A Climate Data Hackathon
for #ClimateAction
Empowering Women Innovators in
Delhi-NCR & the Indian Himalayan Region.
Data and AI in Clean Energy and Clean Energy Access
Supported by
1
A unique 3-week hackathon challenge for women students, to build tech and a business plan that brings clean energy to those who need it the most.
2
The winning teams will receive cash prizes and get exclusive access to career development sessions, networking and in-person Job Fair at Delhi Climate Innovation Week, February 20-27, 2026.
As women, your voice matters.
Your solutions can reshape India's energy future.
Your solutions can reshape India's energy future.
Our Partners
Supported by
About The Hackathon
India’s clean energy transition needs new voices and bold ideas.
This hackathon challenge is designed exclusively for women university students across India who want to use technology, data, and entrepreneurship to solve real clean-energy access problems in
-
Delhi-NCR, one of the world's most polluted
and energy stressed mega cities. -
The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), where remote
communities still struggle for reliable, affordable power.
You're creating a sustainable solution that could actually launch.
Main Problem Statement & Ask
The Main Problem
- Delhi-NCR: Over 30 million people face severe air pollution, peak-hour blackouts, and energy poverty in slum colonies where thousands lack reliable electricity.
- Indian Himalayan Region (IHR): Remote communities in the hilly areas struggle with expensive grid extension, weather-disrupted power supply, and continued reliance on kerosene and firewood.
- Why This Matters: Your solution could light up a Himalayan classroom, help a Delhi street vendor afford solar power, or reduce emissions equivalent to removing thousands of vehicles from roads. This is about climate action and justice.
- Ask: A Prototype Design package (problem definition + workflow + system architecture + entrepreneurial idea)
DEFINE THE SPECIFIC LOCAL PROBLEM YOU WANT TO SOLVE
- Who faces the energy challenge (urban slum households, hill communities, SMEs, etc.)
- What’s broken (high costs, unreliable supply, don’t know where to install solar panels)
- Why it matters - social, environmental, or economic impact.
What is your Tech Solution?
Focus on one or two tech components:
- App or Dashboard: Track solar usage, find subsidies, connect buyers and sellers
- AI/Data Model: Predict blackouts, map energy-poor zones, optimize battery storage
- IoT Integration/Smart Monitoring: Smart meters or energy monitoring systems that prevent theft, monitor mini grids
- GIS Visualization: Map renewable potential or network reliability
- Digital Awareness Tool: Teach clean energy in Hindi/Pahari, gamify adoption
- Your idea - surprise us!
Build your Business idea/Entrepreneurial Model
- Target Users: Who benefits (households, small vendors, schools, women entrepreneurs)?
- Value Proposition: Why would they adopt it?
- Revenue / Sustainability Model: Pay-as-you-go, subscription, commissions (connect vendors to buyers), or CSR grants (partner with corporates)
- Potential Partners: NGOs, cooperatives, state energy agencies, local startups
Resource: Business Canvas Model
Resource: Startup Earth Centre – free, online self-paced courses on Data and AI for Clean Energy and Clean Energy Access
Implementation and Impact
Show your idea can work in real Indian conditions:
- Pilot Location: One Delhi-NCR neighborhood or a specific IHR district
- Feasibility: What resources or data do you need?
- Impact Metrics: People gaining access to clean power, CO₂ emissions reduced, ₹ saved or earned by users
Who Can Apply
Individuals or teams (2 - 4 members) can apply
Women Students
Age: (18- 30)
- Undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD.
- Enrolled in any accredited university or college based in Delhi-NCR and Indian Himalayan Region, India.
Relevant Subjects
- Engineering & Computer Science
- Business Management
- Sustainability and Environment
- Social Sciences
- Design/UI/UX
Any field with motivation to solve climate challenges.
Why should you apply
Some Other Benefits
- Work on real-world clean energy problems.
- Build a portfolio-ready tech project.
- Gain entrepreneurial and domain expertise through the capacity building sessions.
- Lead as a woman innovator in Climate Tech.
- Help accelerate India’s clean energy transition.
Timeline
(Dates Subject to Change)
Final Submission Package
(End of January)
Concept Note: Problem + solution + impact (1-2 pages).
Tech Solution: code, simulation, wireframe, dashboard, or demo video (max 3 min).
Business Idea/Pitch: Business Canvas model / Revenue Streams + Partners (1 page or 3 slides).
Impact Snapshot: 1-page Impact Note or Infographic.
Optional: GitHub link, Data visualizations, Working prototype, Figma file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GEF climate data hackathon?
A unique 3-week hackathon challenge for women students, to build tech + a business plan that brings clean energy to those who need it the most
Who can participate?
Women students enrolled in any Delhi-NCR or Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) based accredited university or college in India, including:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- PhD scholars
You may apply as an individual or as a team.
What comprises the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)?
Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and West Bengal
How do I benefit from this hackathon?
- Cash Prizes
- Exclusive access to Delhi Climate Innovation Week’s career development and placement sessions
- Networking opportunities with industry experts, policymakers, startupfoundersand others at Delhi Climate Innovation Week
- Access to thein-personJobs Fair to connect to climate related employers and startups on Feb 21, 2026
- Learn the basics of entrepreneurship
- All participants will get a certificate from Climate Collective Foundation
Other Benefits:
- Work on real-world clean energy problems
- Build a portfolio-ready tech project
- Gain entrepreneurial and domain expertise through the capacity building sessions
- Lead as a woman innovator in climate tech
- Help accelerate India’s clean energy transition
Can I apply without a team?
Yes, you can apply as an individual. We will match you with an appropriate team
How many students should a Team have?
Your team should have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 members.
Can I recruit more team members even if I apply to be a team?
Yes! You can recruit additional members even if you have applied as a team. Do remember, your final team can have a maximum of 4 member
I am a computer science student with little/no knowledge about clean energy access. Can I still apply?
Absolutely yes! We will help you pair with an applicant from an environmental science background to form a balanced team for you.
I am an environmental science student, but I don’t know how to code. Can I still apply?
Absolutely yes! We will help you pair with an applicant from a data science background to form a balanced team for you.
What is the timeline?
Please check (Timeline)
What is the time commitment?
- Hackathon duration: 3 weeks (Jan 12–30, 2026). Dates subject to change
- Expected involvement: 8-12 hours per week, depending on the solution
I have another question that is not answered in your FAQs, what should I do?
Feel free to write to us for any additional information at rhona@climatecollective.net