About this event
Overview
Neural Storm 2026 is an online AI/ML hackathon open to college students across India. Teams build real-world solutions using Python and AI/ML tools within one of three challenge tracks, submit a GitHub repository, and get evaluated by a panel from JNTUH.
Guidelines
Eligibility
Open to all currently enrolled college students across India
Team size: 1 to 3 members. Solo participation is allowed.
Inter-college teams are allowed
Inter-specialization teams are allowed
Only the team leader registers on behalf of the entire team
Each participant can only be part of one team
Format
Online hackathon, 2 days long (November 2 to 4, 2026)
3 official challenge tracks with 5 sub-themes each (15 total options):
Future Tech: AI Agents, Generative AI, AR/VR, Robotics, Smart Automation
Green Planet: Climate AI, AgriTech, Energy Optimization, Carbon Tracking, Waste Management
Human Impact: Healthcare AI, EdTech, Accessibility, Mental Health, FinTech Inclusion
Teams pick their problem statement within the chosen track
Primary language: Python for all AI/ML components
Rules
Build your project during the hackathon window.
Python must be the primary language for AI/ML components. Open-source libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn are fully allowed.
AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Cursor are allowed. Just mention what you used in your README.
Each team must work within one of the 3 official tracks. Teams select their problem statement within that track.
No plagiarism. If two submissions look identical, both will be reviewed and may be disqualified.
One submission per team. You can update it before the deadline by resubmitting.
The GitHub repo must be public and contain the complete project code.
A README is required. It must include the problem statement, team details, tech stack, setup instructions, screenshots or a demo, and any AI tools used.
Be respectful toward other participants, organizers, and judges.
