Zero Origin

Overview

Zero Origin, organized by the Rotaract Club of SNS College of Technology, is a problem-driven online hackathon designed to transform real-world problems into practical, innovative, technology-driven solutions. Participants are encouraged to identify and address significant challenges using their technical skills. The hackathon aims to foster innovation and create impactful solutions. The competition is structured into two rounds. Round 1, "Ideate & Validate," is free to enter and requires teams to identify a problem, understand its users, and propose a solution concept with a pitch video. Shortlisted teams will advance to Round 2, "Build & Prove," where they will develop a functional prototype of their idea. Round 2 requires a registration fee of ₹50 per person. Participants can choose from predefined problem statements across various themes including AI, Automation, Cloud Computing, Finance & Economics, and Healthcare Technology. Alternatively, teams can propose their own validated problem under the "Open Innovation" category, provided it aligns with the official themes. The hackathon emphasizes creating solutions that demonstrate real-world impact. Cash rewards and other prizes are offered to winning teams, recognizing their innovative solutions and contributions. The hackathon also provides opportunities for participants to connect with the organizing team and other participants through Discord and WhatsApp communities for updates and support.

What to build

Participants must build technology-driven solutions to real-world problems. Solutions can address predefined problem statements in AI, Automation, Cloud Computing, Finance & Economics, and Healthcare Technology, or a self-identified validated problem within these themes (Open Innovation). Round 1 requires a solution concept with a pitch video, and Round 2 requires a functional prototype demonstrating technical implementation, feasibility, and real-world impact.

Prizes

Key dates

• Hackathon Launch & Round 1 Registration Opens2026-08-27
• Round 1 Submission Window — Problem, Solution, PPT + Pitch Video2026-08-27 – 2026-09-26
• Round 1 Submission Deadline2026-09-26
• Round 1 Judging2026-09-28 – 2026-10-04
• Shortlisted Teams Announcement2026-10-05
• Round 2 Registration — ₹50/person2026-10-05 – 2026-10-11
• Solution Development2026-10-11 – 2026-10-14
• Final Judging2026-10-18 – 2026-10-23
• Winner Announcement2026-10-26

Eligibility

Only specific countries/territories included.

How to enter

1. Complete the official ZERO ORIGIN Registration Form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegAz4Ghchcc1eCbLRpmPE0CfApY4UQYATrlkN_ZiUKOjjGag/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116678800314912500429.
2. For Round 1, submit your solution with a Pitch Video through the Devpost hackathon page before the deadline (September 26, 2026).
3. Shortlisted teams for Round 2 will be invited through the Devpost hackathon page and must complete Round 2 registration by paying ₹50/person.

Submission requirements

• Teams must consist of 2 to 4 members.
• For Round 1, teams must submit their Solution with Pitch Video.
• For Round 2, shortlisted teams must transform their ideas into a functional prototype and demonstrate its technical implementation, feasibility, and real-world impact.
• Participants must provide accurate and complete information during registration.
• For Open Innovation, teams must demonstrate affected users, evidence of the problem, existing-solution limitations, and measurable improvement.

Judging criteria

• Round 1 — Ideate & Validate: Evaluate how clearly the team identifies and validates the real-world problem, understands the affected users, presents an innovative and feasible solution, and demonstrates its potential real-world impact through the PPT and pitch video.

Resources

• Registration Form
• Discord Community
• Whatsapp Community