GDTA Hackathon 2026

Global Design Thinking Hackathon – Rules & Guidelines:

• The GDTA’26 Hackathon is an innovation-focused platform that empowers participants to address real-world challenges through a structured, user-centered approach. It encourages us to move beyond conventional methods and develop solutions that are rooted in human needs, empathy, and practical impact.
• By integrating design thinking principles with technology, the hackathon allows participants to turn chaos into clarity and transform ideas into effective solutions. It promotes creative problem-solving and critical thinking, helping participants tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful progress across organizations, communities, and society.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Registration is free and mandatory.
• Open to students, professionals, and innovators globally.
• Participants must be 18 years or older (or as per organizer policy).
• Multidisciplinary participation is encouraged.

Mode Of Hackathon:

• Online Only

Team Formation:

• Individual / Teams (can consist of 2–4 members.)
• Each participant can join only one team.
• Cross-domain teams are encouraged.
• Each team must appoint a Team Leader.
• Cross-institutional teams are allowed.

Hackathon Themes:

• Education Transformation – Reimagining learning for a digital, inclusive future
• Healthcare Innovation – Accessible, intelligent, and patient-centric care
• Smart City & Infrastructure – Sustainable, connected, and smart urban living

Approach:

• The hackathon will follow the Design Thinking methodology: Empathize → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test
• All solutions must be user-centric and aligned with the problem statement.

Event Structure:

• Flow: Idea Submission → Shortlisting (Top 90 Teams) → Prototype Development → Final Pitch → Winners
• Phase 1: Idea Submission
  • Submit Problem Statement, Solution, and Impact
  • Top 90 teams will be shortlisted
• Phase 2: Prototype Development
• • Develop working prototype/MVP
  • Prepare pitch presentation
  • Final evaluation by jury

Important Dates:

• Registration Starts from - 06-05-2026
• Registration Closes by - 30-05-2026
• Problem Statement Releases on - 01-06-2026
• Phase 1 (Idea) Submission Closes by - 30-06-2026
• Phase 1 Result Announcement - 15-07-2026
• Phase 2 Starts from - 16-07-2026
• Phase 2 / Prototype Submission Last date - 30-08-2026
• Final Pitching starts from - 01-09-2026
• The winners' list was announced on - 29-09-2026

Submission Requirements:

• Problem Statement and Solution (Phase 1)
• Prototype/MVP (Phase 2)
• Pitch Deck (PDF)
• Optional Demo Video (YouTube Link)

Judging Criteria:

• Evaluation will be based on:
• Innovation & Creativity
• User-Centric Design Approach
• Feasibility & Scalability
• Prototype Effectiveness
• Presentation & Communication Skills

Code Of Conduct:

• Maintain professional behavior
• No plagiarism
• Respect diversity

Intellectual Property:

• Teams retain ownership
• Organizers may use summaries for promotion

Mentorship:

• Industry Mentors will be assigned to each team and will guide on problem understanding, validation, and prototyping during the Phase 2 of the Hackathon.

Disqualification:

• Plagiarism or rule violation
• Late submission
• No final presentation

Awards & Recognition:

• Top 3 teams from each theme
• Invitation to GDTA D-Conference 2026
• Certificates for all participants