Y-Hack '26 is a national-level 24-hour hackathon organized by the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) at KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology (KPRIET), Coimbatore. The event brings together student innovators from across India to solve real-world engineering challenges through technology, collaboration, and innovation. With dedicated hardware and software tracks, participants will transform ideas into working prototypes while competing for exciting prizes and gaining valuable industry exposure.
Who Should Apply
This hackathon is open to student teams from engineering and technology institutions across India. Teams of 3–6 members are eligible, with all members required to belong to the same institution. Inter-college teams are not permitted, and each participant can be part of only one team.
Tracks / Themes
Y-Hack '26 features two competition tracks:
- Hardware Track: Problem statements will be released on 1st September 2026, allowing teams to analyze the challenge and prepare their hardware design before the event.
- Software Track: Problem statements will be released on the spot on 10th September 2026, and teams will develop innovative software solutions during the hackathon.
Teams can choose to participate in either the Hardware Track or the Software Track.
Format & Timeline
The hackathon runs for 24 hours over two days: 10th and 11th September 2026, at the Bhaskara Block (MI Classrooms) on the KPRIET campus in Coimbatore. Teams will build their projects on-site, with mentorship available throughout. On the final day, each team gets 5–10 minutes for a final presentation. Judging criteria include the working prototype/demo, source code (GitHub repository or ZIP file), and project documentation or presentation. The judges' decision is final and binding.
Prizes
The total prize pool is ₹60,000, distributed among winning teams. All participants receive an official Y-Hack '26 T-shirt, a participant kit, a participation certificate, and food and refreshments as specified for each day.
Eligibility
Open to student teams of 3–6 members from the same institution. Participants must carry a valid college ID card. Pre-built or previously completed projects are strictly prohibited. Open-source libraries, APIs, frameworks, and publicly available datasets may be used with proper attribution. Participants must bring their own laptops, chargers, development boards, and required hardware.
About the Organiser
KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology (KPRIET) is a leading engineering institution in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) chapter at KPRIET organizes this hackathon to foster innovation and technical excellence among students. The event is supported by industry partners including ROBOTOAI TECHNOLOGIES, a company specializing in AI and robotics, and AUSWEG INFO CONTROLS PVT. LTD., an engineering firm focused on industrial automation, control systems, IoT, embedded technologies, and smart manufacturing.
How to Apply
Registration is open until 7th September 2026. The registration fee is ₹500 for IEEE members and ₹600 for non-IEEE members. Interested teams can register via the Google Form link provided on the official event page.
