NAVRATRI HACK

A hackathon with a divine twist. This Navratri, we’re not just celebrating; we’re creating. We have 9 days, 9 forms of Durga, and 9 challenges that need your brilliant ideas. No code, just pure, unadulterated innovation.

Pick your challenge, channel the goddess, and let's build something amazing together.

Explore Challenges
Navratri Hack

How does this work?

Hackathon Phases explained.

Just like Navratri unfolds over nine celebrated nights, this hackathon is an epic journey with its own exciting phases.

We’ve broken down the path from a simple spark to a world-changing product into four clear phases. Here’s your roadmap to creating something legendary. From signing up with your details, to cooking up crazy-cool ideas, to showing them off, and finally, celebrating the champions - this hackathon isn’t just about ideas, it’s about the whole experience.

Each phase is your chance to shine, meet awesome people, and maybe even create something the world’s been waiting for.

Phase 1
Register for Navratri Hack

REGISTER


Weekdays

Sep 7th onwards

This is where it all begins. Answer the divine call to innovate by signing up for the hackathon.

Whether you’re a lone warrior with a brilliant idea or looking to assemble your super-squad, getting your name on the list is your official entry pass to nine days of epic creation and festive fun.

Register Now

Phase 2
Elves Build & Test programs

MEETUPS


Weekdays

Sep 7th - Oct 2nd

Get your garba groove on - but with ideas. Join us at our partner venues for in-person hangouts, or hop onto our virtual meetups if you’re not in town.

Either way, it’s your chance to connect, collaborate, and form your dream team.

Where can you meetup?

Phase 3
Ideate for Navrati Hack

IDEATION


Weekdays

Sep 7th - Oct 2nd

With your dream team assembled, it's time to choose your divine challenge and let the brainstorming storm commence.

This is the phase to lock yourselves in (figuratively), bounce ideas off your new teammates, and let your collective creativity run wild until that world-changing idea strikes like a bolt of divine lightning.

No team? No problem. You can compete as a lone warrior and keep all the glory for yourself.

Explore challenges.

Phase 4
Submit your solution.

SUBMISSION


Weekdays

Sep 22nd - Oct 2nd

Ready to make your grand offering? This submission has a divine deadline, so be sure to sync your calendars with the cosmos.

You must submit your final solution on the specific day of Navratri that is dedicated to the Durga form your problem statement represents.

See problem statements.

Who can join the Navratri Hack?

  • Students & Pros alike: Whether you’re still in school, college or already rocking the corporate life, this hackathon is for you. We’re looking for world-changers, curious learners, and anyone with a game-changing idea waiting to burst forth.

  • Anyone, anywhere: Join us from Bangalore, Boston, or from your balcony.

  • Big dreamers welcome: If you’ve got a game-changing idea or a passion to make the world better, you’re in.

  • No coding skills needed: This is an idea hackathon. Your greatest assets here are enthusiasm, creativity, and the drive to build something awesome.
Register Now
Eligibility Criteria
Team or Solo?

Go Solo or Team Up.

You can take on this hackathon as a lone warrior - no team needed - or you can join forces with fellow innovators to dream bigger together. If you do team up, your squad can have 2 to 4 members, but here’s the golden rule: at least one teammate must be a girl or woman.

Want to find your perfect partners-in-innovation? Check out our meetups (see schedule) below to connect, brainstorm, and build your dream team.

9 Challenges = 9 days & 9 nights of Innovation.

Each form of Durga presents a unique challenge. Which one will you champion?

Day 1
Shailputri

Daughter of the Mountains

Mon, Sept 22, 2025

She represents Nature, Earth, and new beginnings. She’s all about that green, sustainable, and grounded energy.

The Challenge: Hack the Concrete Jungle.

Our cities are growing, but our connection to nature is shrinking. How can we use technology to bring nature back into urban life? Think beyond just planting trees. We're looking for innovative ideas that integrate green living into our homes, offices, and communities.

