The NABARD Hackathon at Global Fintech Fest 2025 (GFF2025) is an opportunity for problem-solvers across India to turn smart ideas into working solutions for rural communities. This year’s challenge focuses on developing low-cost, easy-to-use MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) systems that can measure the impact of climate-friendly farming practices and help small farmers access benefits like carbon credits. Open to startups, tech professionals, and innovators, the event blends technology with rural needs bringing tools like AI, IoT, and remote sensing to places where they can truly change lives. The best ideas will be showcased in Mumbai, where winners will receive recognition, mentorship, and opportunities to bring their solutions to the field.
About the Program:
NABARD has been working for decades to strengthen India’s rural economy. This hackathon is a part of that mission, but with a sharper focus technology that can make climate-friendly projects easier to track and prove.
Right now, MRV systems in rural areas are either too expensive, too complicated, or not suited for low-connectivity zones. Farmers often have no easy way to record data, measure results, or show the impact of their work. As a result, they miss out on opportunities like carbon credit programs.
Through this hackathon, NABARD is asking innovators to come up with affordable prototypes that combine tech tools like remote sensing, AI, IoT devices, and mobile apps in a way that works for smallholder farmers. The expectation is simple: make it low-cost, make it practical, and make it reliable.
Who Can Participate?
If you work in tech, research, or innovation, this might be your chance. The event is open to:
- Startups founded on or after 1 January 2020
- Companies in agri-tech, rural-tech, or fintech
- Technology professionals, researchers, and individual innovators
- Teams of 1–5 members, ideally with mixed skills
- Mostly for Indian participants, but overseas applicants with India-focused solutions are also welcome
Whether you’re an early-stage founder or part of an established company, what matters most is your ability to solve the problem at hand.
Important Dates:
Registrations started: 17 July 2025
Submission deadline: 5 September 2025
Mentorship & demo rounds: 20–30 September 2025
Final pitch & awards: 7 October 2025 at Jio World Centre, Mumbai during GFF2025
Mark these dates especially the deadline because late entries won’t be considered.
Problem Statement:
Design a Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification system that can:
- Track data for agroforestry and rice-based carbon projects
- Work in rural areas, even where internet is patchy
- Integrate inputs from multiple sources satellite images, mobile devices, IoT sensors, and farmer reports
- Automate carbon credit calculations and generate easy-to-understand reports
- Stay affordable enough for long-term use by smallholder farmers
The real challenge is balancing technical efficiency with real-world usability. You can build the smartest system in the world, but if a farmer can’t use it on a basic smartphone, it won’t make a difference.
Evaluation Criteria:
The judges will consider several points before selecting winners:
1. Originality – Is the idea new and different from existing solutions?
2. Usefulness for Farmers – Can small farmers easily use it in their everyday work?
3. Ease of Operation – Is it simple to understand and run without advanced training?
4. Data Handling – Can it collect and manage data from different sources like satellites, sensors, and mobile apps?
5. Transparency – Can the data and reports be checked and verified by others?
6. Cost & Maintenance – Will it remain affordable and easy to maintain in the long run?
7. Reach – Can it work in different parts of India without major changes?
8. Support for NABARD’s Mission – Does it clearly help rural India grow in a sustainable way?
Recognition:
Winning teams won’t just walk away with cash prizes. They will also:
- Present their solutions at Global Fintech Fest 2025
- Get mentorship from experts in agriculture, technology, and finance
- Build connections with potential partners and investors
- Possibly work with NABARD or its network to pilot their solutions in the field
For many participants, the exposure and networking opportunities could be just as valuable as the prize money.
Final Word:
Opportunities like this don’t come often, especially ones that let you directly impact rural communities while showcasing your skills on a national stage. The NABARD Hackathon is not about building something that looks good on paper; it’s about building something that works in the dusty fields, the remote villages, and the small farms of India.
If you’ve ever thought about using your skills for climate action, rural development, or agricultural innovation, this is your chance to step up.
Deadline: 5 September 2025. Bring your ideas, form your team, and get ready to innovate for real change.
