Forge-X: Deep-Tech Product Challenge – 24hrs National Level Hackathon

Forge-X: Deep-Tech Product Challenge – 24hrs National Level Hackathon ForgeX: Deep-Tech Product Challenge is a 24-hour national-level hackathon dedicated to transforming advanced technological concepts into scalable, high-impact products. The challenge focuses on deep-tech domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Quantum Technologies, Semiconductor Systems, Biotechnology, SpaceTech, Cybersecurity, and ClimateTech. ForgeX is structured to move beyond ideation and emphasize product thinking—encouraging participants to build technically robust, commercially viable solutions that address real-world industrial and societal challenges. The event fosters innovation, rapid prototyping, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within an intense 24-hour development cycle. Objectives: Promote Deep-Tech Product Innovation: Enable participants to convert advanced research and engineering concepts into functional product prototypes. Bridge Research and Market Application: Encourage the translation of academic research and emerging technologies into commercially viable solutions. Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster collaboration among engineers, researchers, designers, and business strategists to create holistic deep-tech products. Strengthen National Technological Capability: Support the development of indigenous, scalable deep-tech solutions aligned with national innovation priorities. Hackathon Challenge: Participants are encouraged to identify a relevant problem statement from the themes listed below and develop an innovative solution within the 24-hour hackathon. Solutions can be developed under either Hardware or Software categories. Focus Areas / Industrial Sectors: Industry 4.0 – Robotics & Autonomous Systems Agri-Tech & Food Technology Healthcare and Biomedical Engineering Renewable Energy & Sustainability Semiconductor and Electronic Systems Aerospace and Defense Technologies Data Science, Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Computing Who Can Participate: Students Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from recognized institutions. Open to disciplines including engineering, computer science, biotechnology, physics, design, management, and related fields. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged. Alumni Graduates of accredited institutions currently working as professionals, researchers, or independent innovators. Alumni from R&D labs, corporates, or technology ventures are eligible. Collaboration between alumni and students is permitted. Startups Early-stage startups operating in deep-tech domains. Teams with prototype-stage or proof-of-concept solutions seeking refinement or validation. The proposed solution must align with deep-tech product development. Event Timeline: Online Registration: Start Date: 10th March 2026 End Date: 29th March 2026 Round 1 – Result Announcement Date: 30th March 2026 Round 2 – Online Evaluation Dates: 2nd & 3rd April 2026 Round 3 – 24-Hour Physical Hackathon Dates: 8th & 9th April 2026 Start Time: 8:00 AM, 8th April 2026 End Time: 4:00 PM, 9th April 2026 Venue: CMRIT Incubation Center, Basement “D” Block