Hack the Fork: AI & Food Hackathon

About Hack the Fork: Hack the Fork NIFTEM-K is an AI × Alternative Protein hackathon organised by Hack the Fork, a France-based non-profit, in collaboration with NIFTEM, bringing together students, innovators, researchers, food-tech enthusiasts, and AI builders to explore how artificial intelligence can help shape the future of food. Participants will work on real-world challenges at the intersection of AI, food technology, sustainability, and alternative proteins, and develop innovative solutions with the potential to create meaningful impact. Why Participate: Solve real-world challenges at the intersection of AI and food innovation. Learn about the rapidly evolving alternative protein ecosystem. Work with an interdisciplinary team. Get mentorship from experts. Build and showcase an innovative solution. Network with students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Compete for exciting prizes/recognition. Receive certificates. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must apply in teams of 2–5 members. All members are currently pursuing a UG/PG/Doctoral or other program at a registered institute. Teams can be formed from different universities/colleges. Teams are encouraged to be from multiple disciplines (but not required). All members would be able to attend the Hackathon on the offline dates if selected. Instructions for Applicants: One submission per team. The form must be filled by the team leader. Teams must have 2 to 5 members. All members must be currently enrolled undergraduate or postgraduate students. Cross-institution teams are allowed and encouraged. Interdisciplinary teams are strongly preferred. You do not need a working prototype to apply. You need a clear problem and a credible plan. The Top 20 teams will be invited to NIFTEM-K, Kundli, for the 24-hour build on 24 and 25 October 2026. Arrival is on the evening of 23 October. Accommodation and all meals are provided for selected teams. All catering is 100% plant-based. Teams travelling from more than 50 km away can arrive on 23 October from 4 PM. Teams pay for their own travel to and from NIFTEM-K, Kundli. Themes: Plant-Based: AI for formulation and indigenous crops. Scope: Texture, nutrition, and sensory prediction. Reformulation from underutilized Indian raw material and crop side streams. Fermentation: AI for bioprocess and scale-up. Scope: Yield prediction, digital twins for bioreactors, cutting batch failure in fermentation-derived protein, and simplifying scale-up. Open: AI across Food Systems. Scope: Open to all AI solutions across the food system. Supply chain, food safety, nutrition, food waste, and consumer insights.