HACKATHON 2026

GO-BRICS University Hackathon

A 72-hour hybrid innovation challenge uniting talented youth from Indian and Russian universities to collaborate on future-focused technological solutions. Participants will ideate, design, and develop impactful projects that drive digital innovation, strengthen cross-country collaboration, and contribute to the growing BRICS innovation ecosystem.

Registration Opens Soon
72 Hours (3 Days)
BRICS-IF + GO BRICS
Hybrid Format
AI for Sustainable Future
INNOVATION CHALLENGE

Empowering AI Innovation

The GO-BRICS University Hackathon 2026 aims to empower youth innovators, technologists, and developers from across BRICS+ nations to create groundbreaking solutions that will drive the future of global innovation.

By uniting creativity and technology, this hackathon will act as a catalyst for cross-border collaboration, breakthrough innovation, and next-generation problem-solving across key sectors.

For this edition, Indian and Russian universities will be the primary participants, fostering deep bilateral collaboration in cutting-edge technology and innovation development.

AI Innovation and Collaboration

Next-Gen Innovation

Creating solutions for tomorrow's challenges

EVENT DETAILS

Hackathon Overview

72
Hours Continuous

Non-stop innovation challenge

2
Partner Nations

India and Russia collaboration

?
Challenge Theme

To be revealed soon

TBD
Date Announcement

Coming soon

Organizers

Joint collaboration between BRICS International Forum and GO BRICS BUSINESS FORUM, bringing together the best of diplomatic and business innovation networks.

  • BRICS International Forum
  • GO BRICS BUSINESS FORUM
  • University partnerships

Hybrid Format

Combining the best of onsite collaboration and virtual participation, enabling seamless cross-border innovation and mentorship.

  • Onsite hubs in India and Russia
  • Virtual collaboration platform
  • Real-time mentorship support
OUR VISION

Driving Innovation for Global Good

Innovation Challenge 2026

"The Future Awaits Your Innovation"

Get ready for an exciting challenge that will push the boundaries of technology and innovation. The specific theme and problem statements will be revealed when registration opens. Stay tuned for what promises to be the most impactful hackathon of 2026.

Theme Reveal Coming Soon
CORE OBJECTIVES

What We Aim to Achieve

Promote Innovation Collaboration

Foster collaboration among youth innovators of BRICS nations, particularly India and Russia.

Encourage Responsible Innovation

Develop solutions that create positive impact and address real-world challenges ethically.

Provide Innovation Launchpad

Create a platform for scalable and impactful technology solutions with real-world applications.

Foster Long-Term Innovation Ecosystems

Build sustainable innovation networks through mentorship and incubation programs.

HACKATHON FORMAT

72 Hours of Innovation

Continuous Innovation Challenge

Day 1: Ideation & Team Formation

Problem understanding, team building, and initial concept development

Day 2: Development & Prototyping

Intensive coding, AI model development, and prototype creation

Day 3: Testing & Presentation

Solution refinement, testing, and final pitch presentations

PARTICIPATION DETAILS

Who Can Participate

Current Edition Focus

Indian Universities

Students and researchers from leading Indian universities and technical institutions

Russian Universities

Students and researchers from top Russian universities and research institutes

This focused approach enables deep bilateral collaboration and knowledge exchange between two major BRICS innovation hubs.

SCHEDULE

Event Timeline

Complete roadmap from registration to final presentations

Registration Opens

TBD 2026

Registration portal opens with theme reveal and detailed problem statements

Team Formation Period

2 Weeks

Participants can form teams and submit their team compositions

Pre-Hackathon Workshops

1 Week Before

Technical workshops and mentorship sessions to prepare participants

72-Hour Hackathon

Main Event

Continuous 72-hour innovation challenge with mentorship and support

Results & Awards

Final Day

Final presentations, judging, and award ceremony

REWARDS

Prizes & Recognition

Exciting prizes and opportunities await the winning teams

1st Place

Prize Amount

To be revealed

  • • Cash prize
  • • Incubation program access
  • • Mentorship for 6 months
  • • BRICS Forum presentation

2nd Place

Prize Amount

To be revealed

  • • Cash prize
  • • Professional networking
  • • Mentorship for 3 months
  • • Certificate of excellence

3rd Place

Prize Amount

To be revealed

  • • Cash prize
  • • Industry connections
  • • Learning resources access
  • • Recognition certificate

Special Categories

Best Social Impact

Prize + Recognition

Most Innovative

Prize + Recognition

Best Team Collaboration

Prize + Recognition
PARTICIPANT BENEFITS

What You'll Gain

Technical Expertise Development

Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies.