Think: Smart vertical gardens, community composting apps, tech that helps reduce household waste, or platforms that connect city dwellers with nature trails.

See Evaluation Criteria.

Day 2
Brahmacharini

The Ascetic

Tue, Sept 23, 2025

She embodies focus, determination, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. She’s the ultimate deep-work guru.

The Challenge: The Zen Coder’s Quest.

In a world of endless notifications, pings, and distractions, deep focus is a superpower. Pitch an idea for a digital tool or a physical-digital hybrid product that helps students and professionals achieve a state of deep, uninterrupted focus for learning and creating.

Think: An AI-powered focus coach, an app that gamifies the “flow state”, smart hardware that creates a distraction-free zone.

See Evaluation Criteria.

Day 3
Chandraghanta

One with the Bell-Shaped Moon

Wed, Sept 24, 2025

She represents bravery, peace, and alertness. Her bell is said to ward off all evil and danger.

The Challenge: The Digital Ghanta (Bell).

Personal safety is a major concern, especially during late-night festival celebrations or commutes. How can technology act as a modern-day “ghanta”? Ideate a solution that enhances personal and community safety in a non-intrusive way.

Think: Smart jewellery with SOS features, a community-based alert system, a predictive AI that flags unsafe routes in real-time.

See Evaluation Criteria.




Day 4
Kushmanda

The Cosmic Creator

Thu, Sept 25, 2025

She is believed to have created the entire universe with just a smile. She’s the OG creator, turning nothing into everything, full of light and energy.

The Challenge: Cosmic Creation from Chaos.

We generate tons of “waste” every day - from kitchen scraps to digital data exhaust. How can we, like Maa Kushmanda, create something valuable and energetic from this seeming nothingness? Propose a tech idea that upcycles waste (physical or digital) into a useful resource or energy.

Think: A platform that turns household food waste into biogas, an AI that creates art from discarded data, a system for creating 3D printing filament from plastic bottles.

See Evaluation Criteria.

Day 5
Skandmata

Mother of Skanda

Fri, Sept 26, 2025

She is the epitome of a mother’s love, care, and nurturing strength. She’s all about protecting and raising the next generation.

The Challenge: The Modern Matriarch’s Assistant.

Parenting is the toughest job in the world, and modern parents are juggling more than ever. Design a tech solution that acts as a true assistant for new parents or caregivers. The goal is to reduce stress and help them focus on what truly matters - the child.

Think: An AI-powered baby sleep consultant, a platform connecting new parents for hyperlocal support, a smart tool for managing a child's health and developmental milestones.

See Evaluation Criteria.

Day 6
Katyayani

The Warrior

Sat, Sept 27, 2025

She is fierce, courageous, and the destroyer of evil. She was born to establish dharma and justice.

The Challenge: The Divine Truth-Seeker.

The internet is our modern battlefield, and the biggest demon is misinformation. Fake news spreads faster than truth. Ideate a tool, platform, or browser extension that helps the average person easily identify, verify, and combat fake news and propaganda online.

Think: An AI that analyzes the linguistic patterns of fake news, a gamified app that teaches media literacy, a crowdsourced fact-checking platform for local news.

See Evaluation Criteria.




Day 7
Kalaratri

The Dark Night

Sun, Sept 28, 2025

Ferocious and fearless, she destroys darkness and ignorance. She protects her devotees from all harm, making them unafraid.

The Challenge: The Digital Demon Slayer.

The “darkness” of the internet is home to digital demons like online scams, cyberbullying, and identity theft, often targeting the most vulnerable (kids and the elderly). Propose a simple, user-friendly solution to protect these groups from online harm.

Think: A simplified security dashboard for elderly users, an AI companion for kids that flags inappropriate content or conversations, a tool to fight phishing scams.

See Evaluation Criteria.

Day 8
Mahagauri

The Great White One

Mahagauri

Mon, Sept 29, 2025

She represents purity, peace, and serenity. Her power cleanses the mind and soul, bringing tranquility.

