About the
Hackathon
In recognition of its invaluable contributions towards faunal studies and biodiversity conservation spanning 111 years, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) proposes to organize an innovative 111-hour long national-level hackathon that combines traditional knowledge systems with contemporary technological advancements. The objective of this novel hackathon is to integrate traditional wisdom with science to solve contemporary problems related to biodiversity conservation using innovations and policies. This hackathon is to be organized in all 16 Regional Centres of the ZSI.
Hackathon is planned to be conducted through three levels within 111 hours continuously, starting from the first level of Regional Competitions at 16 ZSI Centres based on one traditional knowledge system per centre where the participants will explain or deliver ideas, or build prototype that combine traditional knowledge with innovation. The second level of the event would be held as a national semifinals level where top participants from the previous round will further refine the solutions that could be scaled up. Finally, the last level of hackathon would be a grand finale at ZSI Headquarter where shortlisted participants will pitch their final ideas and solutions to an interdisciplinary jury of judges.
Themes
There will be 16 unique themes for the hackathon, which reflect the various ecosystems in India and the traditional knowledge for their protection and conservation. The 16th integrative theme will be around the digital transformation of traditional knowledge, and will invite participants to leverage AI and data sciences to document, preserve, and utilize knowledge systems related to indigenous biodiversity.
Key Dates
May 7, 2026
Registration Opens
May 20, 2026
Registration Closes
May 23, 2026
Shortlisted Teams Announced
May 25 to June 5, 2026
(Specific dates to be announced)
Regional Centre Presentations
June 9, 2026
(Specific dates to be announced)
Top 16 Presentations (Kolkata)/ RC
June 29, 2026
Grand Finale
Eligibility
Criteria
The hackathon event welcomes individuals, including school, undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, innovators, start-ups, and practitioners from the community. Inclusivity and interdisciplinarity are highly valued within this context, especially concerning the involvement of indigenous knowledge holders. The teams consisting of 3 participants (maximum) will need to collaborate on one particular theme and produce an innovative output where traditional knowledge gets seamlessly combined with a tool or framework. The event's ethical standards demand the observance of the guidelines concerning respect for indigenous knowledge and intellectual property rights while creating innovations relevant to the contemporary world. Special attention will be paid to encouraging indigenous individuals participating in the event.
Participants must be Indian Citizen
No Age Bar
Teams can consist of students, researchers, employed individuals, community people, indigenous people from any discipline
Any Indian language (At least one person in the group should be well versed in English and any one person from any Tribal group)
Each team must have a maximum of three members
Valid identification proof must be submitted
Each team can only participate in one theme
In the preliminary round at Regional Centres,12 teams will be selected, and each team will have 30 minutes to present their ideas in Level-1, 45 minutes in Level-2 and 30 minutes in Grand Finale. Presentation will be made by all the three members of the team with equal time share
Team may present their work, idea, concept or knowledge through power point presentation or any other presentation mode
Prize Galore
1st Prize
100,000
2nd Prize
75,000