Rules of Competition

1. Original Work: All projects must be created during the hackathon. Pre-existing projects are not permitted.

2. Use of Technology: Participants are encouraged, but not limited, to use Microsoft Azure and other cloud services provided during the hackathon.

3. Open Source & IP Compliance: Teams must not violate copyright or intellectual property laws. Licensed open-source tools and libraries may be used but must be properly credited.

4. Submission Deadline: Projects must be submitted by the designated deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.

5. Judges’ Decisions: All decisions made by the judging panel are final and binding.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

1. All participants are required to bring their own devices to the event. The organizing team will not provide laptops, tablets, or other computing devices.

2. Permitted devices include laptops, tablets, smartphones, IoT devices, embedded systems, wearables, sensors, microcontrollers, and other hardware needed for project development.

3. Wi-Fi connection and power outlets will be provided at the venue. Participants must bring any special adapters, cables, or power banks required for their devices.

4. Additional devices are welcome if they help you design, develop, and prototype your ideas. However, no extra points will be awarded solely for the use of such devices—judging will remain focused on solution quality and impact.

5. All participants must comply with laboratory safety requirements while using devices on-site, and follow all usage and safety guidelines provided by their device manufacturers.

6. Devices used must respect privacy, confidentiality, and responsible data handling. Participants are fully responsible for the security of their devices and data.

7. The organizing team is not liable for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal devices brought to the event.

Code of Conduct

1. Respect & Professionalism: Participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and respect in all interactions.

2. Collaboration & Fair Play: Collaboration is encouraged, but plagiarism or copying code/content without proper attribution is strictly prohibited.

3. Harassment-Free Environment: The hackathon maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment or discrimination of any kind. Offenders will be removed immediately.

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria, each weighted equally (20% each):

1. Innovation and Creativity
   Originality of the solution in addressing industry challenges using AI/ML.

2. Application of Technology
   Effective use of AI/technology to enhance or create processes/products.

3. Feasibility and Practicality
   Real-world applicability and scalability of the solution.

4. User Experience
   Usability, design quality, and functionality of the prototype.

5. Presentation and Communication
   Clarity, professionalism, and depth of the final presentation.

Bonus: Functional Demonstration
A Successful demonstration of a working prototype or solution. (10%)

Media & Publicity

1. Photography and videography will take place during the event. Media captured may be used for marketing, publicity, and promotional purposes across social media, websites, and other communication channels.

2. If participants have any concerns regarding the use of their likeness in media, please contact event staff for assistance.

Additional Terms & Conditions

This section covers other important guidelines to ensure smooth participation and event management:

1. Health & Safety: Participants are responsible for their own health and safety during the event. The organizers are not liable for any injuries or losses sustained.

2. Equipment & Resources: Participants must bring their own devices (e.g., laptops, chargers). Internet access and selected cloud credits may be provided.

3. Conduct of Participants: The organizers reserve the right to disqualify or remove any participant or team engaging in misconduct, cheating, or disruptive behavior.

4. Intellectual Property Ownership: By default, IP created during the hackathon belongs to the participants. However, teams grant the organizers the right to showcase submitted projects for promotional purposes.

5. Changes to Terms: The organizers reserve the right to amend rules, schedules, or judging criteria if necessary. Any changes will be communicated promptly.