Tech Ideathon 2026

About the opportunity: An international ideation challenge focused on innovation, creativity, and problem-solving using emerging technologies. Participants propose impactful solutions to real-world challenges aligned with future-ready themes. Jointly organized by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Mauritius and The Institution of Engineers and Scientists (IOES). Eligibility criteria: Open to undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and research scholars. Participants from any discipline or specialization are eligible. Open to national and international participants. Individual participation and team participation are both allowed. Team formation rules: Team size: 1–4 members. Inter-college teams are allowed. Inter-specialization teams are allowed. Each participant can be part of only one team. Themes / problem statements: Education and future of learning. Social impact and community empowerment. Cybersecurity and digital trust. Agritech and food security. Future of work and productivity. AI for everyday life. Sustainable and green innovation. Healthcare and well-being. Smart cities and urban living. Fintech and financial inclusion. Participants must work on one problem statement under the selected theme. Self-defined problem statements are allowed. Competition format and process: Round 1: Idea submission (shortlisting round): Submission of an idea abstract or concept proposal. Evaluation based on: Innovation and originality. Relevance to the chosen theme. Feasibility and impact. Shortlisted teams advance to round 2. Submission deadline: before February 14, 2026. Round 2: Final presentation: Live virtual demo and pitch session before the judging panel. Includes: Prototype demonstration. Q&A session. Discussion on future scope. Event details: Event dates: February 27–28, 2026. Mode: Online. Registration fee: No registration fee. Prize pool: USD 3,750. Rules and guidelines: Code of conduct: Participants must maintain a respectful and inclusive environment. Misconduct may lead to disqualification. Originality: All work must be created during the competition. Pre-existing code or projects are not permitted unless declared and approved. Open-source usage: Use of open-source tools, APIs, and libraries is allowed. Proper credit must be given in documentation. Intellectual property: Teams retain full IP rights. Organizers may showcase projects for non-commercial promotion. Deadlines: Late submissions will not be evaluated. Judging criteria: Innovation and creativity. Technical implementation. Impact and relevance. UX/UI and design quality. Presentation and communication. Judges’ decisions are final and binding. Organizers reserve the right to update rules with prior notice. Registration deadline: February 14, 2026.