India Launches Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026
Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, officially launched the Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 (CMiH 2026) today. This initiative aims to enhance the National Critical Mineral Mission by inviting students, researchers, startup innovators, and academic institutions to develop technical solutions addressing challenges in the critical minerals sector.
The CMiH 2026 serves as a dynamic platform for participants to present their innovative ideas, gain mentorship from experts, and actively contribute to the establishment of a robust and self-sufficient critical minerals ecosystem in India.
Focus Areas of the Hackathon
Participants will focus on two key problem statements: the first involves creating a prospectivity heatmap for lithium or rare earth element (REE) pegmatites validated against existing mineral occurrences. The second task is to develop an intuitive, web-based Smart R&D and Patent Tracking System for critical minerals. This initiative aims to streamline research and development efforts and enhance accessibility to technological advancements in the field.
Event Details and Prizes
The hackathon will be organized and hosted by the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) in Nagpur, which operates under the Ministry of Mines. The deadline for submitting ideas is September 20, 2026. Winners will be announced during the India Mining Week 2026, set to take place from November 15 to 17, 2026. Two teams will emerge victorious for each challenge, with prizes of ₹1.50 lakh for the first place and ₹1.00 lakh for the second place.
How to Participate
Individuals interested in participating can find comprehensive information about the hackathon, including guidelines for submission and registration details on the JNARDDC website: https://jnarddc.gov.in/.
The Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 represents a significant milestone in fostering an innovation-driven environment for critical minerals. It encourages the engagement of youthful minds, researchers, and technology experts, all aimed at enhancing India’s mineral security and achieving technological independence.
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