Innovation Challenge 2026

Overview

This hackathon challenges participants to develop AI solutions focused on inclusion, empowerment, and equality. You'll work on projects related to financial literacy for rural communities, multilingual accessibility tools, AI tutors for schools, bias-free recruitment AI, or energy-saving AI. The goal is to use AI to address real-world problems and build a more equitable future, especially within India's diverse cultural context.

Requirements

This hackathon is for students and researchers from TIET, Patiala, and UQ, Australia, who are above the legal age of majority. Teams are required to participate. You need to submit a 3-page proposal outlining your team, the problem, your AI solution, and how it connects to the hackathon's themes and the IndiaAI mission, along with a short presentation. Shortlisted teams will attend an AI hands-on workshop before building their projects. The hackathon consists of two phases, with proposals due November 20, 2025 (India) and December 5, 2025 (Australia).

Prizes

There are cash prizes totaling ₹135,000. The first place will be awarded to two teams, each receiving ₹40,000. Two teams will win second place, each getting ₹25,000. Three teams will receive third place prizes of ₹15,000 each.