Hacktoberfest HackDay 2026 was organised at IIMT University, Meerut, to promote open-source technology, collaborative problem-solving, innovation, and practical learning among students. The event received more than 600 registrations, from which 35 teams were shortlisted to participate. Each team comprised 2–4 members, encouraging teamwork, knowledge sharing, and collaborative development.
The event brought together aspiring developers, technology enthusiasts, and experienced professionals to explore ideas, develop solutions, and demonstrate their technical capabilities.
Quick Verdict
Hacktoberfest HackDay 2026 provided students with an opportunity to showcase their technical skills, collaborate on projects, and gain exposure to the open-source ecosystem. With 600+ registrations, 35 shortlisted teams, a five-member jury panel, and a total prize pool of ₹15,000, the event highlighted the importance of practical learning and innovation at IIMT University.
Quick Overview
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | Hacktoberfest HackDay 2026 |
| Venue | IIMT University, Meerut |
| Registrations | 600+ |
| Shortlisted Teams | 35 |
| Team Size | 2–4 members |
| Coding Round | 1.5 hours |
| Jury Panel | 5 members |
| Total Prize Pool | ₹15,000 |
| Key Activities | Coding Sprint, Digital Treasure Hunt, Best Social Media Post and Talent Hunt |
| Organising Ecosystem | E-Cell and IIMT-BIF |
1. Event Highlights
Hacktoberfest HackDay 2026 featured technical challenges, project development, interactive activities, and recognition of student innovation. The event encouraged participants to apply their knowledge in a collaborative environment and learn from experienced professionals.
- More than 600 registrations from aspiring participants.
- 35 shortlisted teams participating in the HackDay.
- Teams comprising 2–4 members to encourage collaboration.
- A total prize pool of ₹15,000 for the top three positions.
- Participation certificates for all participating teams.
- Interactive activities promoting creativity, engagement, and teamwork.
2. The Coding Sprint
A 1.5-hour coding round was conducted during Hacktoberfest HackDay 2026. It gave participating teams an opportunity to work on their projects, apply technical knowledge, and demonstrate problem-solving skills within a limited timeframe.
The coding sprint emphasised practical implementation, collaboration, time management, and the ability to develop meaningful solutions. Working in teams also encouraged participants to exchange ideas, divide responsibilities, and approach technical challenges collectively.
3. Meet the Esteemed Jury Panel
The hackathon was evaluated by a five-member jury panel representing technology, software development, product innovation, aviation and aerospace education, and data analytics. Their professional experience brought diverse perspectives to the assessment of participating projects.
3.1 Mr. Deepak Dhalla
Mr. Deepak Dhalla is associated with Aharada Education and has professional experience in the aviation and aerospace sector. His work includes exposure to aviation-related education and training, as well as areas such as drones and robotics.
3.2 Mr. Udit Gupta
Mr. Udit Gupta is a technology professional with experience across cybersecurity, digital marketing, and technology operations. He has professional exposure to organisations such as Blinkit, Flipkart, and Amazon and has mentored and evaluated participants at numerous hackathons.
3.3 Mr. Abhishek Kumar
Mr. Abhishek Kumar is a software engineering professional associated with ShapeBlue. He also contributes to the Apache CloudStack open-source ecosystem as a Project Management Committee (PMC) member and committer.
3.4 Mr. Harshavardhan Bajoria
Mr. Harshavardhan Bajoria is a product professional working in AI and innovation at Unstop. His experience includes technology communities, student mentoring, competitive programming, and product development.
3.5 Mr. Abhinav Singh
Mr. Abhinav Singh is a Data Visualisation Architect and technology evangelist specialising in business intelligence, Microsoft Power BI, and Microsoft Fabric. His expertise includes data analytics and visualisation.
Project Evaluation and Feedback
The jury members evaluated participating teams’ projects based on innovation, technical implementation, problem-solving approach, functionality, and overall potential. Their diverse professional backgrounds helped introduce participants to different perspectives on technology development, product design, and practical implementation.
4. Address by the Hon’ble Chancellor
The event featured an address by the Hon’ble Chancellor of IIMT University, Shri Yogesh Mohan Ji Gupta. He encouraged students to pursue innovation, strengthen their technical capabilities, and make effective use of opportunities for practical learning.
His address highlighted the importance of creativity, teamwork, and technology-driven problem-solving in preparing students for future challenges. It reinforced the value of experiential learning initiatives that allow students to explore practical applications of their knowledge.
5. Activities and Student Engagement
Digital Treasure Hunt
The Digital Treasure Hunt encouraged logical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. It provided participants with an interactive challenge that required them to think critically and collaborate with others.
Best Social Media Post
The Best Social Media Post activity recognised participants’ creativity and their ability to capture and communicate their experience of the event through social media.
Talent Hunt
The Talent Hunt provided students with a platform to showcase their abilities beyond software development and technical projects. It encouraged participation in a broader range of creative and extracurricular experiences.
Together, these activities created an engaging environment and gave students opportunities to demonstrate skills beyond the core hackathon challenge.
6. Results and Prize Distribution
The competition concluded with the recognition of the top three teams. A total prize pool of ₹15,000 was allocated across the three winning positions.
| Position | Recognition |
|---|---|
| First Position | Winner |
| Second Position | First Runner-Up |
| Third Position | Second Runner-Up |
The winning teams were recognised for their efforts, creativity, and project development. Participation certificates were also distributed to all participating teams in appreciation of their involvement and contribution.
Note: Add the official winning team names and project titles here once the results have been verified.
7. Vote of Thanks
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of IIMT University, Dr. Deepa Sharma. She expressed her appreciation to the jury members for their valuable time and guidance, the participating teams for their enthusiasm and innovative efforts, and the organising team for contributing to the successful conduct of Hacktoberfest HackDay 2026.
She also acknowledged the importance of initiatives that encourage technical learning, collaboration, and innovation among students.
8. Outcomes and Impact
Hacktoberfest HackDay 2026 provided students with an opportunity to apply their technical knowledge, collaborate in teams, explore open-source practices, and present their ideas before an experienced jury.
The combination of project evaluation, collaborative development, and interactive activities supported practical learning, confidence-building, creativity, and peer engagement.
With more than 600 registrations and 35 shortlisted teams, the event reflected strong student interest in technology and collaborative development. It also created opportunities for students to engage with experienced professionals and gain exposure to different areas of the technology ecosystem.
Through initiatives supported by E-Cell and IIMT-BIF, IIMT University continues to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, teamwork, and experiential learning among students.
9. Conclusion
Hacktoberfest HackDay 2026 concluded with the recognition of the winning teams, appreciation of the jury members, and distribution of participation certificates. The event brought together students, technology enthusiasts, and industry professionals on a common platform to celebrate open-source contribution, innovation, and collaboration.
From the coding sprint to the interactive student activities, the programme encouraged participants to explore new ideas, strengthen their technical capabilities, and learn through practical experience.
The initiative marked a valuable step towards strengthening the culture of teamwork, practical learning, and technology-driven innovation at IIMT University, Meerut.