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24 Hour AI Hackathon
CATALYST 2K26
24 hours. Track-based AI innovation.
CATALYST 2K26 is a 24-hour in-campus AI hackathon that brings together innovators, developers, and problem-solvers to build impactful AI solutions. The event is track-based, so teams innovate within predefined AI domains.
To register for the hackathon, please visit the official hackathon website. Click the Register Now button to be redirected to the official hackathon website.
/ Tracks
AI for HealthcareAI for EducationAI for SustainabilityAI for FinTech
/ Rules
Read before you cross over
- /01Open to all students currently enrolled in a college or university; valid college ID required.
- /02Teams must have 2 to 5 members and designate a Team Leader as the primary contact.
- /03Each participant can be part of only one team; multiple teams from the same college are allowed.
- /04Registration is valid only after all team members register before the deadline; false information may lead to disqualification.
- /05No registrations are accepted after the deadline.
- /06This is a 24-hour offline hackathon. Teams choose one track at the start and build within the allotted time.
- /07All work must be completed during the hackathon; pre-built projects or prior codebases are not allowed.
- /08Open-source libraries and tools are allowed but must be properly credited.
- /09Teams must maintain a GitHub repository with no commits before the official start time; regular commits are encouraged.
- /10Plagiarism (code or idea) or unauthorized external help leads to immediate disqualification.
- /11AI tools are allowed for assistance, but core logic must be original and teams must explain their implementation.
- /12Submission must include a working prototype/PoC, source code (GitHub preferred), README/documentation, and a demo or presentation.
- /13Projects are judged on innovation, functionality, technical implementation, user experience, real-world impact, and presentation clarity.
- /14Evaluation is track-wise, with winners selected within each track only.
- /15All team members must be present for the final presentation and Q&A; judges' decisions are final.
- /16Professional conduct is required at all times; harassment or misconduct results in disqualification.
- /17Teams retain project ownership; organizers may showcase projects with proper credit.
- /18Participants must bring their own devices; basic facilities (power, internet, workspace) are provided.
- /19Organizers may modify rules if needed and participants must follow the schedule strictly.
- /20Judges' decisions are final and participation implies acceptance of all rules.
/ Overview
Event overview
- •A 24-hour in-campus AI hackathon focused on building impactful solutions with AI.
- •Track-based format lets teams innovate within predefined AI domains.
/ Eligibility
Who can participate
- •Open to all students currently enrolled in a college or university.
- •Valid college ID is mandatory.
- •Each participant can join only one team.
- •Multiple teams from the same college are allowed.
/ Team Formation
Build your team
- •Teams must have 2 to 5 members.
- •Each team must designate a Team Leader as the primary contact.
- •Team composition cannot be changed after registration.
/ Registration
Registration rules
- •All participants must register through the official platform before the deadline.
- •Registration is valid only after all team members are registered.
- •Providing false or incomplete information may lead to disqualification.
- •No registrations are accepted after the deadline.
/ Format
Hackathon format
- •This is a 24-hour offline hackathon.
- •Teams choose one track at the beginning of the event.
- •Teams must develop their solution within the given time.
- •The hackathon includes: Opening briefing, Development phase, Mid-evaluation checkpoint(s), Final presentation and judging.
/ Tracks
AI domains
- •AI for Healthcare: diagnosis, prediction, medical assistance, healthcare accessibility.
- •AI for Education: smart learning systems, personalized education, teaching automation.
- •AI for Sustainability: climate solutions, energy optimization, waste management, environmental monitoring.
- •AI for FinTech: fraud detection, smart finance tools, trading systems, financial inclusion.
/ Development
Development rules
- •All work must be completed during the hackathon duration only.
- •Use of pre-built projects, templates, or prior codebases is strictly prohibited.
- •Teams are free to use any technology stack.
- •Open-source libraries and tools are allowed but must be properly credited.
- •Teams must maintain a GitHub repository with no commits before the official start time.
- •Regular commits are encouraged.
- •Any form of plagiarism (code or idea) leads to immediate disqualification.
/ AI Usage
AI usage policy
- •AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot) are allowed for assistance.
- •Core logic must be original.
- •Teams must understand and explain their implementation.
- •Excessive reliance on AI without understanding may lead to penalties.
/ Submissions
Submission requirements
- •A working prototype / proof of concept.
- •Source code (GitHub repository preferred).
- •A project description README/documentation.
- •A demo or presentation.
/ Judging
Judging criteria
- •Innovation and originality.
- •Functionality and completion.
- •Technical implementation.
- •User experience and design.
- •Real-world impact.
- •Presentation and clarity.
/ Evaluation
Track-wise evaluation
- •Projects are evaluated within their selected track.
- •Each track has its own independent winner.
- •Judges compare projects only within the same domain for fair evaluation.
/ Presentation
Final presentation
- •Each team must present their solution to the judges.
- •All team members must be present.
- •Teams must demonstrate a working prototype.
- •Teams must explain architecture and decisions.
- •A Q&A round will follow.
- •Judges' decisions are final.
/ Conduct
Code of conduct
- •Maintain professional and respectful behavior.
- •No harassment, discrimination, or misconduct.
- •Follow instructions from organizers.
- •Violations may lead to disqualification.
/ Disqualification
Disqualification criteria
- •Plagiarism or copied work.
- •Pre-built solutions.
- •Rule violations.
- •False information.
- •Unauthorized external help.
- •Missing mandatory submissions.
/ IP
Intellectual property
- •Teams retain ownership of their projects.
- •Organizers may showcase projects with proper credit.
- •All external tools and resources must be credited.
/ Resources
Resources and responsibilities
- •Participants must bring their own laptops/devices.
- •Basic facilities (power, internet, workspace) will be provided.
- •Participants are responsible for their setup and data.
/ General
General rules
- •Organizers may modify rules if necessary.
- •Participants must follow the schedule strictly.
- •Judges' decisions are final.
- •Participation implies acceptance of all rules.
/ FAQs
Frequently asked questions
- •Is there any registration fee?Yes, the registration fee is ₹500 per team.
- •Can we change our track after selecting it?Yes, teams can change their track even on the day of the event.
- •Will basic facilities like internet, power, and food be provided?Yes, internet access, charging points, and food will be provided throughout the event.
- •Are participants required to stay at the venue for the full duration?Yes, participants must remain at the venue for the entire duration of the hackathon.
- •Will certificates be provided to all team members?Yes, certificates will be issued to all registered team members.
- •What happens if a team cancels or does not show up?Will there be a refund? No refunds will be provided; refunds will only be issued if decided by the organizing team.
- •Will mentors or support be available during the hackathon?Yes, support will be available to guide participants during the event.
- •How will we receive detailed information?Detailed information will be shared with team leaders via email.
/ Field Coordinator
Sriparna Das
Hackathon Lead