Hack the Fork – NIFTEM-K 2026
NIFTEM-K Smart Protein Project
📌About the Event
Hack the Fork – NIFTEM-K 2026 is India’s first AI x Alternative Proteins hackathon, hosted by NIFTEM-K Smart Protein Project in collaboration with Hack the Fork, Paris and The Good Food Institute India. The event focuses on using AI, food technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability to solve challenges in the future of food and smart protein innovation. NIFTEM-K is the sole host for the India edition, while Hack the Fork 2026 is being organized across 8 countries and 11 universities.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Theme: AI x Alternative Proteins
- Event Type: FoodTech, AI, sustainability, and entrepreneurship hackathon
- Mode of Conduct: Hybrid
- Round 1: Online application round
- Final Round: Offline 24-hour hackathon at NIFTEM-K, Kundli
- India Host: NIFTEM-K is the only university host for the India edition.
- Global Presence: Hack the Fork 2026 is being conducted across 8 countries and 11 universities.
- Focus Areas: AI, alternative proteins, food innovation, sustainable food systems, smart protein, entrepreneurship
📅 Important Dates
- Applications Open: 20 September 2026
- Round 1 Duration: 20 September to 5 October 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 5 October 2026
- Offline Final Hackathon: 24–25 October 2026 at NIFTEM-K
- Hackathon Duration: 24 hours
🎯 Eligibility & Rules
- Eligibilty:
- Open to students and young innovators interested in AI, FoodTech, alternative proteins, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
- The official post specifically invites food scientists, engineers, coders, and designers to participate.
- Participants should have an idea or solution related to AI-driven food innovation or alternative protein challenges.
🏆 Benefits for the Participants
- Prize Pool: ₹1.5 lakh prize pool.
- Additional Support: Incubation support and more opportunities are mentioned by the organizers.
- Learning Opportunity: Participants get exposure to AI, alternative proteins, food innovation, and sustainable food system challenges.
- Networking Opportunity: Finalists may get to connect with mentors, organizers, food-tech experts, and innovation-focused communities through NIFTEM-K, Hack the Fork, and The Good Food Institute India.