MoAFW Agri AI Hackathon 2026 — Emerging Tech for Smarter Farming
MoAFW hackathon using GoI agri datasets for AI-driven farming solutions. ₹3L prize per winning team. Registration closes 20 Apr 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹3L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (20 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare (MoAFW), Government of India, is organising the AI Hackathon — Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Smarter Farming Systems. This national innovation challenge invites teams to develop AI and data-driven solutions on government agricultural datasets. The winning solutions have the opportunity to be scaled in collaboration with MoAFW. The hackathon focuses on five tracks: crop pattern analysis using soil and geospatial data, integrating multi-scheme datasets for beneficiary identification, seed availability and planning, pest risk monitoring and AI-based crop protection, and personalised agriculture services through AgriStack. The competition follows a hybrid format: online screening and proposal rounds, followed by in-person final presentations (2–3 minute demo, 10 minute presentation, 2 minute Q&A, max 15 minutes). Each winning team receives ₹3,00,000, certification, national-level recognition, and a chance to collaborate with MoAFW for piloting and scaling their solution. Registrations opened on 17 February 2026 and close on 20 April 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Highlights
- Organised by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
- AI/data-driven solutions on government agricultural datasets.
- Five focus tracks: crop patterns, scheme integration, seed planning, pest monitoring, personalised agri-services.
- Hybrid format: online rounds + in-person finals.
- ₹3,00,000 cash prize per winning team.
- Opportunity to collaborate with MoAFW to pilot and scale solutions.
Who can apply
Open to all teams that propose AI/data-driven solutions addressing one of the five problem tracks using government agricultural datasets. Teams are selected based on documentation and screening question responses. Detailed eligibility criteria (including entity type, team size limits, and fees, if any) are provided in the official guidelines on the hackathon portal.
MoAFW Agri AI Hackathon 2026 — Emerging Tech for Smarter Farming is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for MoAFW Agri AI Hackathon 2026 — Emerging Tech for Smarter Farming closed on 20 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- ₹3,00,000 cash prize per winning team.
- Opportunity to collaborate with MoAFW to pilot and scale winning solutions.
- National-level recognition and certification.
About the provider
MoAFW Agri AI Hackathon 2026 — Emerging Tech for Smarter Farming is offered by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, a government body. As a government-backed competition, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to MoAFW Agri AI Hackathon 2026 — Emerging Tech for Smarter Farming, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
MoAFW Agri AI Hackathon 2026 — Emerging Tech for Smarter Farming is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹3L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the funding amount offered?
Each winning team receives a cash prize of ₹3,00,000.
What is the application deadline?
Registrations close on 20 April 2026 at 11:59 PM. Registrations opened on 17 February 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
The hackathon is open to all teams that propose AI/data-driven solutions addressing one of the five problem tracks. Teams must comply with the detailed eligibility criteria (such as entity type, team size, and fees) published in the official guidelines on the hackathon portal.
Does the programme take equity?
No, this is a cash prize competition. No equity is taken from winning teams.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The eligibility criteria do not mention DPIIT or MSME registration as a requirement. Please refer to the detailed guidelines for full requirements.
What are the focus areas of the hackathon?
The five focus areas are: crop patterns analysis using soil and geospatial data, multi-scheme dataset integration for beneficiary identification, seed availability and planning, pest risk monitoring and AI-based crop protection, and personalised agriculture services via AgriStack.
How and where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official hackathon portal at https://moafw-ai.da.gov.in/HackRegister/HackRegister.
Who offers MoAFW Agri AI Hackathon 2026 — Emerging Tech for Smarter Farming?
MoAFW Agri AI Hackathon 2026 — Emerging Tech for Smarter Farming is offered by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for MoAFW Agri AI Hackathon 2026 — Emerging Tech for Smarter Farming?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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