Hackathon on R&D

5 Registered Allowed team size: 1

Campaign Started!

Registration & Proposal Submission
Online
starts on:
August 03, 2026, 10:00 AM IST (Asia/Kolkata)
ends on:
September 03, 2026, 09:00 PM IST (Asia/Kolkata)

Welcome to the Hackathon on R&D, 2026!

NextGen AI for Smart Mining

Are you ready to revolutionize the coal mining industry? Join us at the Hackathon on R&D, 2026, where brilliant minds converge to explore cutting-edge AI solutions for real-world challenges faced by CIL and the mining sector. This dynamic event is your gateway to innovation, offering a platform to ideate, collaborate, and bring groundbreaking intelligent systems to life.

At the forefront of energy transformation, our Hackathon on R&D is a beacon for those passionate about integrating artificial intelligence with sustainable energy solutions. Dive into the heart of smart mining, where every algorithmic model, data insight, and creative spark contributes to shaping a safer, more efficient future for the industry.

This hackathon is your chance to delve into the transformative process, exploring new digital horizons and pushing the boundaries of what machine learning can achieve. The Hackathon on R&D is an exciting and challenging event designed to foster AI-driven innovation and creativity, creating a launchpad from where large-scale, tech-enabled business setups can emerge to serve the mining industry.


The Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), a specialized consultant for the mineral and mining sector and a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd. (CIL), is organizing the Hackathon on R&D, 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of Coal.

This initiative aims to address critical challenges in the coal mining and energy sector through the lens of Artificial Intelligence and advanced data analytics. Notably, the Government of India has set an ambitious target of achieving 1.5 billion tonnes of coal production by 2030, a goal that requires unprecedented operational efficiency and technological integration.

The hackathon provides participants with a platform to develop groundbreaking AI solutions for the coal sector. With a strategic emphasis on sustainably meeting the nation’s energy demand, this event represents a concise and impactful collaboration between industry and government. The goal is to drive digital innovation for a more efficient, safe, and sustainable future in mining.

Participants are encouraged to push the boundaries of traditional problem-solving by applying next-generation technologies like predictive analytics, computer vision, and autonomous systems. The partnership between CMPDI and the Ministry of Coal signifies a concerted effort to leverage collective digital expertise for the greater benefit of the mining sector.

Beyond networking opportunities, the hackathon serves as a dynamic platform for professionals from diverse backgrounds—data scientists, software engineers, automation experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, and start-ups—to build relationships and establish impactful partnerships. Together, they will amplify collaborative efforts toward intelligent solutions for mining industry challenges.

The hackathon embraces a diverse range of stakeholders, spanning tech startups, research organizations, academic institutes, corporations, and non-profit entities. This diversity fosters a rich source of ideas and perspectives, cultivating a deeply innovative and digitally forward culture within the mining sector.


1) Stage 1: Registration 

Organizations must register as a single entity using a single email ID of the Institute. Each organization must register only once, and all the members within one organization must not register individually. All organizations will have to provide proof of eligibility by filling up the form while registering (as mentioned in “Eligibility Criteria”). CMPDI will cross check the eligibility as per the criteria before proceeding to the next stage. All ineligible organizations will be rejected and will not be allowed to proceed to the next stage. Registrations will be closed before proceeding to the next phase.

Opening date for submission of proposals is on 3rd August,2026 from 10.00 AM.

Closing date for submission of proposals is on 3rd September,2026 by 09.00 PM.

[Register Now]

Don't miss your chance to be at the forefront of innovation in mining sector. Register now and secure your spot at the Hackathon on R&D, 2026. Together, let's pave the way for a greener and more sustainable energy future.

2) Stage 2: Online Presentation

Limited proposals on each problem statement will be selected for presentation based on the selection criteria. Decision of mentor/evaluator regarding selection of proposal for presentation will be treated as final.

