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COLLABORATE - INNOVATE - CREATE

Mastering the
Hackathon

Join the brightest minds to solve tomorrow's challenges with cutting-edge AI. Build, pitch, and win in a 1-week sprint of innovation.

Solution proposal and prototype must be submitted on Saturday, 31st Jan 2026.

What is a Hackathon?

It's not about writing the perfect code. It's about hacking a solution together.

⏱

Time-boxed Sprint

πŸ‘₯πŸ§©πŸ› 

Team + Problem + Prototype

πŸŽ€πŸ†

Demo + Pitch = Points

What it is NOT

  • close Not a full product
  • close Not perfection
  • close Not maximum code
  • close Not "only UI"
Simple + Working
> Fancy + Broken
Essential Concept

Minimum Viable Product

Don't boil the ocean. Build a cup of tea.

format_quote

The Definition

"A version of a product with just enough features to be usable by early customers who can then provide feedback."

person

Eric Ries

Author, The Lean Startup

fact_check MVP Checklist

  • gps_fixed

    Solves core problem

    Does it actually fix the user's main pain point?

  • bolt

    Shows value fast

    User gets the "Aha!" moment immediately.

  • bug_report

    Demo-ready

    It handles the "Happy Path" without crashing.

  • timer

    Explainable in 2 mins

    Judges must understand it without a manual.

tune Scope Calibration

MVP METER
Too Small Sweet Spot Bloated
VIABLE PRODUCT
Hello World
Core Value Proposition
Kitchen Sink

Bad MVP

😡

Building infrastructure instead of solving the problem.

close Complex Login System
close Admin Dashboard
close Dark/Light Mode Toggles
close Production DB Setup

Good MVP

😎

Focusing purely on the core unique value.

check Working AI Model
check Simple Input Form
check Clear Generated Output
check Hardcoded Data (if needed)

Winning Strategy

The secret sauce to going from zero to hero in 1 week.

01

Understand Problem

Don't start coding yet. Talk to mentors. Validate that the problem is real and worth solving.

02

Choose ONE Feature

Kill your darlings. Pick the single most impressive feature that demonstrates your solution.

03

Build MVP First

Get it working end-to-end. A ugly working app beats a beautiful broken one every time.

04

Polish Pitch

Spend the last 4 hours purely on your presentation. If you can't sell it, you didn't build it.

mic_external_on

Pitching & Presentation Skills (Without Panic)

1

The Problem

Start with the pain. Make it relatable.

2

Who Faces It?

Define your user. Be specific, not generic.

3

The Solution

Show your MVP. Live demo is king.

4

Where AI Fits

Why is this tech necessary? Don't force it.

5

Why It Matters

Impact, market size, or social good.

timer Ideal 3-Minute Pitch Structure

Hook 30s
Solution & Demo 60s
Tech & Impact 60s
Close 30s

☠️ Pitch Killers to Avoid

😭

Demo not opening

Always have a video backup!

😡

Reading from screen

Look at the judges, not the slides.

🀨

Only one speaks

Show team unity. Pass the mic.

🧠πŸ’₯

Jargon overload

Explain like I'm five (ELI5).

Explore Problem Statements

Select a challenge to solve. Each problem statement is designed to test your innovation and technical skills.

Evaluation Rubrics

How the judges will score your 1 week of hard work.

psychology

Problem Understanding

Depth of research and clarity in defining the user pain point.

architecture

Solution Approach

Feasibility, logic, and effectiveness of the proposed fix.

smart_toy

AI/DS Application

Correct and meaningful usage of AI models or data science.

verified

MVP Quality

Functionality, absence of critical bugs, and "completeness".

lightbulb

Innovation

Creativity and uniqueness compared to existing market solutions.

co_present

Presentation

Clarity, storytelling, time management, and Q&A handling.

format_quote Simple working demo > complex broken build

Let’s work together to build the future

Limited slots available for teams.

Register Team