Sherlock 3.0
February 7, 2026 · 2:30 AM - 7:30 AM @ Colombo, 435
Description
Sherlock 3.0 , the flagship initiative of the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Affinity Group of IIT, returned as an exciting detective-themed technical competition that challenged participants to put their analytical skills to the ultimate test. Bringing together over 30 teams from universities across Sri Lanka , each consisting of three members, the competition immersed participants in a fictional murder mystery where they took on the role of detectives determined to uncover the truth. Their mission was to solve the case by gathering evidence, eliminating suspects, and correctly identifying the culprit before the clock ran out. To ensure all participants were well prepared, an awareness session was conducted on 3rd February , introducing teams to the competition storyline, rules, and overall structure of the event. This session familiarized participants with the detective themed experience and provided essential guidance on how the competition would unfold, enabling teams to approach the challenges with confidence and a clear understanding of the investigation ahead. On the event day, the mystery unfolded through eight technical and logical challenge stations , each designed to test a unique combination of skills, including mathematics, coding, cryptography, encryption, scientific reasoning, logical puzzles, pattern recognition, and brain teasers. As teams progressed through the competition, they collected clue cards that helped them distinguish genuine evidence from misleading information. With ten female suspects woven into the storyline and every team completing the stations in a different sequence, the competition ensured both fairness and a unique investigative experience. Throughout the event, volunteers carefully recorded each team's completion time at every challenge station, while the committee evaluated the final results based on both the accuracy of the identified suspect and the total cumulative completion time . This evaluation process rewarded not only speed but also precision and critical thinking. The winning team was recognized with prizes worth over LKR 30,000, celebrating their outstanding detective work and technical excellence. Beyond the thrill of solving a mystery, Sherlock 3.0 transformed technical learning into an immersive gamified experience that encouraged participants to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate under pressure. The event demonstrated how problem-solving can be both intellectually challenging and highly engaging, allowing students to apply technical knowledge in a creative, real-world-inspired setting while strengthening teamwork and decision-making skills. The event also reflected IEEE WIE's commitment to promoting diversity and celebrating the achievements of women in STEM. By placing ten female suspects at the center of the narrative and incorporating themes inspired by the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Sherlock 3.0 highlighted the importance of representation while fostering curiosity, innovation, and appreciation for women shaping the future of STEM. The success of Sherlock 3.0 was made possible through the dedication and creativity of its organizing committee and volunteers, who meticulously designed the mystery, crafted the technical challenges, coordinated logistics, and ensured the seamless execution of the competition. More than just a technical contest, Sherlock 3.0 became a celebration of curiosity, collaboration, and discovery—transforming learning into an unforgettable adventure while continuing IEEE WIE IIT's mission of empowering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
Agenda
8:00 AM Registrations Open 9:30 – 10:15 AM Title Partner Pitch 10.15 AM – 12:00 PM Main Game Session 12:00 PM Platinum Partner Pitch 12:00 – 12:15 PM Refreshment Break 12:15 – 12:30 PM Project Chairperson’s Speech Chairperson’s Address Acknowledgements 12:30 – 1:00 PM Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony 1:00 PM Event Conclusion