Namma AI Hackathon 2026
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Quick Answer
A one-day Edge AI innovation challenge to build practical proofs-of-concept for real-world societal challenges, offering cash awards to winners and structured learning opportunities.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- nasscom CoE – IoT & AI
- Application deadline
- 3d — 6 Nov 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this competition
The Namma AI Hackathon 2026 is a flagship event under the broader Namma AI Initiative, a national-level effort jointly launched by Arm and IIIT Bangalore in collaboration with NASSCOM, with support from the UK Government through the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI). This initiative is designed to train and upskill over 2,000 students and developers in Edge AI and SoC-based computing technologies, thereby fostering a future-ready talent pool in AI, embedded systems, and semiconductor-related fields.
The hackathon itself is a one-day innovation challenge focused on 'AI for Everyone — Building Intelligent Solutions for Societal Impact'. Participants are invited to develop functional Edge AI proof-of-concepts (PoCs) that address critical societal challenges, utilizing ExecuTorch and Raspberry Pi. The core objective is to translate innovative ideas into tangible, intelligent solutions that can make a meaningful difference.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Namma AI Initiative is envisioned as a three-month, industry-led skilling and innovation program. It offers structured learning opportunities on Edge AI through a blend of virtual and in-person technical sessions delivered by industry experts. This comprehensive approach aims to build practical competencies in Edge AI, on-device AI deployment, embedded computing, and hardware-software optimization using Arm-based technologies. The program culminates in the hackathon where participants demonstrate their skills by creating impactful solutions across domains like inclusive education, public safety, and sustainability. This strategic initiative seeks to reinforce Karnataka's and India's position as a vibrant hub for AI talent development and technological innovation.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
nasscom CoE – IoT & AI is a centre of excellence for deep-tech startups working on the internet of things, artificial intelligence and machine learning, analytics, AR/VR and robotics. It is run by nasscom with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as a Digital…
Learn moreThe IIIT Bangalore Innovation Centre (IIITB IC) is the incubation and acceleration arm of International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore, based at Electronic City in Bengaluru. It is a Section 25 company, and the centre says it has worked with entrepreneurs since…
Learn moreThe UK Government supports India's startup ecosystem through multiple innovation and R&D partnership programs. Through Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the government invests in collaborative innovation projects with India's Department of Science and…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
What You Get
Winners of the Namma AI Hackathon will receive cash awards as recognition for their innovative solutions. All team members who successfully submit completed projects will be awarded certificates, acknowledging their participation and effort. Beyond financial rewards, the program offers valuable virtual mentoring from industry and academic experts, providing guidance and insights to participants. The broader Namma AI Initiative includes structured learning opportunities on Edge AI, embedded computing, and hardware-software optimization through a combination of virtual and in-person technical sessions, enhancing participants' practical competencies. Finalists also receive focused virtual technical training to prepare for the hackathon, strengthening their readiness to develop functional Proofs of Concept (PoCs).
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Duration
- 3 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the Namma AI Hackathon involves several stages. Initially, applications and high-level proposals submitted by teams will undergo an evaluation and screening phase, with finalists being selected by November 10, 2026. Following this, the top 30-40 teams, comprising approximately 80-100 members, will be informed of their selection by November 11, 2026, and invited to participate in the final live hackathon. These shortlisted teams will also receive focused virtual technical training to enhance their readiness for developing functional Proofs of Concept (PoCs). The live hackathon itself, scheduled for November 14, 2026, will serve as the primary evaluation event where teams develop and demonstrate their PoCs. Judges will assess projects based on practical implementation, measurable results, and societal relevance. The final winners will be announced on November 19, 2026, with the ultimate decision resting at the sole discretion of the challenge organizers. Teams are expected to host their projects on GitHub and submit them via a dedicated challenge submission form.
Application Process
- 1
Register Team
Team leader registers the team and submits a high-level proposal by November 6, 2026.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Namma AI Hackathon?
The Namma AI Hackathon is a one-day Edge AI innovation challenge under the larger Namma AI Initiative. Participants are tasked with building practical proofs-of-concept (PoCs) using ExecuTorch and Raspberry Pi to address real-world societal challenges.
Who can participate in the hackathon?
The hackathon is open to Indian nationals, including students nominated by their respective colleges, as well as working professionals and developers. Teams can consist of 1-3 members, with all members of a student team from the same college and professional teams from the same organization.
What kind of rewards are offered to participants?
Winning teams of the hackathon will receive cash awards. Additionally, all team members who successfully submit their completed projects will be awarded certificates of participation.
What technologies will be used during the hackathon?
The hackathon focuses on developing Edge AI solutions primarily using ExecuTorch and Raspberry Pi. Participants will build PoCs with these technologies to demonstrate practical applications.
Is there any training or support provided to participants?
Yes, all registered participants will receive an invitation to an industry-academia skilling and innovation program offering structured learning opportunities on Edge AI. Shortlisted hackathon finalists will also be provided with focused virtual technical training before the hackathon to enhance their readiness.
What is the minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) required for solutions?
The program is open to solutions across all TRL levels, from concept (TRL 1-3) to deployed (TRL 7-9), with a primary focus on developing and demonstrating functional Proofs of Concept within the hackathon's scope.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
