AFST (I) 32nd ICFoST "SMART Foods Hackathon" 2026

Themes: - Sustainability & Circular Economy - Al, ML, loT & related in Food Automation - Precision Nutrition, Nutraceuticals, Biotics, Functional Foods & Gut Health - Advances in Food Engineering & Processing Technologies - Designer Foods: Proteins, Lipids & Carbohydrates - Advances in Meat, Poultry & Marine Products - Innovations in Fruits, Vegetables & Beverages - Herbs, Spices & Condiments - Advances in Food Fermentation & Biotechnology - Innovations in Cereals, Millets, Legumes, Bakery & Confectionery Processing - Food Regulations, Quality & Safety - Innovations in Dairy Processing - Smart & Active Food Packaging - Advances in Sensorial & Consumer Preferences - Scientific Publications, Communications, Ethics & Documentation - Opportunities & Challenges in Agri-Food Business

Open to food-tech college teams, students and professionals. Teams of 1–2 members. Each team enters one track. Submissions must be the team's original work. Timeline — Phase 1: Launch & Intake (10 Oct – 15 Nov): call for proposals; submit Executive Summary & Formulation Approach. Phase 2: Technical Screening (16 – 30 Nov): expert evaluation on feasibility, scalability, compliance and commercial viability. Phase 3: Prototype / Pitch (1 – 10 Dec): shortlisted teams will present a pitch to the jury Phase 4: Grand Finale at ICFOST (December, BHU): winners announced and top prototypes showcased.