Part of GDTA 2026

GDTA'26 Hackathon

Build what truly matters & solve real-world challenges in Education Transformation, Smart City, and Healthcare.

About the Hackathon

Solving problems that matter

GDTA'26 Hackathon invites students, professionals, and innovators globally to go beyond code and create solutions grounded in human needs. This hackathon blends design thinking, empathy, and technology to tackle meaningful challenges.

Supported by Siemens, participants will receive practical problem statements and mentorship to shape ideas into impactful prototypes.

Hackathon Tracks

Choose your impact lane

Education Transformation
Siemens logo

Education Transformation

Design inclusive systems and experiences that improve learning outcomes and student access. Supported by Siemens Foundation.

Smart City

Smart City & Infrastructure

Build practical solutions for mobility, sustainability, accessibility, and better urban experiences.

Healthcare

Healthcare

Create patient-first digital services that improve care journeys and access to quality healthcare.

Timeline
May 6 to May 30 2026
Registration Phase
  • Track selection is completed
June 1 2026
Problem Statement Release
  • Problem statements are released
  • Participants select their focus area
June 30 2026
Idea Submission Phase
  • Teams submit their initial idea
  • Concept and approach are evaluated
July 15 2026
Phase 1 Results
  • Shortlisted teams are announced
  • Selected teams move to next stage
July 16 to August 30 2026
Prototype Phase
  • Teams build their solution
  • Mentorship sessions may be conducted
August 30 2026
Final Submission
  • Teams submit final solution
  • Include demo and presentation
September 1, 2026
Final Pitching
  • Finalists present their solution
  • Winners are selected
September 29, 2026
Winners Announcement
  • Top 3 winners from each theme are announced

Demo Day sessions will be scheduled to accommodate international time zones.
Track Details: Healthcare Education Transformation Smart City & Infrastructure

FAQs

Common Questions

Who can participate?

Open to students, professionals, and innovators globally aged 18 and above. Interdisciplinary and cross-institutional teams are highly encouraged.

How do we join?

Use the registration page to sign up. Full challenge details will follow once registrations open.

Is it only technical?

No. We value research, empathy, and design thinking equally with technical execution.

Do we get mentorship?

Yes. Teams will receive guidance from mentors and experts aligned to each track.

How are teams formed?

Teams can have 1 to 4 members. Each participant can join only one team, and every team must appoint a Team Leader. Cross-domain and cross-institutional teams are allowed.

What do we need to submit?

Phase 1 requires a Problem Statement and Solution. Phase 2 requires a working Prototype or MVP, a Pitch Deck in PDF format, and an optional Demo Video via YouTube link.

How are projects judged?

Teams are evaluated on Innovation & Creativity, User-Centric Design Approach, Feasibility & Scalability, Prototype Effectiveness, and Presentation & Communication Skills.

What are the awards?

Top 3 teams from each theme will be recognized. All winners receive an invitation to the GDTA D-Conference 2026, and all participants receive certificates.

What leads to disqualification?

Plagiarism, rule violations, late submissions, or failure to present in the final pitching round will result in disqualification.

Ready to build what truly matters?

Join the GDTA Build4Change Hackathon and turn bold ideas into meaningful impact.

Register for GDTA 2026