FORGE-X

1. Introduction:

ForgeX: Deep-Tech Product Challenge is a 24-hour national-level hackathon dedicated to transforming advanced technological concepts into scalable, high-impact products. The challenge focuses on deep-tech domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Quantum Technologies, Semiconductor Systems, Biotechnology, SpaceTech, Cybersecurity, and ClimateTech.

ForgeX is structured to move beyond ideation and emphasize product thinking—encouraging participants to build technically robust, commercially viable solutions that address real-world industrial and societal challenges. The event fosters innovation, rapid prototyping, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within an intense 24-hour development cycle.

Objectives:

1.     Promote Deep-Tech Product Innovation: Enable participants to convert advanced research and engineering concepts into functional product prototypes.

2.     Bridge Research and Market Application: Encourage the translation of academic research and emerging technologies into commercially viable solutions.

3.     Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster collaboration among engineers, researchers, designers, and business strategists to create holistic deep-tech products.

4.     Strengthen National Technological Capability: Support the development of indigenous, scalable deep-tech solutions aligned with national innovation priorities.

Who Can Participate?

a. Students

·        Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from recognized institutions.

·        Open to disciplines including engineering, computer science, biotechnology, physics, design, management, and related fields.

·        Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.

b. Alumni

·        Graduates of accredited institutions currently working as professionals, researchers, or independent innovators.

·        Alumni from R&D labs, corporates, or technology ventures are eligible.

·        Collaboration between alumni and students is permitted.

c. Startups

·        Early-stage startups operating in deep-tech domains.

·        Teams with prototype-stage or proof-of-concept solutions seeking refinement or validation.

·        The proposed solution must align with deep-tech product development.