Opportunity brief
Hackathon to Solve India's Garbage Problem:
India generates over 150,000 tonnes of waste every day, and much of it ends up on streets, in drains, and in open dumps. It's a challenge that affects public health, quality of life, and the environment at a massive scale, and it needs bold, innovative solutions.
That's where you come in. The AI First Product Builder Hackathon 2026 is a free, nationwide, virtual hackathon where you use AI to build a cleaner Bharat: building AI-first software and hardware products that tackle India's garbage problem head-on.
Why Participate?
- Work on a real-world problem that impacts millions.
- Build AI-powered solutions with genuine impact.
- Showcase your skills on a national platform.
- Win medals and certificates.
- Add a resume-worthy, impactful project to your portfolio.
What Can You Build?
Pick one of six tracks or combine them: civic education, street action, waste collection & segregation, drain monitoring, recycling & circular economy, or hardware & IoT. Software, hardware, or both.
Who Can Join?
Everyone - you compete only within your division, judged fairly against peers: High School · College · Others (professionals & graduates).
Key Details:
- Registration opens: 20 July 2026
- Submission deadline: 10 October 2026, 8:00 PM IST
- Results: 17 October 2026
- Free · Virtual · Solo or teams of up to 2
Build something India actually needs.