International Hackathon on Zoological Research and Innovations

<h4 data-start="175" data-end="249"><strong data-start="181" data-end="247">International Hackathon on Zoological Research and Innovations</strong></h4> <p data-start="250" data-end="389">📅 <strong data-start="253" data-end="273">June 20–22, 2026</strong> | <strong data-start="276" data-end="285">Mode:</strong> Online<br data-start="292" data-end="295" /><strong data-start="295" data-end="312">Organized by:</strong> Mastering Up<br data-start="325" data-end="328" /><strong data-start="328" data-end="341">Convenor:</strong> Ms. Suguna B – Co-Founder & CBO, Mastering Up</p> <hr data-start="391" data-end="394" /> <h5 data-start="396" data-end="427">🧠 1] About the Hackathon</h5> <p data-start="428" data-end="884">The <strong data-start="432" data-end="503">International Hackathon on Zoological Research and Innovations 2026</strong> invites students, researchers, and innovators from around the world to tackle pressing challenges in animal science, biodiversity, and conservation technology.<br data-start="663" data-end="666" />This hackathon aims to bridge <strong data-start="696" data-end="743">biological sciences with digital innovation</strong>, fostering new tools and solutions that promote wildlife conservation, sustainable ecosystem management, and advanced zoological research.</p> <p data-start="886" data-end="1104">Participants will explore <strong data-start="912" data-end="982">cutting-edge applications of AI, biotechnology, and data analytics</strong> to revolutionize zoological studies and create scalable solutions for real-world environmental and animal welfare issues.</p> <hr data-start="1106" data-end="1109" /> <h5 data-start="1111" data-end="1150">🔍 2] Problem Statements / Tracks</h5> <h4 data-start="1152" data-end="1216"><strong data-start="1157" data-end="1214">1. Biodiversity Monitoring and Species Identification</strong></h4> <p data-start="1217" data-end="1499"><strong data-start="1217" data-end="1229">Problem:</strong> Tracking species diversity and distribution remains a major challenge in conservation biology.<br data-start="1324" data-end="1327" /><strong data-start="1327" data-end="1349">Expected Solution:</strong> Develop AI-driven mobile or web applications that use image recognition and data analytics to identify, map, and monitor animal species in real time.</p> <h4 data-start="1501" data-end="1546"><strong data-start="1506" data-end="1544">2. Smart Wildlife Tracking Devices</strong></h4> <p data-start="1547" data-end="1799"><strong data-start="1547" data-end="1559">Problem:</strong> Many tracking devices are costly, invasive, or limited by short battery life.<br data-start="1637" data-end="1640" /><strong data-start="1640" data-end="1662">Expected Solution:</strong> Design low-cost, energy-efficient tracking systems or biosensors for monitoring animal movements and behavior in their natural habitats.</p> <h4 data-start="1801" data-end="1863"><strong data-start="1806" data-end="1861">3. Combatting Wildlife Trafficking Using Technology</strong></h4> <p data-start="1864" data-end="2099"><strong data-start="1864" data-end="1876">Problem:</strong> Illegal wildlife trade continues to threaten many species globally.<br data-start="1944" data-end="1947" /><strong data-start="1947" data-end="1969">Expected Solution:</strong> Create a blockchain- or AI-based digital traceability system for tracking wildlife products and detecting illegal trade patterns.</p> <h4 data-start="2101" data-end="2164"><strong data-start="2106" data-end="2162">4. Disease Surveillance in Wild and Domestic Animals</strong></h4> <p data-start="2165" data-end="2402"><strong data-start="2165" data-end="2177">Problem:</strong> Emerging zoonotic diseases require early detection mechanisms.<br data-start="2240" data-end="2243" /><strong data-start="2243" data-end="2265">Expected Solution:</strong> Develop a digital platform integrating environmental, veterinary, and genetic data for predictive disease surveillance and risk mapping.</p> <h4 data-start="2404" data-end="2458"><strong data-start="2409" data-end="2456">5. Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Management</strong></h4> <p data-start="2459" data-end="2685"><strong data-start="2459" data-end="2471">Problem:</strong> Overfishing and pollution are endangering aquatic biodiversity.