AI for Defence - Student Innovation Challenge

data, automation, and emerging technologies to real-world defence and national security problems facing India. The Challenge Participants are asked to think about how AI and emerging technologies can strengthen India's defence and national security capabilities. Ideas can take several forms: identifying an existing challenge and proposing a technology-led solution, reimagining how an existing defence or security process could work better, developing a completely new idea, product, or application, or exploring how AI can improve intelligence, surveillance, safety, operations, or decision-making. Submissions may be at the concept, prototype, or early development stage. What Makes a Great Idea The organisers will look for ideas that are innovative (bringing a new approach to an existing problem or addressing a new opportunity), practical (realistically developable or implementable), technology-led (using AI, data, automation, or emerging technologies meaningfully), scalable (with potential for impact at scale), and impactful (addressing a meaningful real-world need). Selection Process The competition runs across multiple rounds. In the Idea Submission round, participants submit a short presentation covering the problem, idea, technology, implementation, and potential impact. Submissions are then evaluated on problem understanding, innovation, feasibility, use of technology, and potential impact, with the strongest ideas shortlisted for the next round. Shortlisted participants present their ideas to a panel of experts in the Presentation Round. The winner is selected based on the quality of the idea, presentation, feasibility, innovation, and potential real-world impact. Prizes Winners can receive up to ₹5,000. Beyond the cash prize, the organisers note that they are already working with government bodies and institutional partners on multiple technology and innovation projects. Based on the quality and feasibility of the ideas, selected participants may get opportunities to explore or develop their idea further for a live project, work on a real-world project with the team and partners, or receive an internship opportunity with the team. All participants receive a Certificate of Participation, while shortlisted and winning teams receive a Certificate of Achievement. Eligibility The challenge is open to MBA/PGDM students currently enrolled in a recognised college or university. Participants can register individually or as a team of 2 to 5 students. The idea submitted must be original and developed by the participating team. About the Organiser The challenge is run by Lucror AI and Robotics Private Limited, which works on technology and innovation projects in partnership with government bodies and institutional partners. How to Apply Registration is handled through the Unstop listing. The registration deadline is 25 September 2026, with the challenge window running from 14 September to 25 September 2026.