Escape Da Vinci
CGC University Mohali
Escape Da Vinci: Stages and Timelines
CODE OF VISION (Online Submission Round)
Round 1 is all about presenting your big idea. Teams will submit either an 8-slide PPT or a 3–5 minute video pitch showcasing their problem statement, innovative solution, and technical approach. This round tests creativity, clarity, and vision before moving into technical execution.
Task:
8-slide PPT (template provided), or
3–5 min video pitch
Tracks: AI/ML, Web/App, Robotics, Art/Design, Cryptography
Guidelines:
Submit any best project of yours on any problem statements following the given tracks.
Use official template (PPT) or stay within time limit (video).
Content must cover:
Problem statement | Proposed solution | Technical approach | Feasibility & impact
Team size: 3–5 members
One submission per team|Original ideas only
THE CODE ALCHEMY ( PROTOTYPE ROUND )
Shortlisted teams from Round 1 must deploy a working project online, demonstrating technical feasibility, functionality, and creativity. This is where your idea transforms into a living prototype, ready to face the escape-room challenges in the offline finale.
Task:
- Deploy a working project/model online.
- Submit a functional link or hosted model for evaluation.
- Project must align with the selected track from Round 1:
AI/ML, Web/App Development, Robotics, Art/Design & Creative Tech, Cryptography / Security
Guidelines:
- Ensure deployment link is accessible and active.
- Submissions must highlight:
Functionality & usability
Technical depth & innovation
Design and user experience - Only one submission per team is allowed.
THE GRAND CIPHER
The Final Round is the ultimate Da Vinci escape challenge. Teams who survive the earlier stages will face the last spectogram of problems, combining coding, puzzles, and creativity. All the clues and codes gathered from previous rounds will converge here. Only teamwork, problem-solving, and skill will help you crack the Grand Cipher and unlock the Da Vinci Trophy. || Solve the Final Spectogram Challenge that integrates elements from earlier rounds. || Use collected clues, codes, and logic to advance step by step. || The challenge ends with the Trophy Unlock, symbolizing victory. || Free to use any AI or External tools. || Teams must rely solely on their skills, collaboration, and collected clues. || Once locked in the final escape room, there is no exit until the challenge is completed or time is up. || Only one team will emerge as the true conqueror of Da Vinci’s mystery.
All that you need to know about Escape Da Vinci
EDV26 – ESCAPE DA-VINCI is a one-of-a-kind gamified vibe coding hackathon combining coding, puzzles, and creativity. Participants step into an escape room–style adventure, where they must unlock codes, debug problems, and build prototypes to progress through each stage.
The journey culminates in the Final Trophy Unlock, where only the sharpest minds triumph.
Event Overview
- Beginner-friendly yet challenging for experienced participants
- Fusion of coding, design, puzzles, and prototyping
- Escape Room Format: Teams will be locked inside themed rooms; each round begins with a coded lock/problem. Solving it unlocks the challenge and grants access to the next stage
- Online eliminations + 36-hour Offline Finale
Event Flow:
Online Rounds (5th November 2025 - 20th January 2026)
- Round 1 – PPT / Video Submission
- Submission: 8-slide PPT or 3–5 min video (template provided)
- Tracks: AI/ML, Web/App, Robotics, Art/Design, Cryptography(submit any best project of yours on any problem statements following the given tracks).
- Platform: Unstop
- Outcome: Shortlisted teams qualify for Online Round 2
- Round 2 – Website / Model Deployment
- Task: Deploy a working project/model online
- Platform: Unstop
- Outcome: Top teams qualify for the Offline Hackathon
Offline Hackathon (27th –28th Feb 2026 | 36 Hours)
The offline adventure follows a Da Vinci escape-room inspired format. Teams will be locked in rooms and must unlock challenges stage by stage:
- Round 1 (3 hrs): Debug spectogram/code → unlock problem
- Round 2 (3 hrs): Rapid prototype (AI/Tech-based)
- Round 3 (2 hrs): Fun + Brainy Challenges (Puzzle / AR / Meme-based)
- Round 4 (4 hrs): Final Spectogram & Trophy Unlock
Prize Pool:
- 1st Place: ₹75,000
- 2nd Place: ₹35,000
- 3rd Place: ₹20,000
- Special Awards:
- Best UI/UX – ₹5,000
- Most Fun Project – ₹5,000
- Top Newcomer/First-Year Team – ₹5,000
Prize money will be disbursed as per applicable TDS rules under the Income Tax Act.
No TDS will be deducted for prizes up to ₹10,000; for prizes above ₹10,000, 30% TDS will be deducted before disbursement.
Grand Prize: 2-ft Trophy + Prize Money
Guidelines
- Eligibility
- Open to all students across disciplines and years.
- Teams of 3–5 members only.
- Participation Rules
- Teams must participate in both online rounds to qualify for the offline finale.
- A minimal confirmation fee will be charged after round 1 to confirm your availability.
- The offline hackathon will be conducted in escape-room style, where participants will be locked inside themed rooms and must solve challenges to progress.
- Submission Guidelines
- Online Round 1: Submit PPT (8 slides) or video (3–5 minutes) in the provided template (submit any best project of yours on any problem statements following the given tracks).
- Online Round 2: Working website/model deployment with accessible link.
- Hackathon Conduct
- You are free to use any AI tool or platform!
- Respectful conduct with peers, mentors, and organizers is mandatory.
- Resources
- Participants must bring their own laptops, chargers, and essential gear.
- Internet access will be provided during the offline rounds.
- Additional hardware/tools (if required for prototypes) should be managed by the teams themselves.
- Finale Guidelines
- Once locked inside the escape-room challenge, teams must rely on teamwork, skill, and creativity to progress.
- The Final Round has no shortcuts – only problem-solving and collaboration will lead to the Trophy Unlock.
Why Participate:
- Experience a real escape-room–themed hackathon
- Blend of tech, puzzles, and adventure
- Beginner-friendly yet competitive for pros
- Build, innovate, and test your problem-solving skills under pressure
- Win recognition, cash prizes worth ₹1.45 Lakh, and the Da Vinci Trophy
Registration Details
- Platform: Unstop
- Team Size: 3–5 members
- Eligibility: Open to all students
- Whatsapp group Link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dc4EPMI70gUJwgQxrIa3aE
Important dates & deadlines?
-
28 Feb'26, 11:59 PM IST Registration Deadline
Contact the organisers
Send queries to organizersDownload attachments
Rewards and Prizes?
The top teams will walk away with exciting cash prizes and certificates of excellence.
𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙄𝙋𝙃𝙀𝙍
𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚑 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚎 + 𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚢 + 𝙲𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜
𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙄𝘾𝙀
𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚑 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚎 + 𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚢 + 𝙲𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜
𝙉𝙊𝙑𝙄𝘾𝙀
𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚑 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚎 + 𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚢 + 𝙲𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜
𝘽𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙐𝙄/𝙐𝙓 𝘿𝙀𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉
𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦 + 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘭 + 𝘊𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴
𝙈𝙊𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙐𝙉 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙅𝙀𝘾𝙏
𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦 + 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘭 + 𝘊𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴
𝙏𝙊𝙋 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀𝙍𝙎 / 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙃𝙄𝙀𝙎
𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦 + 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘭 + 𝘊𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