Climate Collective Foundation, with funding support from EPAM India, is launching the Climate Data Hackathon, an initiative focused on air pollution solutions for colleges across Delhi.
The Delhi Climate Data Hackathon for Air Pollution is a city-focused innovation challenge designed to cultivate a community of student problem-solvers using data science to tackle air pollution. It invites students to explore diverse solution pathways ranging from AI-powered monitoring and forecasting to real-time source identification and intuitive data visualization tools.
This Hackathon is designed to empower youth to lead digital innovation, to unlock scalable, tech-driven solutions for cleaner air – through smart apps, real-time monitoring, and AI tools that engage communities and inform policy.
1
Colleges in Delhi/NCR interested in hosting clean air hackathons.
2
Institutions eager to champion student-driven air pollution solutions.
We invite colleges to design their own problem statements. The solutions must be centred around
Data and AI applications to solve for challenges to Air Pollution in Delhi/NCR region.
The Challenge
Air pollution in Delhi/NCR is a recurring and complex issue, especially during winter months. Multiple factors combine to create hazardous air quality levels.
Key Pollution Sources
- Crop Stubble burning in Punjab & Haryana
- Vehicular emissions and traffic congestion
- Industrial activities
- Construction dust
- Low wind speed & temperature inversion
Impact on Health
- High levels of PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃
- Increased respiratory illnesses
- Higher risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Rise in premature mortality
How Data & AI Help
Data-driven and AI-powered tools enable effective monitoring, prediction, and action against rising pollution levels.
AI-Enabled Solutions
- Source Identification: Satellite imagery, IoT sensors, CPCB datasets
- Air Quality Forecasting: ML models predicting AQI for the next 24–72 hours
- Policy Dashboards: Real-time insights for quick interventions
- Citizen Engagement: Apps that inform residents and encourage responsible behavior
Outcome Benefits
- More accurate decision-making
- Early warnings during pollution peaks
- Targeted action for pollution hotspots
- Empowered citizens and policymakers
Prize Money
Each winning team will
receive a cash prize of
Opportunity to showcase your innovation
Winning teams from the 5 hackathons will be showcased at a larger citywide innovation spotlight during Delhi Climate Innovation Week (DCIW) 2026
Visibility
Boost visibility for the most promising student-driven data solutions to solve air pollution issues in Delhi.
Jobs Fair
All participating students will receive exclusive access to the Jobs Fair at DCIW in Delhi.
About Climate Collective Foundation (CCF)
Climate Collective Foundation (CCF) is India’s largest non-profit climate tech ecosystem orchestrator. Founded by clean tech entrepreneurs in 2016, CCF has executed over 90 climate tech acceleration programs, supporting 1,270 early-stage climate tech startups (i.e. ranging from pre-revenue with MVP to ~USD 1 million in revenue). As at the end of 2023, CCF portfolio companies had raised a cumulative USD 235 million in post-program funding – a 9x multiple from pre-program levels. Our gender-inclusive approach has supported 349 women-led startups (nearly a third of the total portfolio).
About EPAM
EPAM is a leading global software engineering and digital transformation company, with over 61,000 EPAMers in more than 55 countries. EPAM entered India a decade ago and now has 11,000+ employees across Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai and Gurgaon. Recognized by Fortune as one of the world’s 100 fastest-growing companies, we are building for the future with an AI‑native engineering model that is changing how software is designed, developed and delivered.
