IIT Madras Launches Road Safety Hackathon 2026 Focused on AI Solutions

Unveiled during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, this hackathon positions road safety as a critical component of the nation’s broader AI transformation strategy. The organizers are keen on fostering innovative, scalable, and data-driven solutions that can be integrated into existing governance and enforcement frameworks.

Problem Statements and Solution Tracks

Participants in the hackathon will choose from three distinct problem statements:

• DriveLegal: This track aims to provide users with location-specific information regarding traffic laws, violations, and fine schedules by integrating national, state, and local regulations. The goal is to enhance compliance among road users.
• RoadWatch: Focused on empowering citizens, this track allows individuals to monitor road conditions, track public spending on infrastructure, and report issues to the relevant authorities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.
• RoadSoS: This initiative offers location-based access to critical services such as trauma centers, ambulance services, vehicle rescue support, police stations, and emergency contacts during accidents, ultimately aiming to reduce response times in emergencies.

IIT Madras Eligibility and Participation Guidelines

The Road Safety Hackathon 2026 is open to a diverse range of participants, including students, engineers, and technology enthusiasts, with a minimum age requirement of 15 years. Notably, no professional qualifications are necessary for participation.

Participants can register either individually or as part of a team, with no limitations on team size. Each participant or team is permitted to submit one entry via the Unstop platform, and they must select only one of the three problem statements for their submission.

Submissions should include:

• Code in any programming language
• A seven-slide presentation that includes a “Welcome” and “Thank You” slide
• A document detailing the software packages used and any assumptions made

IIT Madras Selection Process and Awards

After the submission phase, shortlisted teams will be invited to present their solutions in front of a live jury at the IIT Madras campus. The schedule for these presentations will be communicated to qualifying participants.

Winners of the hackathon will receive cash prizes as follows:

• First Place: ₹50,000
• Second Place: ₹30,000
• Third Place: ₹20,000

Additionally, all participants who successfully complete Stage 1 submissions will be awarded participation certificates. Selected individuals may also be considered for internship or job opportunities, providing a valuable pathway for further career development.

IIT Madras Timeline and Registration Details

Registration for the Road Safety Hackathon 2026 commenced on March 11, 2026, and will remain open until April 15, 2026. Participants are required to submit their entries by May 31, 2026. All submissions must be made exclusively through the Unstop platform.

Implications for IIT Madras  Students

The Road Safety Hackathon 2026 presents a unique opportunity for students and young professionals to engage with real-world challenges while applying their technical skills in a meaningful way. By participating, individuals not only contribute to enhancing road safety but also gain invaluable experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.

This initiative encourages students to think critically about how technology can be harnessed to improve public safety and welfare, potentially leading to impactful career paths in technology and governance.