The Challenge: The Serenity Engine.

Our digital lives are cluttered and chaotic, leading to mental fatigue and anxiety. Pitch an innovative idea for a digital product or service that helps people achieve mental peace and declutter their digital existence, going beyond standard meditation apps.

Think: An AI that curates a personalized “serenity feed” for you, a tool that automates the organization of your digital files and communications, a platform for guided digital detox programs.

See Evaluation Criteria.

Day 9
Siddhidatri

The Giver of Perfections

Siddhidatri

Tue, Sept 30, 2025

She is the master of all “siddhis” (supernatural powers/perfections). She grants her devotees the ability to achieve anything and everything.

The Challenge: Project Siddhi.

What if technology could give us a “siddhi” - a superpower to enhance a fundamental human ability? Pitch a tech idea that gives its user a real-life superpower. This isn't about flying; it’s about profoundly augmenting a skill like memory, communication, empathy, or creativity.

Think: A tool that helps you learn any new skill in record time, an AR device that translates unspoken body language, an AI co-creator that helps you overcome creative blocks instantly.

See Evaluation Criteria.

The path to victory.

Your Submission Guide & Judging Secrets.

This is where we spill the beans on how your idea will be judged and what you need to have ready before you hit “Submit”. Think of it as your hackathon checklist - so you wow the judges, not leave them guessing.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criterion

  • Divine Alignment & Problem Fit: How well does your solution directly address the problem statement, and how strongly does it connect with the spirit and symbolism of the Durga form you chose? We want to see a clear link between the challenge’s theme and your idea’s core concept.

  • Innovation Spark & Originality: Is your idea truly new, or just a slight variation of something that already exists? We’re looking for that spark of genius - a fresh perspective or a completely novel approach that makes us say, “Wow, why didn’t anyone think of that before?”

  • Feasibility & Real-World Viability: We know it’s just an idea, but could it actually be built? You need to show us that your concept is practical, technologically possible, and answers a real need in the market - it can’t just be magic (even though Maa Siddhidatri would approve!).

  • Impact Potential & Scalability: How much positive change can your idea create if brought to life? We’re looking for solutions that have the potential to grow big and make a meaningful impact on users, communities, or even the planet.

  • Clarity & Storytelling: How well did you communicate your vision? A groundbreaking idea needs a compelling story, so your pitch clarity, presentation quality, and ability to engage the judges are crucial to your score.

What to prepare?

What to prepare for submission?

  1. The Core Idea Paper (Mandatory). This document is the heart of your submission. Please structure your paper (as a PDF or Word document) using the following format to ensure our judges can easily find all the key information:
    • Title Page - Idea name, your name(s), contact details.
    • Problem Statement - Which Durga form/problem statement you’re addressing.
    • Proposed Solution - Detailed description of your idea in not more than 2,000 words.
    • Implementation Plan - How it could be built or executed.
    • Impact & Benefits - Who it helps and how.
    • Conclusion - Final thoughts or next steps.
    • References - Any research, sources, or inspirations.

  2. Optional supporting materials (but highly encouraged):
    • Presentation Deck - PPT, Keynote, or PDF. A visual summary of your idea (max 10 slides).
    • Mockups / Wireframes - Show how your solution might look or work.
    • Demo video - Under 3 minutes, explaining your idea in your own words (can be a screen recording, slideshow narration, or a talking-head video).

  3. Read This Carefully: The Access Rules!
    Our judges have a lot of incredible ideas to review in a short time. They will not have the time to request passwords. If something is locked, it will be ignored. To ensure your submission is judged fairly, please follow these critical rules:
    • No Passwords Allowed - Ensure that none of your submitted files (PDFs, ZIP files, documents) require a password to open. If a file prompts for a password, it will be discarded.
    • Check Your Video Links - If you upload your video to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo, set the visibility to “Unlisted”, NOT “Private”. Private videos require a login and special permission.

