Innovation Carnival

Uniting the World for a Common Cause

Innovation Carnival is a collaborative innovation platform that connects corporates, startups, students, investors and industry experts within one ecosystem.

Organizations can post real-world business challenges, while startups and students develop innovative solutions. Investors can discover opportunities and expert juries can mentor, evaluate and support solutions throughout the innovation journey.

With over 200 partners across industries and sectors, we bring together the brightest minds to drive progress in AI, blockchain, sustainability, cybersecurity, finance, and more.

Our Mission

We accelerate innovation by fostering cross-industry collaboration. Our goal is to empower organizations and individuals to drive transformative change through technology, research, and entrepreneurship.

Challenges

Innovation Carnival -Drunix hackathon_previous

PREVIOUS CHALLENGES

Blockchain Hackathon 2025

Rewriting the Rules of Finance

Blockchain Hackathon 2025 brought together innovators to explore new possibilities at the intersection of open-source blockchain and financial services.

Know More

CURRENT CHALLENGES

Drunix Hackathon 2026

Building the Future of Payments in India

DRUNIX, launched by NPCI, is now being taken forward in collaboration with Citi to create new possibilities in financial innovation.

Know More

Innovation Carnival -Drunix hackathon_upcoming

UPCOMING CHALLENGES

New industry challenges will be added soon. Stay tuned for opportunities to solve real-world problems.

Know More

Challenges

PREVIOUS CHALLENGES

Blockchain Hackathon 2025

Rewriting the Rules of Finance

Blockchain Hackathon 2025 brought together innovators to explore new possibilities at the intersection of open-source blockchain and financial services.

Know More

CURRENT CHALLENGES

Drunix Hackathon 2026

Building the Future of Payments in India

DRUNIX, launched by NPCI, is now being taken forward in collaboration with Citi to create new possibilities in financial innovation.

Know More

UPCOMING CHALLENGES

New industry challenges will be added soon. Stay tuned for opportunities to solve real-world problems.

Know More

An Ecosystem for Everyone

Students

Explore Challenges
Build & Submit Solutions
Access Mentorship

Startups

Discover Challenges
Access Mentoring
Connect with Investors

Corporates

Post Challenges
Review Applications
Collaborate with Innovators

Investors

Discover Startups
Explore Opportunities
Investment Pipelines

Jury

Review Assigned Solutions
Provide Expert Feedback
Conduct Mentoring Sessions

Mentors

Guide Innovators
Share Industry Expertise
Provide Guidance

An Ecosystem for Everyone

Students

Explore Challenges
Build & Submit Solutions
Access Mentorship

Startups

Discover Challenges
Access Mentoring
Connect with Investors

Corporates

Post Challenges
Review Applications
Collaborate with Innovators

Investors

Discover Startups
Explore Opportunities
Investment Pipelines

Jury

Review Assigned Solutions
Provide Expert Feedback
Conduct Mentoring Sessions

Mentors

Guide Innovators
Share Industry Expertise
Provide Guidance

Themes for Innovation

Artificial Intelligence & Automation

Generative AI, LLMs, and robotics.

Blockchain & Digital Assets

CBDCs, DeFi, and tokenization.

Cybersecurity & Zero Trust

AI-driven threat detection and quantum security.

Sustainable Technologies

Green innovation, ESG compliance, and circular economy.

Smart Cities & Urban Tech

Digital twins, IoT, and intelligent infrastructure.

Future of Finance

Embedded finance, AI-powered lending, and cross-border payments.

Web3 & Metaverse

Decentralized identity, AR/VR applications, and immersive commerce.

SpaceTech & Aerospace

AI-driven satellite technology and commercial space exploration.

HealthTech & Bio-Innovation

AI-powered drug discovery and precision medicine.

Quantum Computing & Next-Gen Computing

Quantum cryptography and machine learning.

Programs for Innovation

Offering diverse programs designed to cater to the specific needs of corporates, startups, academia, and investors. These programs are strategically crafted to enable knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation acceleration.

Corporate Innovation Hub

A collaborative space for corporates to solve business challenges by partnering with startups, academia, and investors.
Key Features: Workshops, innovation challenges, product co-creation.

Startup Accelerator & Graduation

For Startups: A dynamic accelerator program offering mentorship, investment access, and corporate collaboration to scale and commercialize innovations.
Key Features: Expert guidance, investor networking, business development support.

Masterclass Series

For All Stakeholders: Learn from industry leaders about the latest trends in AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and sustainability through hands-on workshops.
Key Features: Expert-led sessions, interactive learning, practical insights.

