📌About the Event

The Emerging Technologies Hackathon 2026 – Road to IMC is a national-level innovation challenge organised to identify, nurture and showcase practical solutions across emerging technology domains. Participants can develop solutions in areas such as 5G and 6G communication, artificial intelligence, quantum communication, semiconductors, robotics, cybersecurity, IoT, green technology and digital services. Selected teams will receive an opportunity to demonstrate their innovations at India Mobile Congress 2026 before government representatives, investors, industry experts, researchers and academic leaders.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Event type: National-level emerging technology hackathon
• Mode of conduct: Hybrid
• Registration and initial project submission will be conducted online.
• Applications will undergo expert screening and evaluation.
• Shortlisted teams will refine their solutions with mentoring and expert guidance.
• The final round will involve a physical live demonstration at India Mobile Congress 2026.
• Finale venue: India Mobile Congress 2026, Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
• Finale dates: 7–10 October 2026
• Team size: One to five members
• Number of technology tracks: Nine
• Number of published problem statements: 21
• Major technology areas:
  • Communication technologies, including 5G, 6G, satellite communication and navigation
  • Quantum communication
  • Semiconductors and electronics
  • Robotics, drones and humanoid technologies
  • Cybersecurity
  • IoT, wearables, AR, VR and immersive media
  • Artificial intelligence, IT, software and human-computer interaction
  • Green technology, renewable energy, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles
  • FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, e-commerce and other digital services

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📅 Important Dates

• Hackathon launch: 1 July 2026
• Registration opening date: 1 July 2026
• Updated registration deadline: 31 July 2026
• Screening and evaluation: August 2026
• Shortlist announcement: 28 August 2026
• Solution improvement and mentoring period: 29 August to the end of September 2026
• Live demonstration at IMC 2026: 7–10 October 2026
• Winner announcement: During India Mobile Congress 2026, scheduled from 7–10 October 2026

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Who can participate:
  • Eligible participants include:
    • Undergraduate students
    • Postgraduate students
    • PhD scholars
    • Startups
    • Research institutions
  • Teams may consist of one to five members.
  • Startup applicants must submit:
  • Incorporation certificate
  • Proof that at least 51% shareholding is held by an Indian citizen or Indian entity
  • Startups with an existing product or solution should have reached Technology Readiness Level 3 or above.
  • Existing startup solutions must not have previously received funding or support from a Central Government, State Government or other government scheme for the same solution.
  • Every applicant must upload a valid identity proof or passport.

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• Total prize pool: More than ₹10 lakh
• First prize: ₹1,50,000
• Investor pitching opportunity
• IMC spotlight and national visibility
• Second prize: ₹1,00,000
• Expert mentorship
• IMC showcase pass
• Third prize: ₹75,000
• Certificate
• IMC showcase pass
• Fourth prize: ₹50,000
• Fifth prize: ₹25,000
• Sixth to fifteenth positions: ₹10,000 each
• Additional rewards: Special category awards will also be offered.