  4. Can I use AI tools like ChatGPT?
    Absolutely, go for it! Leverage smart tools as your brainstorming buddy, but remember, the true magic and winning ideas must come from your unique creativity. Think of AI as a co-pilot; you are still the captain steering the ship.

    If your solution gets shortlisted, the judges might hop on a call to quiz you about it. As long as you can confidently explain your submission inside and out, satisfying their questions, you’re golden.

Idea Hotspots.

Meet, Mingle & Mentor Magic

Innovation loves company, and great ideas rarely happen in a vacuum. That’s why we’ve set up dedicated spaces for you to connect, brainstorm, and get priceless guidance from mentors.

Bangalore

Come on down to our awesome partner venues. These spaces are perfect for finding your dream team, sketching out ideas on a whiteboard, and getting face-to-face feedback from industry experts.

Nook, Ace Hacker

See Hotspots.

Another City

We’re making these meetups truly hybrid. We will stream live from our Bangalore centers for every session, allowing you to join virtually, and network with other participants online.

Join Online

See Schedule.

Nook Club

Nook Club is a unique space designed for professionals looking to expand their network, enhance their skills or just rejuvenate in the middle of a work day.

Whether you’re connecting with like-minded individuals, working with a coach to unlock your true potential or simply unwinding in a peaceful environment during a busy day, Nook Club is designed to help you grow, co-create and find fresh inspiration.

Nook Club at Bangalore

The Nook Club,
Manipal Center, North Block Level -1
Dickenson Road, Yellappa Garden,
Yellappa Chetty Layout, Ashok Nagar,
Bengaluru - 560 042
URL: https://nookclub.in

Find The Nook Club on Google Maps.

Contact Nook Club

Nook Club

Nook Club is also available at JustBooks, Jayanagar, Bengaluru.

The Nook Club,
JustBooks,
359, 16th Main, 34th Cross Road,
4th T Block East,
Jayanagar, Bengaluru - 560 041
URL: https://justbooks.in/stores

Find JustBooks on Google Maps.

Nook Club at Jayanagar, Bengaluru

Visit Ace Hacker at Bangalore
Ace Hacker

Ace Hacker is where code meets creativity, and ideas go from “hmm…” to “heck yes!” through immersive, hands-on classes. It’s your playground for sharpening skills with programming competitions, hackathons, and mind-bending challenges. Here, you’ll bump into some of the brightest minds in STEM education, Deep Tech R&D - the kind of people who can turn even your weirdest, wildest ideas into something real. This is your sanctuary to bring those wonderfully weird ideas to life, backed by incredible mentorship that encourages you to create, compete, and truly code the world a better place.

So what better place to kickstart your Navratri Hackathon brainstorming? Swing by Ace Hacker for our meetups to find your team and get inspired.

Ace Hacker
3rd Floor, No. 670,
RBI Layout Main Road,
Bengaluru - 560 078

Find us on Google Maps

Call us at (+91) 988.011.2117  or   Share your message

Schedule.

Here’s the official game plan: find your ideal meetup time below and join us either on-ground in Bangalore or live online.