Global Innovation Challenges

For Nations & Corporates: A platform to tackle real-world problems such as climate change, smart cities, and financial inclusion through open innovation challenges.
Key Features: Cross-sector collaboration, sustainable solutions, policy discussions.

Investor Roundtables & Networking

For Investors: Exclusive networking opportunities with startups, academia, and corporates to discover emerging trends and funding opportunities.
Key Features: Investment matchmaking, industry insights, thought leadership.

Future Tech Showcase

For Innovators & Industry Leaders: A curated platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations in emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, Web3, and Metaverse applications.
Key Features: Live demonstrations, technology showcases, strategic partnerships.

Women in Innovation

For Female Entrepreneurs & Leaders: A dedicated program to support and empower women in tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Key Features: Leadership workshops, funding opportunities, mentorship programs.

Smart Cities & Sustainable Innovations

For Governments & Enterprises: A program focused on urban transformation through technology and sustainability-driven solutions.
Key Features: Green tech solutions, digital infrastructure, urban planning innovations.

Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program

For Students & Young Entrepreneurs: A platform designed to nurture young talent, provide incubation support, and connect them with industry mentors.
Key Features: Hackathons, idea incubators, mentorship opportunities.

A Global Network of Innovation Leaders

Our ecosystem includes leading corporations, investors, universities, and government bodies, all working together to drive impactful innovation.

Tech Giants & Fortune 500 Companies

Leading global technology companies driving innovation in AI, cloud computing, IoT, and digital transformation.

Venture Capital Firms & Angel Investors

Top-tier investors and venture capitalists funding disruptive startups and scaling innovative solutions worldwide.

Accelerators & Incubators

Premier startup accelerators and incubators nurturing early-stage ventures with mentorship, resources, and funding.

Universities & Research Institutes

Renowned academic institutions and research centers pioneering breakthroughs in science, technology, and sustainable development.

Government Bodies and Regulators

National and international government agencies fostering innovation through policy, funding, and cross-sector collaboration.

Startups & Emerging Innovators

Innovative startups and emerging companies developing breakthrough solutions across technology, sustainability, and other high-impact sectors.

Innovation Carnival Committe

Our advisory board consists of thought leaders, industry pioneers, and academic experts who provide strategic direction to our ecosystem.

Ms. Shalini Rao

Founder & COO, Future Transformation

Ms. Shalini Rao

Founder & COO, Future Transformation

Mr. Prasanna Lohar

Chief Digital Officer, Future Transformation

Mr. Prasanna Lohar

Chief Digital Officer, Future Transformation

Mr. Kamlesh Nagware

Co-Founder, FSV Capital

Mr. Kamlesh Nagware

Co-Founder, FSV Capital

Dr. Ritesh Jain

Founder Infynit

Dr. Ritesh Jain

Founder Infynit

Mr. Vijetha Shastry

Startup Ecosystem Enabler, BHIVE Workspace

Mr. Vijetha Shastry

Startup Ecosystem Enabler, BHIVE Workspace

Mr. Vikram Pandya

Director Fintech SP Jain | Director AET

Mr. Vikram Pandya

Director Fintech SP Jain | Director AET

Mr. Pratekk Agarwal

Founder & General Partner, GrowthCap Ventures

Mr. Pratekk Agarwal

Founder & General Partner, GrowthCap Ventures

Mr. Hitesh Sachdev

Head Start up Engagement, Innovation & Investments

Mr. Hitesh Sachdev

Head Start up Engagement, Innovation & Investments

Mr. Suresh A Shan

Chairman, CSI Mumbai

Mr. Suresh A Shan

Chairman, CSI Mumbai

Dr. Mukund Raj

Advisor - Technology Management

Dr. Mukund Raj

Advisor - Technology Management

Mr. Susanta Dass

Dy. CTO, State Bank of India

Mr. Susanta Dass

Dy. CTO, State Bank of India

Mr. Ronald Fernandez

CEO, AIC-RNTU Foundation

Mr. Ronald Fernandez

CEO, AIC-RNTU Foundation

Dr. Tinoo Ubale

Ph.D Program Manager ( Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad & Bengaluru) - Advisory Committee Member

Dr. Tinoo Ubale

Ph.D Program Manager ( Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad & Bengaluru) - Advisory Committee Member

Jury

Meet our distinguished jury of industry leaders and experts who bring their knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives to evaluate innovation and emerging ideas.