Opportunity brief
Overview
Neural Storm 2026 is an online AI/ML hackathon open to college students across India. Teams build real-world solutions using Python and AI/ML tools within one of three challenge tracks, submit a GitHub repository, and get evaluated by a panel from JNTUH.
Guidelines
Eligibility
- Open to all currently enrolled college students across India
- Team size: 1 to 3 members. Solo participation is allowed.
- Inter-college teams are allowed
- Inter-specialization teams are allowed
- Only the team leader registers on behalf of the entire team
- Each participant can only be part of one team
Format
- Online hackathon, 2 days long (November 2 to 4, 2026)
- 3 official challenge tracks with 5 sub-themes each (15 total options):
- Future Tech: AI Agents, Generative AI, AR/VR, Robotics, Smart Automation
- Green Planet: Climate AI, AgriTech, Energy Optimization, Carbon Tracking, Waste Management
- Human Impact: Healthcare AI, EdTech, Accessibility, Mental Health, FinTech Inclusion
- Teams pick their problem statement within the chosen track
- Primary language: Python for all AI/ML components
Rules
- Build your project during the hackathon window.
- Python must be the primary language for AI/ML components. Open-source libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn are fully allowed.
- AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Cursor are allowed. Just mention what you used in your README.
- Each team must work within one of the 3 official tracks. Teams select their problem statement within that track.
- No plagiarism. If two submissions look identical, both will be reviewed and may be disqualified.
- One submission per team. You can update it before the deadline by resubmitting.
- The GitHub repo must be public and contain the complete project code.
- A README is required. It must include the problem statement, team details, tech stack, setup instructions, screenshots or a demo, and any AI tools used.
- Be respectful toward other participants, organizers, and judges.
Note
- Problem Statements pdf is attached below. Pick one and submit your solution in time.
- Join Whatsapp group for updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/FQAIbfhjp39DdPuUhswifu?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4&iam=2