Pre-Launch Event • Dayananda Sagar University

Igniting Innovation
Across Karnataka

A regional pre-launch under the Innovators Conclave 2026 national roadmap, empowering Karnataka's innovation ecosystem.

Dayananda Sagar University - City Campus, Kudlu Gate, Bengaluru
22nd & 23rd August
The Platform

From Region To Revolution

Designed to identify emerging talent, encourage practical innovation, and create direct pathways for students and teams to participate in the national finals.

01

24-Hour Mini Hackathon

A continuous innovation challenge where student teams solve real-world problem statements through technology, creativity, and teamwork.

02

Idea Pitching Competition

Students and aspiring founders present startup ideas and problem-solving concepts before an expert jury panel.

03

Technical Workshops

Hands-on workshops conducted by professionals from leading companies — AI/ML, Data Science, Product Development.

04

CEO & Leader Sessions

Hear directly from CEOs, founders, and industry leaders sharing their journeys, insights, and advice.

05

National Finals Pathway

Top teams receive direct qualification or priority consideration for the final rounds at JNTU Anantapur.

06

Startup & Innovation Networking

Build connections with mentors, investors, and fellow innovators from the regional and national ecosystem.

At A Glance

The Numbers
That Matter

24HoursHackathon Duration
6+DomainsFocus Areas
2DaysOf Innovation
4+CitiesRegional Coverage
Technology Bootcamp

Industry Technology Bootcamp

Powered by Industry Technologies from ANSYS and Digital Engineering Platforms. A 2-day immersive learning experience ending with an Innovation Challenge.

Select a session for details

Day 1

Design, Simulation & Intelligent Engineering

01

Future of Engineering and Digital Product Development

Key Topics

  • Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0
  • Digital Transformation in Engineering
  • Product Development Lifecycle
  • Digital Engineering Ecosystem

Day 2

Digital Twins, Smart Systems & Future Mobility

24-Hour Challenge

The Innovation Matrix

A 24-hour continuous innovation marathon where teams of 2–4 members build working prototypes to solve real-world problem statements. Real mentorship, real evaluation, real progression to the national finals.

2–4Team Size
24hDuration
6Domains
OnsiteFormat
01

Artificial Intelligence

01

Artificial Intelligence

Build AI-powered solutions that solve real-world problems — from NLP to computer vision to generative models.

02

Smart Solutions

02

Smart Solutions

Engineer interconnected smart systems — IoT devices, home automation, intelligent dashboards, and real-time telemetry.

03

AgriTech

03

AgriTech

Revolutionize agriculture with precision farming, crop monitoring, supply chain optimization, and weather analytics.

04

Rural Innovation

04

Rural Innovation

Solve challenges unique to rural communities — healthcare access, education gaps, water management, and connectivity.

05

Student Productivity Tools

05

Student Productivity Tools

Create tools that transform how students learn, collaborate, and manage academics — from study aids to campus platforms.

06

Sustainability Solutions

06

Sustainability Solutions

Architect zero-emission tech, waste management systems, renewable energy platforms, and carbon footprint trackers.

How It Works

24 Hours. 6 Phases.

01Before Event

Registration

Teams register online with preliminary idea submission.

02Hour 0

Kickoff & Problem Statements

Opening ceremony. Problem statements revealed. Mentors assigned to teams.

03Hours 1–4

Ideation & Planning

Teams define their solution approach, architecture, and execution timeline.

04Hours 4–18

Development Sprint

Core development phase. Build working prototypes. Mentor check-ins at regular intervals.

05Hours 18–22

Integration & Testing

Polish the prototype. Integration testing. Prepare demo and presentation.

06Hours 22–24

Final Demo & Judging

Teams present their solutions to the jury panel. Winners announced.

Judging

Evaluation Framework

25%

Innovation & Uniqueness

25%

Technical Implementation

15%

Solution Impact & Relevance

20%

Prototype Completeness

15%

Presentation & Demo

Winner Benefits

Direct Qualification|IC2026 National Finals

Top teams receive direct qualification or priority consideration for the final rounds at Innovators Conclave 2026, JNTU Anantapur. Winners also receive certificates of excellence, mentorship opportunities, and networking access with industry leaders.

Pitch Your Idea

Idea Pitching Competition

Students and aspiring founders can present startup ideas, innovative products, or problem-solving concepts before a jury panel.

5Evaluation Areas
ExpertJury Panel
NationalProgression
01
Evaluation

How You're Evaluated

5Criteria
01

Innovation

Originality and creative approach to problem-solving.

02

Feasibility

Practical applicability and technical implementation viability.

03

Market Potential

Scalability and commercial opportunity of the idea.

04

Impact

Social, economic, or environmental impact potential.

05

Presentation

Clarity, structure, and delivery of the pitch.

Selected Teams

May progress to theMain Conclave at JNTU Anantapur

Learn & Grow

Workshops & Sessions

Gain exposure through expert sessions conducted by professionals from leading companies and industry backgrounds.

01

AI & Machine Learning

Deep-dive into neural networks, model training, and deploying real-world AI applications.

02

Data Science

Master data analysis, visualization, and extracting actionable insights from complex datasets.

03

Startup Building

From ideation to MVP — learn lean startup methodology, fundraising, and go-to-market strategies.

