NITI-HACK 2026 Policy Hackathon by Chanakya University, Bengaluru
School of Law, Governance and Public Policy, Chanakya University, Bengaluru.Overview
The School of Law, Governance and Public Policy at Chanakya University, Bengaluru invites you to NITI-HACK 2026, a national policy hackathon built around the theme "AI-Governance for Sustainable Future: Designing Solutions for Viksit Bharat@2047". Over the course of the hackathon you will work in a team to develop a policy idea that uses artificial intelligence responsibly to advance India's development goals.
The contest runs fully online, so you can take part from anywhere in India. There is no registration fee, and winning teams share a prize pool worth INR 1,00,000.
About the organiser
Chanakya University is a state private university in Bengaluru, Karnataka. NITI-HACK 2026 is organised by its School of Law, Governance and Public Policy, which focuses on law, governance and public-policy education and research.
Theme and sub-themes
The central theme is AI-Governance for Sustainable Future: Designing Solutions for Viksit Bharat@2047. You can frame your policy idea around any of the following sub-themes:
- AI and Future of Work: Skilling and Technology
- AI, Ethics, and Privacy
- AI for Public and Smart Urban or Rural Governance
- AI for Inclusive Development
- Sustainable AI Infrastructure: Energy Resources, Water and Environmental Governance
- AI Governance, Regulation and Digital Sovereignty
- AI, National Security and Critical Infrastructure: Digital Arrest
- AI Innovation, Research and Global Competitiveness
- Future-Proofing AI: International Law, Global Governance and Sustainable Development
Who can apply
The hackathon is open to undergraduate students and recently graduated students. You must take part as a team of 3 to 5 members.
What it costs
There is no registration fee. Participation is completely free.
Prizes and jury
Teams compete for prizes worth a total of INR 1,00,000. Final presentations are evaluated by a jury that includes members from NITI Aayog, academia, and professionals and policy experts.
Process and timeline
- Submission of policy idea and team members by 3 July 2026.
- Shortlisting of teams on 6 July 2026.
- Final presentation before the jury on 25 July 2026.
How to apply
Register and submit your policy idea along with your team members through the official registration form before 3 July 2026. For any queries, reach out to the contact person listed below.
Checklist
- Form a team of 3 to 5 eligible members
- Pick a sub-theme and draft your policy idea
- Submit your idea and team details via the registration form by 3 July 2026
- If shortlisted on 6 July 2026, prepare your final presentation
- Present before the jury on 25 July 2026
Important dates
Awards & prizes
A total prize pool of ₹1,00,000, plus certificates for participants.