TrackShift Innovation Challenge 2026

TrackShift Innovation Challenge 2026 is India's premier applied innovation challenge organized by the DS Brar Center for Girls & Women in STEM (GWiST), Plaksha University, in collaboration with TGR Haas F1 Team, Mphasis Foundation, and HackCulture. The competition challenges students to transform engineering principles inspired by Formula 1 motorsport into practical solutions for real-world problems across India.

Unlike traditional hackathons, TrackShift focuses on applying concepts such as precision engineering, systems thinking, energy recovery, logistics optimization, and intelligent decision-making to create impactful innovations with measurable social and industrial value.

Who Can Participate

• Undergraduate (UG) Students
• Postgraduate (PG) Students
• Students from STEM disciplines
• Students passionate about AI, Software Development, Engineering, Data Science, Innovation, and Product Development

Team Size

• Min 2 - Max 4 Members

Challenge Focus

Participants are expected to develop innovative solutions by applying motorsport-inspired engineering concepts to solve real-world challenges involving:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Software Engineering
• Data & Analytics
• Engineering Design
• Systems Thinking
• Product Innovation
• Sustainable Technologies

Hackathon Structure

Registration & Team Formation

Participants register for the challenge, build multidisciplinary teams, and begin brainstorming innovative solutions inspired by Formula 1 engineering principles.

Idea Submission

Teams submit their proposed solution for evaluation. Entries are assessed based on innovation, technical feasibility, engineering approach, scalability, and real-world impact. Shortlisted teams advance to the final challenge.

Challenge Day & Grand Finale

Selected teams participate in a 24-hour offline innovation challenge at Plaksha University, Mohali, where they build, refine, and present their solutions before an expert jury comprising industry leaders, researchers, and mentors.

Timeline

• Registration Opens: 30-06-2026
• Registration Deadline: 23-08-2026
• Team Formation: 06-07-2026 to 23-08-2026
• Idea Submission: 13-07-2026 to 23-08-2026
• Shortlisted Teams Announcement: 26-08-2026
• Grand Finale & Challenge Day: 12-09-2026 to 13-09-2026

Rewards

• ₹1,75,000 Total Prize Pool
• Winner: ₹1,00,000
• First Runner-up: ₹50,000
• Second Runner-up: ₹25,000
• Visit to the TGR Haas F1 Team Facility, Banbury (UK) for the top three teams
• 1-Month Internship at Mphasis for the top three teams
• National-level recognition and showcase opportunities
• Networking with industry experts, researchers, and mentors

Partners

• DS Brar Center for Girls & Women in STEM (Host)
• Plaksha University
• TGR Haas F1 Team
• Mphasis Foundation
• HackCulture
• GeekRoom Plaksha
• SheBuilds

Why Participate

• Solve real-world engineering challenges inspired by Formula 1.
• Learn from experts in motorsport, engineering, AI, and product development.
• Build solutions with measurable social and industrial impact.
• Gain internship opportunities, international exposure, and industry recognition.
• Network with innovators, researchers, and technology leaders from across the country.