The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, through its ANNAM.AI Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, has partnered with Syngenta and Google to launch Hackcore 2026, a national AI hackathon aimed at enhancing technology-driven solutions for India’s agricultural sector. The initiative seeks to bring together students, researchers, developers, startups, and innovators to address some of agriculture’s most pressing challenges using artificial intelligence.
Hackcore 2026 invites participants to develop AI-powered solutions across key focus areas, including crop health monitoring, pest and disease detection, soil intelligence, climate-resilient farming, precision agriculture, and the wider adoption of biological products. The programme is designed to encourage practical innovations that can enhance farm productivity, improve sustainability, and strengthen food security.
Beyond the competition, selected participants will receive access to mentorship from experts at ANNAM.AI, Syngenta, and Google. They will also benefit from hands-on research opportunities, knowledge-sharing sessions with industry professionals, and exposure to real-world agricultural challenges. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry applications while nurturing the next generation of AI innovators in agriculture.
The organisers have announced attractive cash prizes and opportunities for further incubation and collaboration for promising solutions. Applications for Hackcore 2026 are open until July 21, 2026, providing aspiring innovators from across the country an opportunity to contribute to India’s growing agri-tech ecosystem.
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The launch of Hackcore 2026 reflects the increasing role of artificial intelligence in transforming agriculture through data-driven decision-making and smart farming practices. By combining academic excellence, industry expertise, and advanced technology platforms, IIT Ropar, Syngenta, and Google aim to accelerate the development of scalable AI solutions that can help farmers improve productivity, optimise resource utilisation, and build greater resilience against climate and market challenges.
