Bengaluru: To provide a platform for young talent to solve real-world challenges using Artificial Intelligence (AI), leading IT services company Cognizant has announced the launch of its flagship ‘Technovers Hackathon 2026’.Now in its third edition, the hackathon has expanded from a regional initiative to a national-level competition.
More than 20,000 final-year engineering students from over 400 colleges across India are expected to participate, showcasing their technical skills and innovation.AI Solutions for Real-World ProblemsCommenting on the initiative, Rajesh Nambiar, President – Global Operations and CMD, Cognizant India, said the hackathon offers students a unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world applications. Participants will have the chance to interact directly with Cognizant experts and gain insights into how industries adopt innovation.
The hackathon aims to develop AI-driven solutions across multiple sectors, including banking, insurance, healthcare, life sciences, retail, manufacturing, communications, media and technology, and energy.The initiative also places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, mandating 50% female participation. Each team, comprising four members, must include at least two female students. There is no restriction on the number of teams that can participate from a college.Grand Finale in MayThe hackathon will culminate in May, with the grand finale scheduled to be held at Cognizant’s Pune campus. The top three teams will be announced and felicitated at the event.
Target to Upskill 2 Million by 2030As part of its broader skilling initiatives, Cognizant launched the ‘Synapse’ programme in 2023 to equip individuals with advanced technology skills, including Generative AI. Having already achieved its goal of training one million individuals globally ahead of schedule, the company has now set a new target of skilling two million people by 2030.Through initiatives like Technovers Hackathon, Cognizant continues to foster innovation, nurture future talent, and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
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