BV(DU)COEP ACM Student Chapter presents · GLOBAL SDG + AI HACKATHON 2026
Build AI solutions for real-world challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
01 / ABOUT
Global SDG + AI Hackathon 2026 invites student teams to design responsible, practical AI solutions for real-world challenges connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Teams begin with an online idea-screening round. Shortlisted teams then join a two-day onsite grand finale at Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) College of Engineering, Pune, where they build, validate, demonstrate and pitch their solutions.
The event brings together student builders, mentors and expert reviewers to test ideas for feasibility, public value and responsible AI deployment.
Start with people, evidence and one measurable SDG outcome before choosing the technology. The signal comes first.
Health, education, water, energy, infrastructure, cities, climate and life on land become connected arenas for practical AI.
Teams move from insight to validation using focused mentors, clear technical decisions and transparent safeguards.
Every finalist shows what works, who benefits, what could fail and how the solution can scale with care.
The prize pool recognises solutions that combine meaningful SDG impact, credible engineering and a path to real adoption.
02 / HOW IT WORKS
From registration to final pitches, the route is designed to be easy to follow and grounded in real feasibility.
Create a team, select one primary SDG track and provide accurate contacts.
Share a 5–7 slide idea deck before the published deadline.
Reviewers evaluate relevance, AI fit, feasibility, impact and clarity.
Up to 30 teams are invited to the onsite finale.
Online briefing on 25 September 2026, 6:00 PM.
26–27 September, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM each day.
Awards conclude before 7:00 PM on 27 September.
03 / IMPORTANT DATES
All times are in Indian Standard Time. Finalists receive reporting and campus instructions by email.
11:59 PM IST
Remote review
Up to 30 teams
Online · 6:00 PM
11:00 AM–7:00 PM
11:00 AM–7:00 PM
04 / SDG TRACKS
Choose one primary track, then open it to read the challenges behind it. A challenge may span more than one goal, so it can appear under more than one track. Quote its Challenge ID on your proposal, repository, deck and final submission.
05 / ROUND 1 · ONLINE
Prepare one 5–7 slide PPT or PDF. Reviewers are looking for a clear problem, credible users and a feasible plan, not a finished product.
Define one real problem, the people affected and evidence that it matters.
Choose one primary track and state the measurable outcome you want to improve.
Explain the user journey and how the solution would work end to end.
Show where AI adds genuine value, not simply where it can be added.
Outline data, models or APIs, architecture, feasibility and key risks.
Name target users, expected impact, team roles and relevant capabilities.
06 / ONSITE GRAND FINALE
Shortlisted teams join a two-day onsite finale at Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) College of Engineering, Pune. The event runs from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on both onsite days. Overnight stay is not permitted and not required.
07 / CONFIRMED CASH PRIZES
Exact, funded and transparent. Additional sponsor-supported rewards, if confirmed, will be announced separately.
Winner certificate + recognition
Runner-up certificate + recognition
Runner-up certificate + recognition
Supported by ACM India Activity Based Funding
08 / 100-POINT JUDGING MATRIX
Scored out of 100. The same published rubric is used by screening reviewers, mentors and the final jury.
Problem relevance, inclusion and measurable value
Working prototype, engineering quality and reliability
Originality and thoughtful use of technology
Data care, fairness, safety, transparency and oversight
Adoption path, practicality and ability to scale
Clear evidence, limitations and a convincing story
09 / ONSITE INFORMATION
10 / PARTICIPANT BENEFITS
Disclose reused code, data, models, prompts and generated assets.
Explain data provenance, risks, limits, safeguards and human oversight.
Provide a prototype, repository, deck, demo and impact evidence.
Respect people, campus policies, intellectual property and safety.
11 / FAQ
Clear answers now make the build experience fairer later.
Online idea-screening round; shortlisted teams attend a two-day onsite finale in Pune, 26–27 Sep 2026. Finalist orientation is online on 25 September.
No. The onsite programme runs 11:00 AM–7:00 PM both days. Overnight stay is not permitted and not required.
A 5–7 slide PPT or PDF covering the problem, SDG alignment, users, solution, AI component, technical plan, expected impact and team details. Share it as a link in the registration form.
Up to 30 teams, subject to venue capacity and screening results.
Yes. A one-time registration fee of Rs. 100 applies per team, payable at registration. This covers the whole team regardless of size; it is not charged per member. Pay the fee before you register, then attach a screenshot of the confirmation to your application. Do not pay through any unofficial channel.
Currently enrolled students from recognised colleges or universities, in teams of 2–4. Participants must be at least 18 on the day they register; if a member is under 18, contact the organising committee first so guardian consent can be arranged.
Wi-Fi, power, workspace, food/lunch and refreshments. Teams bring laptops, chargers, college IDs and required accessories.
Yes, subject to the rulebook. Teams must disclose major tools, models, datasets, APIs, open-source components and pre-existing work.
Teams retain ownership of their original work, subject to the licences of third-party tools, data and components used.
Use only the official Register button on this site.
12 / REGISTER
Rs. 100 one-time registration fee per team, regardless of team size. Pay the fee first, then attach a screenshot of the confirmation. No payment is taken on this page.
13 / CONTACT
REGISTRATION SUPPORT
14 / PARTNER THE IMPACT
Sponsors, mentors and jury members can support awards, expert access, pilot opportunities and the project showcase.
Discuss partnership ↗