ISMA launches national ‘Sugar-NXT Hackathon 2026’
ISMA has launched the ‘ISMA Sugar-NXT Hackathon 2026’ to promote technology-driven solutions for the sugar and bio-energy sector. The national initiative will engage students, startups and researchers, focusing on AI automation, efficiency, sustainability and biofuels, with prototypes showcased in April 2026.
Pilibhit: The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) announced the launch of ‘ISMA Sugar-NXT Hackathon 2026,’ a national initiative aimed at developing technology-driven and scalable industry solutions. Officials said the initiative seeks to strengthen efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness while supporting the sector’s transition towards future-ready practices.
ISMA director general Deepak Ballani on Wednesday said the hackathon is designed as a collaborative platform to enable students, startups, researchers and technologists to develop industry-ready ideas, prototypes and scalable technology solutions. It will focus on process and equipment modernisation, AI-enabled automation, quality enhancement, energy efficiency, bio-energy and biofuels, waste utilisation and sustainable manufacturing.
The programme will be conducted through a structured, multi-stage process comprising idea submission, expert evaluation, mentorship-supported prototype development and a final demo showcase, scheduled for the third week of March 2026. Participants will be allowed to submit solutions to multiple industry problem statements with anonymised entries to ensure transparent and merit-based evaluation.
Ballani said ISMA has curated a comprehensive set of industry-defined problem statements to enable innovators to work on real-world challenges with strong potential for on-ground adoption. Shortlisted innovations will be showcased at the event, scheduled for April 7 to 8, with select projects eligible for seed funding support. “We aim to create a structured platform where fresh ideas can evolve into impactful technologies,” he said.
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Source : The Times Of India