International Collaboration

Work with peers from different countries and cultural backgrounds.

Recognition & Prizes

Win prestigious awards and gain recognition for innovative solutions.

Startup Opportunities

Access to incubation programs and startup funding opportunities.

Mentorship Network

Connect with industry experts and experienced mentors.

Professional Certification

Receive official certificates and credentials for participation.

EXPERT PANEL

Mentors & Judges

Learn from industry experts and get your solutions evaluated by renowned professionals

Expert Mentors

  • AI/ML Specialists

    Leading researchers and practitioners in artificial intelligence

  • Tech Industry Leaders

    CTOs and senior engineers from major tech companies

  • Startup Founders

    Successful entrepreneurs with scaling experience

Distinguished Judges

  • Academic Leaders

    Professors from top universities in India and Russia

  • Innovation Directors

    R&D heads from multinational corporations

  • Policy Experts

    Government advisors and think tank researchers

24/7 Mentorship Support

Get real-time guidance throughout the 72-hour challenge via dedicated mentorship channels

Live Chat Support
Video Consultations
Code Reviews
HOW TO JOIN

Registration Process

Simple steps to secure your spot in the most exciting hackathon of 2026

Registration Steps

Step 1: University Registration

Universities register officially through our institutional portal

Step 2: Internal Team Formation

Students form teams within their university (2-4 members)

Step 3: Team Nomination

Universities nominate their selected teams with complete details

Step 4: Official Confirmation

Teams receive confirmation and event access details

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about the hackathon

Who can register for the hackathon?

Only recognized universities from India and Russia can register for the hackathon. Individual students cannot register directly - registration must be done through their respective educational institutions. Universities will then nominate their student teams to participate.

How are teams formed?

Teams must have 2-4 members and should be formed within the same university. Students cannot join teams from other institutions or use external team formation platforms. Each university will nominate their pre-formed teams during the registration process.

Is there a registration fee?

No, participation is completely free. The hackathon is open to all eligible participants at no cost. All mentorship, support, and participation certificates are provided free of charge.

When will registration open?

Registration dates will be announced soon. Follow our official channels for updates. Early bird notifications will be sent to interested participants who sign up for updates.

How does the hybrid format work?

Participants can join from physical hubs in India and Russia or participate virtually. All collaboration tools, mentorship sessions, and presentations will be available online with seamless integration between onsite and remote participants.

What technologies can we use?

Participants are free to use any programming languages, frameworks, and tools they prefer. We encourage innovative use of AI/ML technologies, but the choice of tech stack is entirely up to your team.

When will the theme be revealed?

The complete theme and problem statements will be revealed when registration opens. This ensures all participants have equal preparation time and maintains the competitive spirit of the hackathon.

How will projects be judged?

Projects will be evaluated based on 5 criteria: Innovation (20%), Technical Implementation (20%), Impact (20%), Presentation (20%), and Feasibility (20%). Expert judges from academia and industry will conduct the evaluation.

What support is available during the event?

24/7 mentorship support, technical assistance, and dedicated help channels will be available throughout the 72 hours. Expert mentors from both countries will provide guidance via chat, video calls, and code reviews.

What if I don't have a team?

Students must form teams within their own university before their institution registers. External team formation platforms are not available. Contact your university's computer science or engineering department to connect with fellow students interested in participating.

What prizes can we win?

Winners will receive cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, incubation program access, and chances to present at BRICS Forum events. Special category awards are also available for social impact, innovation, and collaboration.

Will I receive a participation certificate?

Yes! All participants who complete the hackathon will receive official participation certificates from BRICS International Forum. Winners and special category awardees will receive additional recognition certificates.

Ready to Innovate?

Join the GO-BRICS University Hackathon 2026 and be part of creating breakthrough solutions that will shape the future of technology and innovation.

Registration Opens Soon Contact Us

Stay Updated

Get notified about registration opening and event details

Build Your Team

Connect with fellow innovators and form winning teams

Prepare Your Tech Skills

Sharpen your technical abilities for the ultimate challenge