04

Product Development

End-to-end product thinking — user research, design, development, and iteration cycles.

05

Career Readiness

Resume building, interview prep, and industry-specific skills to land your dream role.

06

Emerging Technologies

Blockchain, IoT, AR/VR, and quantum computing — what's next and how to prepare for it.

The Agenda

Event Timeline

Three parallel tracks, two action-packed days. Switch between tracks and days to explore the full agenda.

09:30 – 10:15 AM

Registration & Networking

Arrival

Participants arrive, check-in, and begin networking with fellow innovators and speakers.

10:15 – 10:30 AM

Inaugural Ceremony & Lighting of the Lamp

Ceremony

Formal inauguration with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony.

10:30 – 10:45 AM

Welcome Address

Opening remarks by Dr. Puttamadappa C.

Dr. Puttamadappa CRegistrar, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru
10:45 – 11:00 AM

Address by the IC 2026 Secretariat

The Innovators Conclave 2026 Secretariat shares the national vision and roadmap.

11:00 – 11:20 AM

Chief Guest Address

Keynote

Keynote address by Dr. Umar Mukthar.

Dr. Umar MuktharState Secretary, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), AP
11:20 – 11:40 AM

Guest of Honour Address

Special address by Mustafa Wajid.

Mustafa WajidChairman, MEHER Group
11:40 – 12:00 PM

Tea & Networking Break

Refreshment break and open networking session.

12:00 – 01:00 PM

Panel Discussion

Panel

Theme: Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Emerging Technologies. Featuring industry leaders and ecosystem builders.

01:00 – 02:00 PM

Lunch & Networking

Lunch break with continued networking opportunities.

02:00 – 02:30 PM

Startup Success Story

An inspiring journey from an established startup founder.

02:30 – 03:00 PM

Mini Hackathon Orientation

Important

Welcome, rules, problem statements, evaluation criteria, judging process, mentor introductions, and Q&A.

03:15 – 04:00 PM

Keynote Session

Keynote

Theme: AI, Space Technology & Future Innovation.

04:00 – 04:45 PM

IEEE for Innovators

Building Innovation Through Industry, Standards & Global Collaboration.

Vinayak Govind KamathCorporate Engagement Manager, IEEE India
04:45 – 05:00 PM

Tea & Networking Break

Refreshment break.

05:00 – 05:45 PM

Investor Talk

Theme: Building Fundable Startups — insights from leading investors on what makes a startup investable.

05:45 – 06:30 PM

Incubation & Startup Ecosystem Opportunities

Overview of incubation programs, government schemes, and ecosystem support available for startups.

Why This Region

Karnataka's Innovation
Powerhouse

The main conclave is at JNTU Anantapur.
Karnataka's talent deserves its own launchpad first.

Metro-only eventsStatewide Karnataka

Innovation Across The State

Karnataka is India's technology capital with a thriving ecosystem of academic institutions, research centres, and entrepreneurial talent. This pre-launch extends IC2026's reach across the state.

Limited reachMulti-City Coverage

Statewide Ecosystem Building

Connecting students from Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, and nearby regions — creating a platform for participants to showcase talent and connect with a larger ecosystem.

One-time eventsNational Finals Pipeline

Direct Pathway to IC2026

Winners and shortlisted participants gain recognition and opportunities linked to Innovators Conclave 2026 at JNTU Anantapur — not just certificates, but real progression.

Top-down approachGround-up Talent Pipeline

Identify Emerging Talent

The event is structured to identify and nurture emerging talent at the grassroots — encouraging practical innovation and creating direct pathways to national-level competition.

Open For All

Who Can Participate

From engineering students to startup aspirants — if you have the drive to innovate, you belong here.

01

Engineering Students

B.Tech, B.E. from all branches — bring your technical skills to the innovation arena.

All branchesAll yearsTeam or solo
02

Degree & Polytechnic

BCA, B.Sc, BBA, Diploma holders — innovation doesn't require a specific degree.

BCA / B.Sc / BBADiploma holdersAny institution
03

Startup Aspirants

Aspiring entrepreneurs with bold ideas ready to test their concepts on a national platform.

Early-stage ideasSolo foundersProduct concepts
04

Young Innovators

Creative minds solving real problems — from institutions across Karnataka.

Bangalore / MysoreHubli / BelgaumNearby regions
Location & Dates

Where It All Happens

Dayananda Sagar University

City Campus, Kudlu Gate,Bengaluru, Karnataka 560068

Karnataka Region

Serving students from Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, and nearby regions.

22nd & 23rd August

2 Days of Innovation & Impact

Register Now
Registrations Open

Secure Your Spot

24-Hour Mini Hackathon
Idea Pitching Competition
General Participation Passes

Limited slots available. Early registration recommended.

Main Conclave Connection

Winners and shortlisted participants gain recognition and opportunities linked to Innovators Conclave 2026 at JNTU Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

Support & Queries

Contact Our Team

Have questions about the applications, exhibitions, or partnerships? Reach out to the respective point of contacts below.

01

Hackathon & Pitch Floor

02

Startup & Innovation Expo

03

Partnership & Sponsorship

Don't Miss Out

Ready to Shape the Future?

Join thousands of innovators, creators, and industry leaders at India's premier tech summit.

Limited early-bird tickets available.