AI for Technology Readiness International Hackathon 2026
Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT)
📌About the Event
The AI for Technology Readiness International Hackathon 2026, officially titled the 2nd APCTT Hackathon 2026: AI for Technology Readiness, is an international innovation challenge focused on building AI-powered tools for assessing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1–9). Participants are expected to develop functional AI solutions capable of analysing unstructured technical information and helping determine how mature a technology is. The broader objective is to make technology-readiness assessment more consistent, explainable and accessible, supporting better technology-transfer decisions, particularly in developing economies.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Theme: Artificial Intelligence for Technology Readiness Level assessment and technology transfer.
- Main Challenge: Build a functional AI-powered tool capable of assessing TRL 1–9 using information from unstructured technical documentation. LinkedIn
- Format: The hackathon follows a two-stage competition structure. apctt.org
- Stage 1: National qualifiers are being conducted for participants in India, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
- Stage 2: Selected teams from the national qualifiers will advance to the System Hackathon final at Techfest, IIT Bombay.
- Final Venue: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), Mumbai, India.
- Final Dates: 16–17 December 2026
📅 Important Dates
- Registration deadline: 10 October 2026.
- Registration closing time for India: 8:00 PM IST.
🎯 Eligibility & Rules
- Eligibilty:
- Participants must generally be 35 years old or younger. apctt.org
- APCTT has invited young innovators from the Asia-Pacific region, while participation is subject to the requirements of the relevant national track. LinkedIn
- The announced national qualifier tracks are India, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
- Participants can compete in teams of up to three members. apctt.org
- Participants must satisfy any additional eligibility requirements applicable to their country’s national qualifier.
🏆 Benefits for the Participants
- Techfest advertises a total prize value of approximately ₹4,80,000 for AI for Technology Readiness. LinkedIn
- 1st Place: Prize valued at USD 2,000.
- 2nd Place: Prize valued at USD 1,500.
- 3rd Place: Prize valued at USD 1,500. apctt.org
- The APCTT breakdown therefore represents USD 5,000 in total prizes.
- The awards are sponsored by Hanbat National University.