Innov8-a-Thon 2026: The Ultimate 24-Hour Innovation Hackathon

Basic Details: Opportunity Title: Innov8-a-Thon 2026: The Ultimate 24-Hour Innovation Marathon Organisation: Sarala Birla University (SBU) Festival/Campaign: Tech Pragati 2026 Opportunity Type: Hackathons & Coding Challenges Opportunity Sub-Type: Hybrid / Offline Hackathon Visibility: Public Registration Deadline: Feb 24, 2026, 11:59 PM IST About The Opportunity (Description): Get ready to Code, Create, and Conquer! Sarala Birla University proudly presents Innov8-a-Thon 2026, the headline event of Tech Pragati—Eastern India's premier technical festival. We are calling upon the brightest visionaries, developers, and hardware enthusiasts from across the nation to step into the arena of innovation. This isn't just a hackathon; it's a 24-hour endurance test of your technical prowess and creativity. Shortlisted teams will converge at the SBU Campus in Ranchi to solve critical real-world challenges in a high-energy, sleepless environment. Whether you are coding the next big AI model or assembling a breakthrough IoT device, this is your platform to shine. Why Should You Participate?: Solve & Evolve: Tackle problem statements in AI, Robotics, Clean Energy, and Health Tech The Experience: Immerse yourself in a vibrant ecosystem of 2000+ creators, developers, and industry leaders Star-Studded Night: After the grueling 24-hour marathon, celebrate your victory at the Grand Star Night featuring the sensation Lakshay Kapoor Live National Recognition: Showcase your skills in front of expert judges and industry pioneers Innovation Tracks: AI & Robotics: Next-gen automation and intelligent systems Clean Energy: Sustainable power solutions and green tech Health Tech: Bio-hacking the future and healthcare accessibility Open Innovation: Limitless possibilities—solve any pressing real-world problem Venue: Sarala Birla University Campus, Birla Knowledge City, Ranchi Structure & Stages:Round 1: Idea Phase (Abstract Submission): Mode: Online Description: Registered teams must submit an abstract presentation (PDF/PPTX) outlining their proposed solution The submission must follow the "Submission Blueprint" (max 8 slides) covering the Problem, Solution, Tech Stack, USP, Feasibility, and Impact Start Date: Immediately End Date: Feb 24, 2026 Round 2: Shortlisting (Evaluation): Mode: Online Description: The top 50 teams will be shortlisted based on the viability, novelty, and technical depth of their abstract submission Shortlisted teams will receive confirmation to travel for the Grand Finale Result Date: Feb 25, 2026 Round 3: Grand Finale (24-Hour Hackathon): Mode: Offline (On-Campus) Description: The shortlisted teams will travel to the SBU Campus in Ranchi for the ultimate showdown Teams will code and build their prototypes in a grueling 24-hour non-stop hackathon environment Start Date: Feb 27, 2026 End Date: Feb 28, 2026 Participation Criteria & Rules: Eligibility: Open to all college students (Undergraduate and Postgraduate) across India Team Size: Teams must consist of 3 to 4 members Registration Fee: ₹600 per member (Total Team Fee: ₹1800 - ₹2400) Payment Protocol: Each member must pay individually via the portal, and the team lead must upload verification details Hardware/Software: Participants can use any tech stack; for hardware projects, teams must bring their own components/kits Accommodation: Provided for shortlisted teams from the evening of Feb 26, 2026 Refund Policy: Registration fees are non-refundable Submission Blueprint (Max 8 Slides): Title & Identity The Problem The Solution Tech Stack Novelty (USP) Feasibility Impact & Users Team & Roadmap Prizes & Rewards: Unlock Rewards Worth over ₹1 Lakh Winners: Winner: ₹30,000 Cash Prize + Grand Trophy + Media Feature 1st Runner Up: ₹20,000 Cash Prize + Trophy 2nd Runner Up: ₹10,000 Cash Prize + Trophy Exclusive Participant Perks: Certificates for ALL: Every finalist team that participates in the Grand Finale will receive an Official Certificate of Participation from Sarala Birla University Star Night Pass: Exclusive access to the Lakshay Kapoor Live Concert on Feb 28th for all participants Auto Expo Access: Free entry to witness supercars and vintage classics at the Tech Pragati Auto Expo Hospitality: Accommodation and meals provided for the duration of the finale Goodies: Swag and festival merchandise for shortlisted teams