Pune to Host International Agri Hackathon 2026; Rs 25 Lakh Top Prize Announced
Pune, 12th February 2026: Strengthening its position as a leading hub for agricultural innovation, Pune will host the International Agri Hackathon 2026, with a top prize of ₹25 lakh for the winner and ₹15 lakh for the runner-up.
Following the nationwide success of the 2025 edition, this year’s hackathon aims to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and practical farming solutions. The initiative seeks to bring together innovators, technology experts, startups and farmers to address key challenges in modern agriculture.
The competition will officially open for online applications on February 23, 2026. Participants from across India are invited to submit innovative solutions targeting critical issues in the agriculture sector.
Key competition timeline:
February 23, 2026: Online application window opens
March 31, 2026: Deadline for submission of applications
April 30, 2026: Announcement of finalists after expert jury review
May 15–17, 2026: Grand finale at the Agricultural College, Pune
Focus on Real-World Agricultural Challenges
Participants can submit projects under eight problem statements designed to drive transformation in the sector:
Soil Health: Technologies for restoring and improving degraded soil
Water Management: Smart automation, water quality control and fertigation systems
Farm Mechanisation: Integration of artificial intelligence and robotics
Value Chain: Improvements in agro-processing, marketing and exports
Renewable Energy: Solutions for farm energy use and waste management
Plant Protection: Advanced pest and disease forecasting systems
Sustainability: Climate-resilient and digital agriculture tools
Farmer-Led Innovation: Recognition of tools and technologies developed by farmers
Major Prize Pool
The winner of Agri Hackathon 2026 will receive a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, while the runner-up will be awarded ₹15 lakh, organisers said.
“Pune is already a leader in agricultural technology. Through this hackathon, we aim to build a sustainable ecosystem where AI, robotics and traditional farming knowledge come together to strengthen food security,” said Jitendra Dudi, District Collector, Pune.
Interested participants can visit the official website, which is currently under development, for eligibility criteria and submission guidelines.
