Opportunity brief
Download Problem Statements from our website and get more details:
https://www.sdg-hackathon.in/
Build AI that solves real problems.
This hackathon is organized by the ACM Student Chapter at BV(DU) College of Engineering, Pune (Department of Computer Science & Engineering). Students are invited to build practical, responsible AI solutions for real-world problems connected to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How It Works
- Register your team and pick one main problem area (SDG track).
- Submit your idea online (a short slide deck).
- Reviewers screen all ideas remotely.
- Top teams are shortlisted and invited to Pune.
- Selected teams attend an online briefing, then come onsite for 2 days to build, test, and present their project.
- Final pitches, judging, and prize distribution happen on the last day.
Important Dates
- Last date to register and submit idea: 15 Sep 2026, 11:59 PM
- Online screening: 16–18 Sep
- Results (finalists announced): 19 Sep (top 20 teams)
- Online briefing for finalists: 25 Sep, 6 PM
- Onsite hackathon: 26–27 Sep, 11 AM–7 PM (both days)
- Final presentations and awards: 27 Sep, by 7 PM
Note: This is NOT an overnight/48-hour hackathon. No overnight stay is needed or allowed. You go home each evening.
Choose a Problem Area
Pick one topic to focus on: Hunger, Health, Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water, Clean Energy, Jobs & Economy, Infrastructure, Reducing Inequality, Smart Cities, Responsible Consumption, Climate Change, Ocean Life, Land & Nature, or Justice & Good Governance. Each topic has specific real-world challenges listed on the website with challenge IDs — pick one and quote it in your submission.
What to Submit First (Round 1)
A short presentation (5–7 slides, PPT or PDF) that covers:
- The problem you're solving and who it affects
- Which SDG goal it connects to
- Your proposed solution and how it works
- How AI actually helps (not just AI for the sake of it)
- Your technical plan (data, models, tools, possible risks)
- Expected impact and your team's roles
Onsite Finale Schedule
- Day 1 (26 Sep): Reporting and opening brief, build begins, lunch break, mentor check-in, progress review, day ends by 7 PM
- Day 2 (27 Sep): Build continues with mentor support, lunch break, final code submission, judges review projects, top teams present, prizes and closing ceremony
Prizes — Total Rs. 15,000 (funded by ACM India)
- 1st Place: Rs. 8,000
- 2nd Place: Rs. 5,000
- 3rd Place: Rs. 2,000
- Extra sponsor prizes may be added later
How You'll Be Judged (out of 100 points)
- Real-world impact – 25 points
- How well it works (technical build) – 25 points
- Creativity – 15 points
- Safe and responsible use of AI – 15 points
- Practicality (can it actually be used?) – 10 points
- How well you explain and demo it – 10 points
Rules to Keep It Fair
- If you reuse any code, data, AI models, or prompts, you must clearly mention it.
- Explain where your data comes from and how you're keeping AI use safe and responsible.
- Your final submission should include a working prototype, code repository, slide deck, and demo.
- Be respectful, follow campus rules, and respect others' intellectual property.
- You can use AI tools and open-source code, but must disclose them.
- Your team keeps ownership of your original work (though third-party tools/data follow their own rules).
Who Can Join
- Any student currently enrolled in a recognized college or university
- Team size: 2 to 4 members
- All members must be 18+ on the day of registration (if someone is under 18, contact the organizers beforehand for guardian consent)
Registration Fee
Rs. 100, one-time, per team (not per person).
What You Get at the Venue
Wi-Fi, power, seating/workspace, food and refreshments, mentor support, jury feedback, and certificates for eligible finalists.
What You Should Bring
Laptop, charger, valid college ID, any datasets/API keys you plan to use, personal essentials, and a demo-ready prototype by Day 2.
Other Things to Know
- Travel and accommodation are not provided or reimbursed by the organizers.