Venue Session on Date Timing (IST) Join Online
Nook Club Brainstorm Bazaar: An open market of ideas where you can trade thoughts, pitch wild concepts, and bag your dream project. Sept 19th 4:00 - 4:45 PM Join Online
Ace Hacker Dandiya Discussions: Lively, fast-paced roundtable chats that make your brain dance as much as your feet. Sept 19th 5:00 - 5:45 PM Join Online
Nook Club Mentor Mashup: Your chance to pick the brains of our industry gurus! Bring your half-baked ideas and tough questions for some expert guidance and validation. Sept 20th 4:00 - 4:45 PM Join Online
Ace Hacker Dandiya Discussions: Lively, fast-paced roundtable chats that make your brain dance as much as your feet. Sept 20th 5:00 - 5:45 PM Join Online
Nook Club Chaat & Chat: Grab a snack, spill your ideas, and munch your way to the next big thing. Sept 21st 4:00 - 4:45 PM Join Online
Ace Hacker Idea Aarti: Light up your creativity with a group idea-pitch ritual that’s pure inspiration. Sept 21st 5:00 - 5:45 PM Join Online
Nook Club The Challenge Blender: Share your idea with participants working on different challenges and discover unexpected connections, fresh perspectives, and new ways to collaborate. Sept 26th 4:00 - 4:45 PM Join Online
Ace Hacker Hack-o-Raas: Mix the rhythm of Raas with the energy of hacking - brainstorms have never been this fun. Sept 26th 5:00 - 5:45 PM Join Online
Nook Club The Idea Rangoli: Lay out your ideas like a beautiful rangoli - colourful, creative, and impossible to ignore. Sept 27th 4:00 - 4:45 PM Join Online
Ace Hacker Thought Thali: A platter full of perspectives - pick and mix ideas till you find your perfect combo. Sept 27th 5:00 - 5:45 PM Join Online
Nook Club Pitch Garba: Quickfire idea pitches in true garba style - fast, vibrant, and full of moves. Sept 28th 4:00 - 4:45 PM Join Online
Ace Hacker Mind Masti: A no-rules creativity hour where your imagination runs free and wild. Sept 28th 5:00 - 5:45 PM Join Online
Nook Club The Final Countdown: This is it - the grand finale of our meetup series. Join us for one last huddle to do a final check on your submission, practice your pitch with fresh ears, or find that last-minute teammate. Sept 30th 4:00 - 4:45 PM Join Online
Ace Hacker Last Call for Brilliance: We’ll have mentors available for rapid-fire feedback and a high-energy atmosphere to get you pumped up before you make your final offering. Let's make this last push together and get ready to shine. Sept 30th 5:00 - 5:45 PM Join Online
Nook Club Vijayadashami Victory Jam: Our grand wrap-up where ideas take their final bow, teams celebrate their hard work, and we toast to the spirit of creation - with a sneak peek at what’s coming next. Oct 2nd 4:00 - 4:45 PM Join Online
Ace Hacker Vijayadashami Victory Jam: Our grand wrap-up where ideas take their final bow, teams celebrate their hard work, and we toast to the spirit of creation - with a sneak peek at what’s coming next. Oct 2nd 5:00 - 5:45 PM Join Online
Gifts and Bragging Rights

Prizes.

Each of our nine challenge tracks will have its own champion, and winners will take home exciting tech prizes worthy of a warrior.

But in this hack-fest, dedication itself is rewarded. Every participant who successfully completes the submission phase with a valid idea will receive the divine “prasad” in the form of an Official Certificate of Participation - because honoring the spirit of creation means celebrating everyone who joins the dance.

And let’s not forget the ultimate prize: eternal bragging rights for conquering this legendary Navratri showdown!

Kanya Puja

Kanya Puja.

Kanya Puja is a special ritual during Navratri, usually performed on the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day of Navratri, where nine young girls - symbolizing the nine forms of Goddess Durga - are honored and worshipped. They are welcomed as living embodiments of divine energy.

This celebration is a way to recognize the potential within every girl, and to remind us that the divine can be found in the people around us, not just in temples or scriptures.

Purna Chetana School, Mysore

The 21st Century Bharatiya School

Founded in 2013, Purna Chetana Public School (PCPS), Mysuru, is a non-profit, self-sustained institution nurturing Bharat’s next generation on a 15-acre oxygen-rich green campus.

Know more



0821-2972313
(+91) 997.206.2848
pcps.mysuru@gmail.com

Sponsor a girl-child’s education.

In the true spirit of Navratri, we believe the greatest reward comes from giving back. Beyond the competition, we are embracing the tradition of Kanya Puja by turning reverence into real-world action. As part of this hackathon, we aim to raise funds to sponsor the complete education of nine underprivileged girls at the Purna Chetana Public School (PCPS) in Mysuru.

