Hacktivate

Hacktivate: 24-Hour Predictive Systems Hackathon

Part of Pravrutti 2026 (Technoverse category), Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. Hosted by the IEEE Student Chapter.

An overnight hackathon where teams of 2-4 build a working hardware + software system that senses real-world data and predicts an outcome (machine failure, demand shifts, anomalies, early warnings).

Full development cycle compressed into one night:

1. Ideation
2. Circuit and system design with simulation
3. Hardware assembly and sensor integration
4. Predictive logic layered on top

The event closes with a live demo. Every system must power on and perform in front of the judges.

Key Details

• Fest dates: 14-16 Oct 2026
• Build window: 14 Oct, 11:00 AM to 15 Oct, 11:00 AM
• Freeze: Code/hardware freeze applies when your team is called
• Team size: 2-4
• Duration: 24 hours
• Fee: ₹200 per team, paid online by the lead

Components and Support

• Bring your own components.
• A PCB Cupid kit is available on site.
• Mentors available throughout, including overnight.
• Meals, overnight refreshments, and a supervised rest area provided.

Judging (15 Oct 2026, 9:00-11:00 AM)

• 6 judges, 2 per track
• ~5 minutes per team at the table, then Q&A
• Judges shortlist teams; combined final before all six judges
• Rubric out of 20; creativity is the tie-breaker

Prizes (inclusive of GST)

• 1st: ₹20,000
• 2nd: ₹15,000
• 3rd: ₹10,000

Links and Contact

• Event page: https://pravrutti.tech/events/hacktivate
• Rulebook: https://pravrutti.tech/hacktivate-rules.pdf
• Email: pravrutti@msruas.ac.in

Hackathon Theme

In this 12-hour hackathon:

1. Each team will receive a fixed budget of ₹1500.
2. Procure all your components exclusively from our list.
3. Design and build a functional, innovative project using only those components.
4. Showcase your creativity, smart planning, and technical skills, all within real-world constraints.

Notes:

• Teams must finalize and submit their component list by 1:00 PM.

Team Guidelines

• Teams must strictly adhere to the budget allocated for component procurement.
• All components issued for the hackathon must be returned once the event concludes.
• Please include your team number when collecting components for smooth processing.
• Each team is responsible for managing and using their own components throughout the hackathon.
• All project work must be completed on-site during hackathon hours no pre-built solutions or external work allowed.
• Teams must maintain a collaborative, respectful, and positive atmosphere at all times.
• Final deliverables must include the prototype/demo and presentation.

Description of Judging Criteria

Virtual Currency Mapping – Budget Utilization

Each team will receive a virtual budget of ₹1500 to "purchase" components and materials for their project. They can spend up to ₹1500. To promote strategic budgeting, teams will earn bonus points based on their savings:

• ₹631–₹700 saved: 10 points
• ₹561–₹630 saved: 9 points
• ₹491–₹560 saved: 8 points
• ₹421–₹490 saved: 7 points
• ₹351–₹420 saved: 6 points
• ₹281–₹350 saved: 5 points
• ₹211–₹280 saved: 4 points
• ₹141–₹210 saved: 3 points
• ₹71–₹140 saved: 2 points
• ₹1–₹70 saved: 1 point
• ₹0 saved: 0 points

Note: Savings above ₹700 also earn the maximum 10 points.

Spend wisely, and save smart to earn extra points!

Social Media Engagement – Judging Criteria

Each team can earn up to 10 points based on how they showcase their project on social media.

• Image post: 5 points
• Video post (Reel or any video format): 5 points

Guidelines:

1. Add PCBCUPID as a collaborator on your Instagram post.
2. You can also post on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or YouTube, but share the link with the organizers.

Use this opportunity to creatively showcase your project and inspire others!

Presentation & Documentation – Judging Criteria

Presentation: Teams are free to present their project in any format they choose — get as creative as you like!

Documentation: Submit in Word or Google Docs format via the provided Drive link.

1. List of hardware components used: 2 marks
2. Pin configuration and circuit connections: 3 marks
3. Circuit design/schematic diagrams: 5 marks
4. Code (with comments, if applicable): 5 marks
5. Software/tools used: 2 marks
6. Clear pictures of the setup/prototype: 5 marks
7. Working explanation and output: 7 marks
8. Applications and other relevant details: 1 mark

Note: Well-organized and complete documentation will contribute significantly to your score. Upload it in Word or Google Docs format using the Drive link provided.

Submission Details

• All teams must submit their final deliverables.
• The project prototype/demo must be ready to be showcased to judges.
• Teams will present their projects live during the demo session.
• Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Code of Conduct & Ethics

• All participants must maintain a respectful and inclusive environment throughout the event.
• Plagiarism or using pre-built projects is strictly prohibited. All work must be original and completed during the hackathon.
• Follow all safety protocols when handling electronic components and equipment.
• Any form of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may lead to instant disqualification.
• Decisions by the organizing team and judges are final and must be respected.

Judging Criteria

Each team will be evaluated based on the following categories:

1. Innovation & Creativity — 1–10 points

   How original, unique, or clever is the idea and approach?

2. Technical Implementation — 1–40 points

   Functionality, complexity, and how well the system actually works.

3. Efficient Budget Use — 1–10 points

   Did the team manage their virtual money wisely? Were they strategic in spending?

4. Presentation & Documentation — 1–30 points

   Clarity of explanation, teamwork, live demo success, and ability to respond effectively.

5. Social Media Engagement — 1–10 points

   How innovatively the team showcases their project on social media (e.g., reels/posts), and the engagement it gets.

We wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing your amazing creations.

Arduino IDE Setup

1. Arduino IDE Installation
2. Arduino IDE Setup Guide on PCBCUPID

Components List

Notes

1. Available quantities represent the total stock listed for the event.
2. Jumper wires cost ₹1 each, or ₹10 for 10 wires.
3. Resistors cost ₹2 each. The five available resistance values will be announced.
4. Each RFID kit includes one RFID module, one card, and one tag.
5. The 16 × 2 LCD display price includes the I2C adapter.