DNS HackElite26

Event Introduction:

• HackElite 26’ is a 24-hour national-level hackathon organized by Developer Network Space (DNS), SRM IST Vadapalani.
• Building on the success of HackElite 25’, this edition is bigger, more competitive, and more industry-focused.
• The event brings together top student innovators from across India.
• Participants will collaborate, ideate, and build impactful solutions across Software, Hardware, AI/ML, and Open Innovation.
• The hackathon is guided by experienced mentors and evaluated by industry professionals.

Eligibility:

• Open to undergraduate students from any recognized college or university in India.
• Inter-college teams are allowed.
• Inter-specialization and interdisciplinary teams are allowed.
• Participants must carry a valid college ID during the event.
• All team members must register individually on Unstop.

Team Composition:

• Team size must be between 4 to 6 members.
• Teams must be formed before registration.
• No change of team members is allowed after final confirmation.

Problem Statements & Tracks:

• A total of 14 curated problem statements across multiple domains.
• One Open Innovation Track where teams may propose their own problem statement.
• Problem statements will be released prior to Round 1.
• Each team must select one problem statement to work on.

Hackathon Format & Rounds:

Round 1: Idea Screening:

• Mode: Online
• Format: PPT Round
• Duration: 23 January 2026 – 29 January 2026 11:59PM
• Registration Fee: Free
• Teams must submit a PPT-based idea proposal.
• The PPT must strictly follow the official template provided by the organizers.
• Submission must be done only through the official Google Form shared in the HackElite 26’ WhatsApp group.
• Evaluation will be based on:
• Relevance to the problem statement
• Innovation and feasibility
• Clarity of solution approach
• Monetization and impact potential
• Results will be released on or before 27 January 2026.
• Shortlisted teams will qualify for Round 2.

Round 2: Idea + MVP Evaluation:

• Mode: Online
• Format: PPT + MVP
• Duration: 31 January 2026 – 4 February 2026
• Registration Fee: ₹500 per team

Teams must submit the following only through the official Google Form shared in the WhatsApp group:

• Updated PPT as per the official template
• Deployed MVP or prototype link
• Evaluation will focus on:
• Technical feasibility
• Prototype validation
• Scalability and execution plan
• Results will be released on or before 6 February 2026.
• Shortlisted teams will advance to the Final Round.

Round 3: Final Hackathon:

• Mode: Offline
• Registration Fee: ₹300 per team
• A 24-hour onsite hackathon conducted at SRM IST Vadapalani.
• Includes a continuous build phase with:
• Mentor guidance
• Industry interaction
• Teams must develop a working prototype or MVP.
• Final project presentation and demo will be conducted before industry judges and faculty.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Innovation and originality
• Technical implementation
• Feasibility and scalability
• Problem understanding
• Presentation and demo quality
• Real-world applicability and impact

Event Details:

• Duration: 24 hours
• Mode: Offline (Final Round)
• Venue: SRM IST Vadapalani Campus
• Dates: 10 – 11 February 2026

Prizes & Perks:

• Prize Pool: ₹XX,XXX
• Certificates for all participants.
• Industry exposure and expert mentorship.
• Opportunity to build portfolio-ready projects.

Rules & Guidelines:

• All submissions for Round 1 and Round 2 must be made only through the official Google Forms shared in the HackElite 26’ WhatsApp group. https://chat.whatsapp.com/D8s9yKglSD7BTBc6y7T7ah
• Submissions through email or other platforms will not be accepted.
• All participants must join the official WhatsApp group, which serves as the primary communication channel for:
• PPT templates
• Google Form submission links
• Announcements and updates
• All PPT submissions must strictly follow the official template.
• Non-compliant submissions may be rejected or penalized.
• Plagiarism or use of pre-built complete solutions will result in immediate disqualification.
• All development must be done within the hackathon timeline.
• Internet usage is permitted unless stated otherwise for specific tracks.
• Team members cannot be changed after final confirmation.
• Any form of misconduct, malpractice, or rule violation may lead to disqualification.
• The judges’ decisions are final and binding.
• The organizing committee reserves the right to modify rules, timelines, or structure if required.

Why Participate in HackElite 26’:

• Compete at a national level.
• Solve real-world, industry-relevant problems.
• Learn directly from experienced mentors.
• Build strong, resume-worthy projects.
• Experience a professionally executed hackathon.

Contact & Queries:

• For any queries, contact:
• Shravan Chumble
• +91 78238 44791
• Joshua Haniel
• +91 99402 63285