Opportunity brief
Note: Please join the group today to ensure you do not miss any vital information, as all participant doubts and questions will be cleared directly within this channel.
Link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KBFGoLBCGBe7UoQYBnJfys
Overview:
What if your next idea could solve a real-world challenge in just 36 hours?
Innovation is no longer confined to classrooms—it happens when developers, engineers, designers, AI enthusiasts, and researchers come together to build solutions that create meaningful impact. YUVA MEGATHON 2026, the flagship national hackathon of YUVA'26, is a 36-hour innovation sprint hosted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tiruchirappalli, bringing together multidisciplinary teams from across India to transform ideas into working prototypes.
Unlike conventional hackathons, Megathon begins with an idea-driven screening round. Teams first submit a PowerPoint presentation proposing an innovative solution, and shortlisted participants advance to the on-campus finale where the complete problem statements and prototype development challenge unfold.
Four Innovation Tracks:
Smart Systems Track:
Powered by IET Student Chapter
Propose an innovative solution under any one of these domains:
- Digital Healthcare
- Banking
- Public Sector
- Banking Fraud Detection
Teams submit their own original idea during Round 1. The detailed problem statement will be revealed only during the 36-hour Megathon for shortlisted teams.
EduGenAI Track:
Powered by ACM Student Chapter - SRMIST Tiruchirappalli
Build an AI-driven concept focused on transforming education using:
- Generative AI
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Multimodal AI
- Intelligent Educational Systems
Similar to the Smart Systems Track, participants submit an innovative educational AI idea, while the complete challenge statement will be announced on-site for shortlisted teams.
Hardware Innovation Track: CLICK FOR PROBLEM STATEMENT
Powered by IEEE Student Chapter - SRMIST Tiruchirappalli
Build a working hardware prototype that solves a real-world problem using:
Embedded Systems & IoT
Robotics & Autonomous Systems
Power Electronics & Renewable Energy
Medical & Assistive Devices
Sustainability & Safety Hardware.
Teams should strictly select a problem statement from the officially released Hardware Track Problem Statement and submit their solutions in the form of a PPT for the initial screening process.
BioTech Innovation Track: CLICK FOR PROBLEM STATEMENT
Powered by Star(T)ech
Participants must select one of the officially published BioTech problem statements and develop an innovative biotechnology-based solution around it for the PPT submission.
Important Notes:
Please read the following carefully before registering.
- Smart Systems & EduGenAI Tracks: No predefined problem statements are provided for Round 1. Teams must choose their own problem statement within the track's domain and submit an innovative solution. The official detailed challenge will be revealed on the spot during the 36-hour Megathon.
- Hardware & BioTech Tracks: Teams must select one from the officially released problem statements of their respective tracks and prepare their PPT based on that chosen challenge.
Competition Format:
- Register in teams of 2–4 members.
- Choose one innovation track.
- Submit your Round 1 PPT using the official Megathon template.
- Shortlisted teams will be announced via email.
- Compete in the 36-hour National Finale (28–30 September 2026) by building and pitching a working prototype.
Guidelines:
- Open to undergraduate students from all colleges.
- Teams must consist of 2–4 members.
- Inter-college and interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.
- Round 1 submissions must use the official PPT template.
- For Smart Systems and EduGenAI, submit an original idea within the specified domains.
- For Hardware and BioTech, select one of the official problem statements before preparing your PPT.
- Only shortlisted teams will pay the ₹800 participation fee. The payment link will be shared after shortlisting.
Rules:
- A participant may register with only one team.
- Teams may compete in only one track.
- PPTs must be original and follow the prescribed template.
- Plagiarism, false claims, or unfair means will lead to disqualification.
- Team composition cannot be modified after registration unless approved by the organizing committee.
- The decision of the judges and organizing committee will be final and binding.
Innovate. Build. Impact. Welcome to YUVA MEGATHON 2026.