we figure this out?’ is something we understand very well at NODWIN. Through esports and live events, we have seen what happens when people come together to think on their feet and find a way forward when the obvious answer is not enough. Math Bee takes that thinking and puts it on a live stage, where students from across India can compete, solve problems in real time and show us how their minds work. Somewhere on that stage could be a future innovator, entrepreneur or problem-solver who has simply not yet found the problem or platform that gets them going.”
Unlike traditional mathematics examinations that primarily test rote learning, Math Bee is designed to reward logical reasoning, creativity, speed and problem-solving under pressure. Bhanzu said the initiative aligns with its broader mission of reducing math anxiety while building confidence and curiosity among young learners through technology-enabled experiences.
The competition will begin with four nationwide digital qualifier rounds scheduled for July 26, August 2, August 9 and August 16. Students will have multiple opportunities to improve their scores and national rankings. The top 500 participants will qualify for an exclusive virtual bootcamp led by Neelakantha Bhanu, after which the top 200 students will advance to compete in the Math Bee reality championship.
In addition to providing students with a national platform, the initiative also aims to offer participating schools greater visibility and recognition by showcasing student talent through the competition’s multi-stage format.
Registrations for the championship are now open through the MathUp App on both Android and iOS devices.
