Opportunity brief
About Hack the Fork:
Hack the Fork NIFTEM-K is an AI × Alternative Protein hackathon organised by Hack the Fork, a France-based non-profit, in collaboration with NIFTEM, bringing together students, innovators, researchers, food-tech enthusiasts, and AI builders to explore how artificial intelligence can help shape the future of food.
Participants will work on real-world challenges at the intersection of AI, food technology, sustainability, and alternative proteins, and develop innovative solutions with the potential to create meaningful impact.
Why Participate:
- Solve real-world challenges at the intersection of AI and food innovation.
- Learn about the rapidly evolving alternative protein ecosystem.
- Work with an interdisciplinary team.
- Get mentorship from experts.
- Build and showcase an innovative solution.
- Network with students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.
- Compete for exciting prizes/recognition.
- Receive certificates.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must apply in teams of 2–5 members.
- All members are currently pursuing a UG/PG/Doctoral or other program at a registered institute.
- Teams can be formed from different universities/colleges.
- Teams are encouraged to be from multiple disciplines (but not required).
- All members would be able to attend the Hackathon on the offline dates if selected.
Instructions for Applicants:
- One submission per team. The form must be filled by the team leader.
- Teams must have 2 to 5 members. All members must be currently enrolled undergraduate or postgraduate students.
- Cross-institution teams are allowed and encouraged. Interdisciplinary teams are strongly preferred.
- You do not need a working prototype to apply. You need a clear problem and a credible plan.
- The Top 20 teams will be invited to NIFTEM-K, Kundli, for the 24-hour build on 24 and 25 October 2026. Arrival is on the evening of 23 October.
- Accommodation and all meals are provided for selected teams. All catering is 100% plant-based.
- Teams travelling from more than 50 km away can arrive on 23 October from 4 PM.
- Teams pay for their own travel to and from NIFTEM-K, Kundli.
Themes:
Plant-Based:
AI for formulation and indigenous crops.
Scope: Texture, nutrition, and sensory prediction. Reformulation from underutilized Indian raw material and crop side streams.
Fermentation:
AI for bioprocess and scale-up.
Scope: Yield prediction, digital twins for bioreactors, cutting batch failure in fermentation-derived protein, and simplifying scale-up.
Open:
AI across Food Systems.
Scope: Open to all AI solutions across the food system. Supply chain, food safety, nutrition, food waste, and consumer insights.