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Participation Guidelines

Rules, regulations, and track information for ZYPH SDG Hackathon

Rules & Participation Guidelines

1Team Composition

  • • Each team must consist of 3 to 4 members
  • • Cross-disciplinary teams are allowed and encouraged
  • • Participants may come from engineering, design, healthcare, policy, law, research, arts, or any other discipline

2Registration & Platform

  • • Phase 1 submissions will be conducted through Devfolio
  • • From Phase 2 onwards, all shortlisted teams will continue through the official ZYPH workflow

3Problem Statement Selection

  • • Teams must select a problem statement during Phase 1
  • • Choose from predefined problem statements under selected SDGs, or propose your own SDG-aligned problem
  • • The selected problem statement cannot be changed after Phase 1 submission

4Originality & Ethics

  • • All submissions must be original work developed by the team
  • • Plagiarism, misuse of data, or unethical practices will result in immediate disqualification
  • • The use of AI tools is permitted, provided that usage is ethical and transparent

5Code of Conduct

  • • Participants must maintain professionalism, respect, and a collaborative spirit throughout the event
  • • Any misconduct may lead to disqualification
  • • The decision of the judges and organizing committee will be final and binding

Evaluation Phases

Phase 1 – Abstract Submission

Clarity, relevance, and team organization

• Problem & Relevance (30%)
• Societal Impact (25%)
• Approach (30%)
• Team Collaboration (15%)

Phase 2 – Planning & Design (Online)

Strategic planning and technical depth

• Roadmap & Plan (25%)
• Solution Optimization (25%)
• Technical Presentation (30%)
• Sustainability (20%)

Phase 3 – Prototype Development (Online)

Progress and functionality

• Output (40%)
• Innovation (30%)
• Verification (20%)
• Deadlines (10%)

Phase 4 – Implementation & Pitch (Offline)

Completeness and presentation

• Functionality (40%)
• Pitch & Presentation (30%)
• Alignment (20%)
• Team Work (10%)

Phase 5 – Final Submission

Integration and documentation

• Integration (35%)
• Code Quality (25%)
• Documentation (20%)
• Innovation (20%)

Idea-Centric Track

For early-stage concepts and research

  • 30%Problem Insight & SDG Alignment
  • 25%Social Impact Potential
  • 20%Innovation & Originality
  • 15%Feasibility & Scalability
  • 10%Clarity & Communication

Product-Centric Track

For build-stage solutions and prototypes

  • 30%Quality & Execution
  • 25%Technical Innovation
  • 20%Commercialization & Sustainability
  • 15%Social Value & SDG Impact
  • 10%Market Relevance

Prize Categories

Idea-Centric Track

  • • Best SDG Alignment
  • • Most Innovative Idea
  • • Highest Social Impact
  • • Best Feasibility
  • • Best Presentation

Product-Centric Track

  • • Best Design & Execution
  • • Most Technical Innovation
  • • Best Commercialization
  • • Highest SDG Impact
  • • Most Market-Relevant