iSAFE Hackathon 2026
Building Digital Trust in Age of AI, Deepfake and Disinformation
36
Hours
20
Max Teams
4
Tracks
60
Participants
Core Objective
To inspire innovators, researchers, and technologists to design ML/GenAI-driven solutions that foster trust, transparency, and safety in the digital ecosystem tackling deepfakes, disinformation, cyber threats, and social fragmentation.
Event Timeline
Your journey to building digital trust
November 2025 – December 31, 2025
Announcement & Registration
Launch of the hackathon; participants can register individually or as teams
January 1 – January 23, 2026
Shortlisting Phase
Evaluation of submitted ideas/concepts; top entries are shortlisted for the finale
January 24, 2026
Announcement of Shortlisted Teams
Official announcement of teams selected for the Grand Finale
February 8–9, 2026
Grand Finale & Prototype Demonstration
36 Hours continuous development with mentorship and guidance from jury
February 10, 2026
Showcase & Award Ceremony
Presentation of final solutions at Bharat Mandapam, followed by recognition and awards
Competition Tracks
Choose your challenge and innovate
AI for Truth
Detect the Deceptive
Problem Statement
In the digital age, deceptive and AI-generated content such as deepfakes, synthetic media, and manipulated visuals pose a growing threat to truth, democracy, and public trust.
Core Challenge
Automatically detect deepfakes or tampered videos/images in real-time. Verify source authenticity using metadata, cryptographic proofs, or blockchain-based provenance tracking.
Expected Outcome
A robust AI-driven verification system capable of identifying and classifying deceptive content with high accuracy.
Deliverables
- Browser or social media plug-ins for real-time verification
- GenAI-assisted fact-checking copilots for journalists
- Blockchain-based authenticity and content provenance platform
AI for Protection
Defend the Digital Citizen
Problem Statement
Digital scams, phishing attacks, and fraudulent messages are increasingly powered by AI-generated content that mimics real communication styles and voices.
Core Challenge
Detect and flag potential scams or phishing attempts in text, calls, or online communications. Create GenAI copilots that analyze suspicious messages in real-time.
Expected Outcome
An AI-powered digital safety ecosystem that helps users recognize and avoid scams, enhances cyber awareness.
Deliverables
- AI co-pilot for scam and fraud message detection
- Cyber-safety education chatbot for citizens
- AI-driven phishing simulation and awareness training platform
AI for Peace
Create for Peace
Problem Statement
Online misinformation, hate speech, and polarizing narratives are fueling social divides and conflict worldwide. AI can be used as a force for peace.
Core Challenge
Generate AI-driven peace narratives that counter hate and misinformation. Create tools that promote cross-cultural understanding through storytelling.
Expected Outcome
A GenAI-powered peace tech solution that inspires constructive dialogue and strengthens social harmony.
Deliverables
- AI-based narrative generator promoting peace and empathy
- AR/VR-based peace education experience for youth
- Digital empathy simulator for cross-community dialogue
AI for Resilience
Build Community Strength
Problem Statement
During crises, misinformation spreads faster than verified news. Communities need AI-driven tools that build resilience and detect emerging disinformation trends.
Core Challenge
Detect and visualize misinformation patterns during crisis events. Develop community dashboards for early warnings of false narratives.
Expected Outcome
A resilience intelligence platform that tracks misinformation in real time and empowers educators with AI-guided insights.
Deliverables
- Misinformation early-warning dashboards for communities
- GenAI-powered crisis response communication tools
- AI resilience mentor for teachers and NGOs
Registration & Submission
What you need to prepare
Team Formation
- Individual or team participation
- Maximum team size: 3 members
- Team-based participation encouraged
- 20 teams maximum for finale
Submission Requirements
- Abstract in PPT or PDF format
- Problem statement being addressed
- How the solution addresses the problem
- Concept and target users
Additional Submission Details
Evaluation Process
How teams are selected
Phase 1: Entries Validation
January 1 - 7, 2026
- Review of all submissions for alignment with themes
- Eligibility verification (open to national & international)
- PPT link verification and accessibility checks
- Elimination of bogus entries
Phase 2: Jury Evaluation
January 9 - 23, 2026
- Selection of minimum 5 expert jury members
- Distribution of entries for evaluation
- Scoring based on defined criteria
- Average score calculation for final selection
The Grand Finale
During the Grand Finale, shortlisted participants will have 36 hours to transform their proposed solutions into working prototypes.
Day 1 - February 8, 2026
Jury meets teams, assesses initial ideas, provides mentorship and guidance for concept refinement
Day 2 - February 9, 2026
Continued development under mentorship, final presentations, Q&A sessions, and jury evaluation
Presentation Format
- 15 minutes total per team (10 min demo + 5 min Q&A)
- PowerPoint presentation (10-12 slides maximum)
- Live prototype demonstration required
- Evaluated on performance, speed, precision, and scalability
Venue: Bharat Mandapam |Format: Onsite
Who Can Participate?
Open to innovators across nations
University Students
AI Researchers and Students
CyberPeace Corps
Volunteers and Innovators
Startups
Trust & Safety, Fintech, Media Tech
Defence & Police
Academics for Red-Team-Blue-Team Drills
Proposed Themes
Four powerful tracks to choose from
Detect the Deceptive
Build GenAI-powered systems to identify, trace, and mitigate synthetic content—images, videos, text, or voice.
Defend the Digital Citizen
Use GenAI for proactive protection and education against scams, frauds, and misinformation.
Align the Model
Focus on AI alignment, red teaming, and responsible model governance.
Create for Peace
Harness GenAI for positive social storytelling, education, and community resilience.
Event Details
Duration
36 Hours (Continuous)
Format
Onsite
Venue
Bharat Mandapam
Facilities Provided
Ready to Build the
Future of Digital Trust?
Join innovators, researchers, and technologists in creating AI-driven solutions that foster trust, transparency, and safety in the digital ecosystem.
Grand Finale:February 8-9, 2026
Venue:Bharat Mandapam
Awards Ceremony:February 10, 2026