After closing of the proposal submission timeline, a separate slot will be provided for presentation on the selected proposals on each problem statement. It is to be done online. Participants have to choose a preferred slot as per their convenience & availability.

Note:

1) Each organization can only register Once.

2) Registration will be completed only after submission of following mandatory documents:

  1. Copy of PAN of institute/organization
  2. Copy of Registration / affiliation Certificate from Govt. body/Agency
  3. GST No. with relevant valid document
  4. Address Proof
  5. MoU / valid documents showing partnership/consortium, if applicable
  6. Certificate of Originality from the organization, certifying that the work is original and has not been generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

3) Registered Organizations are allowed to provide One solution for Each Problem Statement.


All Start-Ups / organizations taking part in this Hackathon must satisfy the below eligibility criteria. All will be prompted to fill an eligibility form while registering for the challenge. Please make sure that you fill the form correctly and honestly.

All Start-Ups / Organizations will have to fill up this this eligibility form and upload the same during Registration. Only eligible organizations/ teams of organizations will be allowed to participate.

Click here to view the detailed Eligibility Criteria.

Themes

NextGen AI for Smart Mining

Coal plays a pivotal role in boosting the country’s economy, and India is privileged to possess vast coal reserves. The sustainable utilization of this resource to meet our nation’s energy demand can be achieved by exploring cutting-edge AI technologies, advanced robotics, and data-driven techniques. This integration represents a forward-looking approach for India, ensuring responsible resource utilization in the pursuit of a cleaner and more resilient energy future. This AI-led transformation will enhance overall productivity and safety, and will directly contribute to long-term energy security.

India has revised its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), aiming to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by an ambitious 45 percent by 2030 compared to the 2005 level, surpassing the earlier target of 30%-35%. A strategic approach toward sustainable mining—powered by Artificial Intelligence and machine learning algorithms—can significantly improve environmental footprints by optimizing energy consumption, streamlining logistics, and minimizing operational waste.

Furthermore, India has set ambitious targets on multiple fronts to pave the way for a cleaner energy future, underscoring the nation’s commitment to transforming its energy landscape. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (Self-Reliant India Campaign) has been initiated by the Government of India to bolster the nation’s self-sufficiency in meeting energy demand and reducing import dependency. By indigenously developing and deploying smart mining technologies, we can foster economic independence, technological leadership, and environmental sustainability simultaneously.

In response to this intricate landscape, the hackathon beckons creative minds to weave innovative, AI-powered ideas capable of reshaping the coal mining industry. The ultimate quest is to transcend historical challenges and unlock novel digital possibilities. Envisioned as a transformative journey, the hackathon seeks intelligent software and hardware solutions that can gracefully scale, poised for demonstration or commercial replication within the intricate operational tapestry of coal companies.

Note: Mandatory requirements for Proposal Submission -

1) Proposal Format (Click here to download format)

2) Presentation Template (in PPT format; this can be updated during the final phase)

Problem Statement 1

Integrated Framework for the Prevention, Early Detection, and Automated Mitigation of Spontaneous Combustion in Coal Stockpiles at mine pit heads and railway sidings.

Click here to view the complete problem statement

Problem Statement 2

Development of a AI & ML based GIS Model for Tree Enumeration, Species Identification and Tree Height Estimation.

Click here to view the complete problem statement

Problem Statement 3

Develop AI-driven System for Automated Coal Seam Correlation and Sub-surface Geological Modelling

Click here to view the complete problem statement

Problem Statement 4

Mitigating raw coal feed deviations through integrated mining and washery optimization to enhance clean coal yield and operational viability.

Click here to view the complete problem statement

Problem Statement 5

Development of an Autonomous AI-Enabled Direct Airborne Dust Capture (DADC) System for Coal Mine Environments.

Click here to view the complete problem statement

Prizes INR 9,00,000 in prizes

Main Prizes
1st Prize
INR 4,00,000
2nd Prize
INR 3,00,000
3rd Prize
INR 2,00,000