Kolkata: The University of Engineering and Management (UEM), Kolkata, is preparing to host Hack Synthesis 3.0, a 30-hour on-site hackathon that will bring together students, developers and designers to build technology-driven solutions.
Organised by DriveBlaze, the official tech magazine of UEM Kolkata, in association with the Department of CST and CSIT, University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata, the event is scheduled for September 19 and 20, 2026, at RRR Hall, UEM Kolkata.
The third edition of Hack Synthesis will follow the theme of Open Innovation, giving participating teams the freedom to identify problems of their choice and develop solutions using technologies they consider suitable. Instead of assigning fixed problem statements, the organisers are encouraging participants to combine coding, design thinking, collaboration and rapid prototyping to turn their ideas into working projects.
Open Innovation at the Centre
Open Innovation is the central theme of Hack Synthesis 3.0. Participants can choose problems based on their own interests and explore different approaches to solving them.
The prospectus suggests several areas for project development, including Open Innovation, Sustainability & Climate, Fintech & Blockchain, Healthcare & Wellness, Smart Cities, AI & ML, Web3, IoT, Cybersecurity, Software and Hardware.
Teams are also free to explore ideas outside these suggested categories. This open-ended structure gives participants considerable flexibility in choosing both the problem they want to address and the technology they want to use.
Who Can Participate?
Hack Synthesis 3.0 is open to students, with teams comprising one to three members.
Participation is free, and the competition will be conducted entirely on-site at the UEM Kolkata campus.
The registration process was scheduled to begin on July 26, 2026, with registrations closing on August 25. The event schedule listed September 1 for result declaration, followed by the main 30-hour hackathon on September 19 and 20.
₹60,000+ Prize Pool
Hack Synthesis 3.0 carries a total prize pool of ₹60,000+.
The prize distribution is:
- Winner: ₹30,000
- Runner-up: ₹20,000
- Second Runner-up: ₹10,000
The prize pool adds a competitive element to the event, while the primary focus remains on developing and presenting technology projects within a limited period.
What Participants Need to Present
With no fixed problem statement or mandatory project template, teams are expected to develop their own ideas and explain how their solutions address a clearly identified problem.
Their presentation is expected to cover:
- Team information and project title
- Problem statement
- Proposed solution
- Technology stack
- Architecture or workflow diagram
- Unique features
- Future scope
This format requires teams to explain both what they have built and why their proposed solution is relevant to the problem they have identified.
A 30-Hour Building Challenge
Hack Synthesis 3.0 is designed as an intensive 30-hour challenge, with participants working through brainstorming, coding, design, mentoring and project development before presenting their final work.
The event will conclude with a project showcase and evaluation by a panel of experts. Teams will have to make decisions quickly as they turn their initial concepts into workable prototypes within the available time.
For students, the format provides an opportunity to work in teams, experiment with technologies and take a project from an initial idea through development and presentation.
Bringing Student Ideas to the UEM Campus
Hack Synthesis 3.0 will bring student teams together at UEM Kolkata on September 19 and 20 for two days of intensive project development.
Its Open Innovation format gives participants the freedom to define the problem they want to solve, choose their technology stack and build their own solution. Combined with a ₹60,000+ prize pool and a 30-hour development window, the event is set to create a competitive environment for students interested in software, hardware and emerging technologies.
