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Synopsis
IIT Ropar’s ANNAM.AI, in partnership with Syngenta and Google, has launched HACK CORE 2026 to encourage innovators to develop AI-powered solutions for agriculture and sustainable farming.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has joined hands with Syngenta and Google to launch HACK CORE 2026, a national-level artificial intelligence hackathon focused on solving challenges in agriculture through technology and innovation.
The initiative has been launched by ANNAM.AI, IIT Ropar’s Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. The program invites students, researchers, developers, startups, and innovators from across the country to build AI-driven solutions that can improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
HACK CORE 2026 aims to address some of the most pressing issues facing the agriculture sector. Participants will be encouraged to develop technologies focused on crop health monitoring, pest management, soil intelligence, climate-resilient farming, and the adoption of biological agricultural products.
The organizers believe that artificial intelligence can play a major role in helping farmers make better decisions, improve yields, and manage resources more efficiently. By bringing together talent from different fields, the hackathon seeks to generate practical solutions that can create a meaningful impact on farming communities.
The competition provides participants with an opportunity to transform ideas into scalable products and solutions. Innovators will work on real-world agricultural challenges while receiving guidance from experts in AI, agriculture, and technology.
A key objective of the program is to bridge the gap between research and implementation. Many innovative ideas remain confined to laboratories and academic institutions. Through HACK CORE 2026, participants will have the opportunity to test, refine, and develop technologies that can be applied directly in agricultural environments.
Selected participants will receive mentorship and technical support from experts associated with ANNAM.AI and Syngenta. They will also gain hands-on exposure to agricultural research and industry challenges, helping them better understand the practical needs of farmers and agribusinesses.
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One of the highlights of the hackathon is the opportunity available to the winning team. Winners will earn a visit to Syngenta’s research center in Atessa, Italy, where they will gain firsthand exposure to advanced agricultural research and biological innovation. The experience is expected to provide valuable insights into global agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices.
In addition, winning teams will receive Google Cloud credits that provide access to cloud computing infrastructure, AI development tools, data platforms, and other digital resources. These benefits are designed to help participants continue developing and scaling their projects beyond the competition.
The hackathon will also feature a 36-hour Build Sprint hosted at IIT Ropar. During this intensive development phase, shortlisted teams will work closely with researchers, educators, and industry professionals to convert their concepts into working prototypes.
The sprint will focus on rapid problem-solving, product development, and testing. Participants will be encouraged to create solutions that can be implemented at scale and contribute to the modernization of agriculture.
The collaboration between IIT Ropar, Syngenta, and Google highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming the agricultural sector. As India continues to promote digital innovation and sustainable farming practices, initiatives like HACK CORE 2026 can help accelerate the development of technologies that improve productivity and strengthen long-term agricultural resilience.
By combining academic expertise, industry knowledge, and advanced technology platforms, the hackathon aims to empower the next generation of innovators to build solutions that support farmers and drive the future of agriculture.