We invite you to join us in this meaningful endeavor; please feel free to donate directly to the school to help us empower these future innovators.

Purna Chetana Trust is registered under 80G and 12A of the Income Tax Act and is CSR eligible. Donations made will qualify for tax exemption under Section 80G.

Bank details for contribution:

  • Account Name: Purna Chetana Trust
  • Account Number: 920010014568794
  • Account Type: Savings Account
  • Bank: Axis Bank, J P Nagar Branch
  • IFSC Code: UTIB0003705

Questions?

Are you a student, a working professional, a dreamer, or a dedicated problem-solver? If yes, then welcome aboard! This hackathon is open to absolutely anyone, anywhere in the world, who has a spark of creativity and a passion for building something cool.

You don’t need to be a coding wizard, as this is an idea hackathon - your enthusiasm and innovative thinking are far more important here.

Our only special requirement, in honor of Navratri, is that every participating team (even if you're a solo warrior) must include at least one female innovator.

Absolutely not. Think of this as a celebration of ideas, not code. We’re looking for your brilliant concepts, creative solutions, and innovative strategies - not your mastery of Python or JavaScript.

This Navratri Hack is all about the “divine inspiration“ phase; if your idea wins, we’ll work together on the technical implementation later. Just bring your passion and your game-changing vision.

Yes, absolutely - and collaboration is highly encouraged. You can form a mighty squad with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 members.

To truly honor the spirit of Navratri, we have one golden rule: every team must include least one female innovator. Planning to go it alone as a powerful lone warrior? To keep things aligned with our theme, solo participants must be female.

Don’t worry about where to register your team just yet - the official submission form will open up during the submission phase.

While we have nine awesome challenges inspired by the forms of Durga, we want you to channel all your creative energy into a single problem statement that truly resonates with you and your team. This hackathon is about depth, not breadth. So, pick the one quest that speaks to your heart and focus on making that one idea absolutely brilliant.

Absolutely not. In the true spirit of Navratri, this celebration of creativity and knowledge is completely free for everyone. Your passion and brilliant ideas are the only currency required here.

A divine celebration like this deserves some truly epic rewards. We have exciting tech prizes lined up for the champion team of each of our nine challenge tracks. Plus, every participant who makes a valid submission will receive an official Certificate of Participation because, in this hack-fest, effort and creativity are always celebrated. And let’s not forget the ultimate prize: eternal bragging rights from conquering this legendary showdown!

We highly encourage you to join our meetups - we’ve organized so many specifically for brainstorming, team formation, and getting guidance. You’ll get instant feedback from mentors and peers, making it the fastest way to solve problems.

However, if you have a specific logistical question or just can’t make a session, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

Contact Us

Mark your calendars and set your reminders! The submission portal opens on September 22nd, 2025. The final, hard deadline for all submissions to be uploaded is 11:59 PM IST on October 2nd, 2025.

Patience, young innovator! Our judges will need about a week to carefully review every amazing submission with the attention they deserve. We plan to announce the final results by October 10th, 2025.

Winners will be notified directly via email and phone call, so keep an eye on your inbox and answer those unknown numbers!

Absolutely, go for it! Leverage smart tools as your brainstorming buddy, but remember, the true magic and winning ideas must come from your unique creativity. Think of AI as a co-pilot; you are still the captain steering the ship.

If your solution gets shortlisted, the judges might hop on a call to quiz you about it. As long as you can confidently explain your submission inside and out, satisfying their questions, you’re golden.
Contact Ace Hacker

Contact us.

Got a question that’s doing a garba in your head? Before you send us a message, swing by our FAQ section - your answer might already be waiting there, all dressed up and ready.

If it’s still playing hide-and-seek, then go ahead and reach out to us. We’re happy to help, whether you’re stuck on a submission detail, wondering about meetups, or just want to say “Hi”.

Contact Us