IIT Ropar, Syngenta, Google Launch Hackcore 2026

Synopsis: IIT Ropar’s ANNAM.AI, Syngenta, and Google launch HACK CORE 2026, inviting innovators to build AI-based agricultural solutions for crop health, climate resilience, and sustainable farming.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar’s Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, ANNAM.AI, has launched HACK CORE 2026 in collaboration with Syngenta and Google. The national-level artificial intelligence hackathon aims to encourage students, researchers, developers, startups, and innovators to create technology-driven solutions for transforming the agricultural sector.

The initiative focuses on developing AI-powered solutions to address major agricultural challenges, including crop health monitoring, pest management, soil intelligence, climate-resilient farming practices, and the adoption of biological products. Through the hackathon, participants are encouraged to design practical innovations that can improve farm productivity, strengthen sustainability, and support farmers with advanced digital tools.

HACK CORE 2026 provides participants with a platform to convert their ideas into scalable solutions with real-world applications. The competition includes opportunities for innovators to work on field-level challenges while receiving guidance from experts in artificial intelligence, agriculture, and technology. The programme also aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry implementation.

Participants selected for the hackathon receive mentorship and knowledge-sharing opportunities from experts associated with ANNAM.AI and Syngenta. The initiative provides access to hands-on research experiences, allowing teams to understand agricultural challenges and develop AI-based approaches that can support modern farming systems.

Also read: DU to Open UG Admissions for 71,000 Seats

The winning team receives an opportunity to visit Syngenta’s Research Centre in Atessa, Italy, where participants gain exposure to advanced facilities and research practices in biological solutions. Winners also receive Google Cloud credits, enabling access to cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence tools, data platforms, and software resources to further develop their projects.

The hackathon also features a 36-hour Build Sprint at IIT Ropar, where shortlisted teams collaborate with researchers, industry professionals, and educators to transform concepts into functional prototypes. This intensive development phase focuses on creating solutions that can be implemented at scale in the agricultural ecosystem.

The collaboration reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence in agriculture and aligns with India’s efforts to promote digital transformation and sustainable farming practices. By combining academic expertise, industry knowledge, and advanced technology, HACK CORE 2026 aims to support innovation that benefits farmers and strengthens the future of agriculture.

Through this initiative, IIT Ropar, Syngenta, and Google are creating opportunities for young innovators to contribute to technology-led agricultural advancement and develop solutions for some of the sector’s most pressing challenges.