BuildForge Hackathon
“Have an idea? Build it. Ship it.”
Overview
About BuildForge
BuildForge is an online open-innovation hackathon organized by Invoqe. Participants turn their ideas into working products or functional prototypes — no predefined problem statements, fixed domains, or technology restrictions.
The premise is simple: have an idea? Build it. Ship it. You are free to identify a problem, discover an opportunity, and build a solution that creates real value — whether you're building with AI, software, healthcare, education, finance, productivity, cybersecurity, social impact, or developer tools. The problem you solve and the product you build are yours to define.
Ready to build?
BuildForge Hackathon
Certificates & Recognition
Benefits
Why Participate
Build Anything You Want
No fixed problem statements, domains, or technology restrictions — the product you build is entirely up to you.
Turn Ideas Into Products
Go from idea to a working product or functional prototype through a structured, mentor-guided process.
Compete as a Team of 1–4
Build solo or with a small team of 1–4 members — whatever works best for your idea.
Mentor Evaluation
Advance past Round 1 and present your idea and proposed solution directly to mentors before the final judging panel.
Open Recognition
Prizes and certificates for winners, top teams, and every participant — with networking opportunities for top performers.
Join a Builder Community
Become part of Invoqe’s builder ecosystem alongside internships, projects, and career programs.
Eligibility
Who Can Participate
Format
Hackathon Structure
BuildForge runs in three stages — an open idea submission, a mentor evaluation round, and a final judging panel. Every stage moves you closer to a working product worth shipping.
Online
Fully online format
40 → 15 → 3
Progression across rounds
August–September 2026
Including finals
Key Dates
Timeline
- 01Round 1Deadline: 15 September 2026, 11:59 PM
Idea Submission
Submit a short PPT presentation identifying a problem, opportunity, or user need and proposing a product that addresses it — who it affects and how your idea improves it.
The strongest ideas are shortlisted for Round 2.
- 02Round 2Date: 19 September 2026
Mentor Evaluation
Shortlisted teams present their idea and proposed solution to mentors, who evaluate feasibility, innovation, and execution potential.
Top teams advance to the final round.
- Final RoundDate: 20 September 2026
Final Evaluation
Shortlisted teams present their working solution to the Final Judging Panel — covering execution, technical quality, the live demonstration, and what they shipped.
Winners are announced by the final judging panel.
Problem Statement
Have an idea? Build it. Ship it.
BuildForge is an open-innovation hackathon. There are no predefined problem statements, fixed domains, or technology restrictions — the problem you solve and the product you build are entirely yours to define.
Your challenge is to identify a genuine problem or opportunity, propose a product that creates real value, and turn it into a working product or functional prototype that you can present.
What a strong submission looks like
- AI & Intelligent Systems
- Software Development
- Web Platforms & Apps
- Twitch Creative & Digital Tools
Directions
What You Can Build
AI & Intelligent Systems
Products powered by AI that solve real problems, improve experiences, or introduce new possibilities.
Web & Mobile Apps
Applications that solve everyday problems, improve workflows, or create value for real users.
Developer Tools
Tooling that makes building easier, faster, or more accessible for other builders.
Anything That Solves a Problem
Products for healthcare, education, finance, productivity, cybersecurity, or social impact.
Directions above are starting points — any working solution that finds a failure and fixes it is in scope.
Judging
Evaluation & Judging
Submissions are evaluated across rounds — mentor evaluation in Round 2, followed by the final judging panel on 4 September 2026. Judges assess:
Problem Understanding
How clearly you’ve identified the problem, opportunity, or user need behind your product.
Innovation & Originality
Whether your idea and solution bring something new or meaningfully better to the table.
Proposed Solution
How well your product addresses the problem and creates real value.
Execution & Working Prototype
A working product or functional prototype that demonstrates the solution end-to-end.
Recognition
Prizes
01
Winner
Winner Certificate + Networking Opportunities + Open Source Recognition.
02
1st Runner Up
1st Runner Up Certificate + Networking Opportunities + Open Source Recognition.
03
2nd Runner Up
2nd Runner Up Certificate + Networking Opportunities + Open Source Recognition.
04
Top 15 Teams
Certificate of Merit.
05
Participation
Participation Certificate for all participants.
All prizes and certificates will be released within 15 days after the event is over.
People & Partners
Mentors, Judges & Partners
BuildForge is organized by Invoqe. For questions about the hackathon, reach out at hello@invoqe.in.
Answers
FAQs
What is BuildForge Hackathon?
BuildForge is an online open-innovation hackathon organized by Invoqe, where participants turn their ideas into working products or functional prototypes. There are no predefined problem statements, fixed domains, or technology restrictions.
Who can participate?
Students, developers, AI/ML enthusiasts, designers, innovators, and builders of any background. Teams of 1–4 members, and solo builders are welcome too.
Is the hackathon online or offline?
BuildForge 2026 is fully online. All three rounds — idea submission, mentor evaluation, and the final judging panel — take place online.
What are the important dates?
Round 1 idea submissions close on 15 September 2026 at 11:59 PM IST. The mentor evaluation takes place on 19 September and the final evaluation on 20 September 2026.
What should I submit in Round 1?
A short PPT presentation explaining the problem or opportunity you’ve identified, who it affects, and how your proposed product improves it.
Do I need a team?
You can participate solo or as a team of 1–4 members — either way, your idea and solution are evaluated on their merit.
How do I register?
Registrations are open. Reach out via the Invoqe contact page or follow Invoqe on social media for the registration link.
Ready to build?
BuildForge Hackathon
Certificates & Recognition