📌About the Event

The Bioeconomy Hackathon 2026 – Western Region is a sustainability-focused innovation competition organised by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cell (IEDC) of the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal. The hackathon encourages undergraduate and postgraduate students to develop innovative, practical and nature-based solutions to environmental challenges. Under the theme “Resilient Landscapes, Brighter Futures,” participants will explore six bioeconomy sectors, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, bioremediation, forest resources and biodegradable materials. The competition aims to promote green entrepreneurship, circular economy solutions and sustainable development across India. The Western Region edition will take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with the top three teams advancing to the national-level main event at IIFM Bhopal in November 2026.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Organiser: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cell (IEDC), Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal
• Theme: Resilient Landscapes, Brighter Futures
• Mode of Conduct: Offline / In-person
• Venue: Geer Foundation, Indroda Nature Park, Sector 7, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• Event Duration: One day
• Event Timing: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (IST)

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📅 Important Dates

• Western Region Hackathon Date: 26 October 2026
• Event Timing: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM IST
• National Main Event: November 2026 at IIFM Bhopal

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Eligibilty:
• Open to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students from Western Indian states.
• Students interested in biotechnology, environmental science, agriculture, sustainability, entrepreneurship and related fields can participate.
• Interdisciplinary participation is encouraged.
• Earlier regional editions permitted teams of 1–4 members; the Western Region’s exact team-size requirement should be verified on its registration form.

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• Total Regional Cash Prize Pool: ₹30,000
• Fourth and Fifth Positions: Consolation certificates.
• National-Level Opportunity: Top three Western Region teams advance to IIFM Bhopal.
• National Main Event Prizes: Worth up to ₹1,00,000.
• Additional Benefits: Opportunities to showcase sustainable innovations, engage with other innovators and gain exposure to green entrepreneurship.