BUILDATHON 2026 - Hardware Hackathon & Innovation Challenge | Track 1: Prototype Proposal Challenge

About the Event: Buildathon 2026 is a 6-hour hardware hackathon and innovation challenge organized by the Robotics Club of Jain College of Engineering and Technology (JCET), Hubballi. The event aims to encourage students to design and develop innovative hardware solutions for real-world problems. Buildathon consists of two participation tracks, designed to encourage both idea-driven innovation and rapid prototyping. This page is for Track 1 – Idea Proposal Round. Track 1 – Prototype Proposal Challenge: Teams must submit a PowerPoint proposal describing their hardware prototype idea. The proposal should clearly explain the problem being solved, the proposed solution, and the components required - the technical approach. Students with early-stage ideas are also encouraged to participate. A fully developed prototype is not required at the proposal stage. Shortlisted teams must build and demonstrate a working prototype reflecting their proposed idea during the final Buildathon round. Proposal Guidelines: Problem Statement Proposed Solution System Design / Block Diagram Components Required Expected Functionality / Outcome Submission Format: PPT or PDF Maximum 6 slides Shortlisting Process: Innovation and originality Technical Feasibility Technical clarity Real-world impact Selected teams will be shortlisted for the final Buildathon round. Final Round – 6 Hour Buildathon: Shortlisted teams will participate in the offline final round at JCET campus during the college fest. Teams will have 6 hours to build and demonstrate a working hardware prototype based on their proposal. Teams must bring all components and tools required to build their prototype. Team Size: 2 – 4 members per team Inter-college teams are allowed. Members of a team may belong to different colleges. Registration Fee: FREE for PPT submission - Initial Idea Submission. Shortlisted teams will receive further instructions regarding participation in the final offline Buildathon round - where they will have to pay Rs. 250/-. Track 2 – Rapid Hardware Build Challenge: Buildathon also includes a Track 2 on-spot hardware challenge. Teams register through the college fest website and directly participate in a rapid build competition during the event. Note: This Unstop page is only for Track 1 proposal submissions. Guidelines: This competition is open to college students from any recognized institution. Teams must consist of 2–3 members. Inter-college teams are allowed. Members of a team may belong to different colleges. Inter-disciplinary teams are encouraged (students from different branches can form a team). Each team must submit one PPT proposal only. The proposal must be maximum 6 slides and submitted in PPT or PDF format. Submissions will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, technical clarity, and potential impact. Selected teams will be invited to the final offline Buildathon round at JCET campus, Hubli. Rules: Plagiarism or copied project ideas will lead to immediate disqualification. Teams must ensure that the submitted idea is their original concept. Shortlisted teams must bring all required components and tools needed to build their prototype during the final round. The final Buildathon round will be a 6-hour hardware hackathon where teams will build and demonstrate their working prototype. The decision of the judges and organizing committee will be final.