NABARD Hackathon @ GFF 2026

NABARD Hackathon @ Global FinTech Fest (GFF) 2026 is a national-level innovation hackathon organized by NABARD in collaboration with Global FinTech Fest (GFF). The hackathon invites startups, students, researchers, AI innovators, developers, and technology professionals to build AI-powered solutions that strengthen rural financial inclusion and improve access to formal credit for rural micro enterprises.

Participants will develop an AI-Driven Cash Flow Prediction & Risk Flagging System capable of analyzing financial records, digital payment data, alternative data sources, and market intelligence to predict cash flow, identify financial risks, and support better lending decisions.

Who Can Participate

• Students
• Researchers
• Developers
• Technology Professionals
• Startups
• FinTech & AgriTech Companies
• AI/ML Innovators
• Academic Institutions

Team Size

• Min 1 - Max 5 Members

Challenge Theme

• AI-Driven Cash Flow Prediction & Risk Flagging System for Rural Micro Enterprises

Participants are encouraged to leverage technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, NLP, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and Advanced Analytics to develop scalable and impactful solutions.

Hackathon Structure

Round 1 – Idea Submission

Teams submit their proposed solution, technology stack, implementation approach, and supporting documents. Entries are evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, relevance to the problem statement, and potential impact.

Round 2 – Prototype Development

Shortlisted teams build and submit a working prototype along with a presentation deck, source code repository, demo video, and supporting documentation. Solutions are assessed on technical implementation, scalability, usability, and overall quality.

Grand Finale – Live Demo

Finalist teams present their working solutions live during Global FinTech Fest 2026 before an expert jury. Winners are selected based on innovation, technical excellence, practical implementation, scalability, and presentation.

Timeline

• Registration Opens: 03-07-2026
• Registration Deadline: 20-07-2026
• Idea Submission: 03-07-2026 to 20-07-2026
• AMA & Problem Clarification Session: 15-07-2026
• Shortlisted Teams Announcement: 25-07-2026
• Prototype Development & Submission: 25-07-2026 to 15-08-2026
• Finalists Announcement: 20-08-2026
• Grand Finale & Live Demo: 09-09-2026 to 11-09-2026

Rewards

• ₹1,75,000 Total Prize Pool
• Winner: ₹1,00,000
• First Runner-up: ₹50,000
• Second Runner-up: ₹25,000
• Participation Certificates for eligible participants
• Opportunity to showcase solutions at Global FinTech Fest 2026
• Mentorship from experts in rural finance and technology
• Potential collaboration opportunities with NABARD on pilot projects and real-world implementation
• Exposure to policymakers, financial institutions, industry leaders, and technology experts

Why Participate

• Solve real-world challenges in rural financial inclusion.
• Build AI-powered fintech solutions with national-level impact.
• Present your innovation before industry experts and policymakers.
• Gain mentorship, networking opportunities, and recognition on a national platform.
• Explore collaboration opportunities with NABARD for future deployment and implementation.