RIFT '26 - Hackathon

RIFT: Make a Shift "Break the Code. Shift the Future." Welcome to RIFT, the ultimate 24-hour Open Innovation hackathon where the status quo is shattered. A "Rift" is an opening, a breakthrough—and that is exactly what we are here to create. This is not just a coding competition; it is a seismic shift in how we approach problems, happening simultaneously across 4 major cities in India. We are calling upon the best developers, designers, and visionaries to step in, identify the cracks in the system, and build solutions that truly matter. Event Overview: Theme: Open Innovation Duration: 24 Hours (Offline) Mode: Physical (Multi-City Parallel Event) Locations: Bengaluru | Pune | Noida | Lucknow Vibe: Disruptive, Electric, and Visionary. The Challenge: The event operates in the domain of Open Innovation. Participants will be presented with 4 distinct Problem Statements at the commencement of the hackathon. Teams must strategize and select ONE problem statement to work on. You have 24 hours to brainstorm, build, and deploy a working prototype that solves the chosen problem. Parallel Action: The hackathon runs simultaneously in all 4 locations. You can register for the venue nearest to you! Selection Process (No Preliminary Round!) We believe in execution, not just proposals. There is NO online idea submission round. Your entry ticket to RIFT depends entirely on your registration profile. How to get shortlisted: Register: Sign up your team on the portal and select your preferred location (Bengaluru, Pune, Noida, or Lucknow). The Review: Our team will review your registration details and profile. The Invite: Only the shortlisted teams will receive an invitation to enter the offline arena at their chosen venue. After registering, it is MANDATORY to join the Official RIFT WhatsApp Community. All communication regarding Venue Location, Shortlisting, Doubts, and Logistics will happen ONLY on this group. Rounds & Timeline: Phase 1: The Screening (Online Registration) Action: Register and choose your city on the portal. Join Community: Join WhatsApp Group for instant updates. Result: Shortlisted teams will be announced and invited to the venue via the community group and email. Phase 2: RIFT (The Main Event - Offline) Venue Entry: Teams report to their respective campuses (Bengaluru/Pune/Noida/Lucknow). The Reveal: The 4 Problem Statements are unlocked simultaneously across all cities. The Shift: The 24-hour countdown begins. Building: Teams code overnight with access to mentorship and refreshments. Evaluation: Teams present their functional prototypes to the jury. Rules of Engagement: Fresh Code Only: You cannot bring pre-built projects for the main event. All code for the solution must be written during the 24-hour period. (Standard libraries/frameworks allowed). Gear Up: Participants must bring their own laptops, chargers, and any necessary hardware. Internet will be provided. Team Composition: Teams must consist of 2 to 4 members. Inter-college teams are permitted. Presence: All team members must be physically present at their selected venue for the entire duration. Disqualification: Plagiarism, harassment, or any form of misconduct will lead to immediate disqualification. IP Rights: The intellectual property of the project remains with the developers. Participant Advisory (What to Carry) To survive the sprint, we recommend carrying: Laptops & Chargers (Essential) Extension cords (Highly recommended) Personal hygiene kit Light blanket/Jacket (It gets cold at night!) Water bottle The spirit of a disruptor! Prizes & Perks: Champion (Winner): ₹1,00,000 First Runner Up: ₹75,000 Second Runner Up: ₹50,000 Consolation Prizes: ₹25,000 Additional Perks: Swag & Goodies: Exclusive merchandise for participants. Networking: Connect with top founders and industry experts. Food & Fuel: Refreshments provided to keep your energy high. Contact & Updates: JOIN WHATSAPP COMMUNITY Are you ready to make a Shift? Register Now. DON'T FORGET: After clicking Register, you MUST join the WhatsApp Community to receive your venue details and further instructions.