The Sustainable Innovation Hackathon 2026 is a multi-phase competition designed to encourage students and early-stage innovators to present impactful sustainability-focused ideas, prototypes, and scalable solutions.

Students pursuing Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD programmes at recognised academic institutions are eligible to participate.

Each team shall consist of 3 to 4 members. All members must be students, and no faculty or mentoring faculty shall be included in the team.

Yes, it is mandatory to have a mentoring faculty member. The mentor should belong to the college of the team leader.

Themes include Natural Resources and conservations, Agriculture & Allied areas, Food and Nutrition, Circular Economy, Clean and Green Energy, Sustainability in Rural Development, Built Environment, Healthcare and Medical Sustainability, Water and Wastewater Systems, Solid Waste Management, Sustainable Transportation and Mobility, Livelihoods Sustainability, ESG / Corporate Sustainability and Other areas focused on sustainability.

The hackathon aims to identify high-potential startups, provide incubation support, strengthen innovation capacity through mentorship, and build a stronger industry-academia ecosystem.

Winning teams will receive cash awards, incubation support, expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance to further develop their sustainability-focused innovations.

Participants will be required to arrange their own travel for the Grand Finale and related events at IIT Bombay. Additional event details will be communicated to shortlisted teams.

Please read Terms and Conditions regarding this hackathon Here .