Build AI that solves real problems.
This hackathon is organized by the ACM Student Chapter at BV(DU) College of Engineering, Pune (Department of Computer Science & Engineering). Students are invited to build practical, responsible AI solutions for real-world problems connected to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How It Works
Register your team and pick one main problem area (SDG track).
Submit your idea online (a short slide deck).
Reviewers screen all ideas remotely.
Top teams are shortlisted and invited to Pune.
Selected teams attend an online briefing, then come onsite for 2 days to build, test, and present their project.
Final pitches, judging, and prize distribution happen on the last day.
Important Dates
Last date to register and submit idea: 15 Sep 2026, 11:59 PM
Online screening: 16–18 Sep
Results (finalists announced): 19 Sep (top 20 teams)
Online briefing for finalists: 25 Sep, 6 PM
Onsite hackathon: 26–27 Sep, 11 AM–7 PM (both days)
Final presentations and awards: 27 Sep, by 7 PM
Note: This is NOT an overnight/48-hour hackathon. No overnight stay is needed or allowed. You go home each evening.
Choose a Problem AreaPick one topic to focus on: Hunger, Health, Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water, Clean Energy, Jobs & Economy, Infrastructure, Reducing Inequality, Smart Cities, Responsible Consumption, Climate Change, Ocean Life, Land & Nature, or Justice & Good Governance. Each topic has specific real-world challenges listed on the website with challenge IDs — pick one and quote it in your submission.
What to Submit First (Round 1)A short presentation (5–7 slides, PPT or PDF) that covers:
The problem you're solving and who it affects
Which SDG goal it connects to
Your proposed solution and how it works
How AI actually helps (not just AI for the sake of it)
Your technical plan (data, models, tools, possible risks)
Expected impact and your team's roles
Onsite Finale Schedule
Day 1 (26 Sep): Reporting and opening brief, build begins, lunch break, mentor check-in, progress review, day ends by 7 PM
Day 2 (27 Sep): Build continues with mentor support, lunch break, final code submission, judges review projects, top teams present, prizes and closing ceremony
Prizes — Total Rs. 15,000 (funded by ACM India)
1st Place: Rs. 8,000
2nd Place: Rs. 5,000
3rd Place: Rs. 2,000
Extra sponsor prizes may be added later
How You'll Be Judged (out of 100 points)
Real-world impact – 25 points
How well it works (technical build) – 25 points
Creativity – 15 points
Safe and responsible use of AI – 15 points
Practicality (can it actually be used?) – 10 points
How well you explain and demo it – 10 points
Rules to Keep It Fair
If you reuse any code, data, AI models, or prompts, you must clearly mention it.
Explain where your data comes from and how you're keeping AI use safe and responsible.
Your final submission should include a working prototype, code repository, slide deck, and demo.
Be respectful, follow campus rules, and respect others' intellectual property.
You can use AI tools and open-source code, but must disclose them.
Your team keeps ownership of your original work (though third-party tools/data follow their own rules).
Who Can Join
Any student currently enrolled in a recognized college or university
Team size: 2 to 4 members
All members must be 18+ on the day of registration (if someone is under 18, contact the organizers beforehand for guardian consent)
Registration FeeRs. 100, one-time, per team (not per person).
What You Get at the VenueWi-Fi, power, seating/workspace, food and refreshments, mentor support, jury feedback, and certificates for eligible finalists.
What You Should BringLaptop, charger, valid college ID, any datasets/API keys you plan to use, personal essentials, and a demo-ready prototype by Day 2.
Other Things to Know
Travel and accommodation are not provided or reimbursed by the organizers.
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