<br data-start="2535" data-end="2538" /><strong data-start="2538" data-end="2560">Expected Solution:</strong> Build IoT-enabled monitoring systems or AI models to track fish populations, water quality, and habitat health in real time.</p> <h4 data-start="2687" data-end="2726"><strong data-start="2692" data-end="2724">6. Animal Behavior Analytics</strong></h4> <p data-start="2727" data-end="2977"><strong data-start="2727" data-end="2739">Problem:</strong> Traditional methods for observing animal behavior are time-consuming and subjective.<br data-start="2824" data-end="2827" /><strong data-start="2827" data-end="2849">Expected Solution:</strong> Design computer vision-based software for automated behavioral analysis using video feeds from natural or captive environments.</p> <h4 data-start="2979" data-end="3036"><strong data-start="2984" data-end="3034">7. Zoo and Captive Animal Welfare Optimization</strong></h4> <p data-start="3037" data-end="3290"><strong data-start="3037" data-end="3049">Problem:</strong> Assessing and ensuring animal welfare in captivity lacks standardized digital tools.<br data-start="3134" data-end="3137" /><strong data-start="3137" data-end="3159">Expected Solution:</strong> Create a data-driven welfare assessment system that measures health, stress, and habitat enrichment indicators for zoo management.</p> <h4 data-start="3292" data-end="3350"><strong data-start="3297" data-end="3348">8. Conservation Education and Public Engagement</strong></h4> <p data-start="3351" data-end="3606"><strong data-start="3351" data-end="3363">Problem:</strong> Public awareness and participation in biodiversity conservation remain limited.<br data-start="3443" data-end="3446" /><strong data-start="3446" data-end="3468">Expected Solution:</strong> Develop gamified learning platforms, AR/VR experiences, or interactive mobile apps to engage youth and citizens in wildlife conservation.</p> <h4 data-start="3608" data-end="3669"><strong data-start="3613" data-end="3667">9. Genetic Data Management for Zoological Research</strong></h4> <p data-start="3670" data-end="3917"><strong data-start="3670" data-end="3682">Problem:</strong> Large genetic datasets from zoological studies lack efficient management systems.<br data-start="3764" data-end="3767" /><strong data-start="3767" data-end="3789">Expected Solution:</strong> Build secure bioinformatics platforms or databases to store, analyze, and visualize genomic data from different animal species.</p> <h4 data-start="3919" data-end="3988"><strong data-start="3924" data-end="3986">10. Individual Innovation Track – “Open Zoology Challenge”</strong></h4> <p data-start="3989" data-end="4147">Participants are invited to propose their <strong data-start="4031" data-end="4056">own unique innovation</strong> aligned with zoological research, wildlife conservation, or animal science applications.</p> <hr data-start="4149" data-end="4152" /> <h5 data-start="4154" data-end="4181">🗓️ 3] Event Schedule</h5> <div class="_tableContainer_1rjym_1"> <div class="group _tableWrapper_1rjym_13 flex w-fit flex-col-reverse"> <table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-start="4183" data-end="4844"> <thead data-start="4183" data-end="4227"> <tr data-start="4183" data-end="4227"> <th data-start="4183" data-end="4193" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4185" data-end="4192">Day</strong></th> <th data-start="4193" data-end="4208" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4195" data-end="4207">Activity</strong></th> <th data-start="4208" data-end="4227" data-col-size="md"><strong data-start="4210" data-end="4225">Description</strong></th> </tr> </thead> <tbody data-start="4274" data-end="4844"> <tr data-start="4274" data-end="4392"> <td data-start="4274" data-end="4296" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4276" data-end="4295">Day 1 (June 20)</strong></td> <td data-start="4296" data-end="4330" data-col-size="sm">Inauguration & Problem Briefing</td> <td data-start="4330" data-end="4392" data-col-size="md">Opening Ceremony, Keynote Talks, Problem Statements Reveal</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4393" data-end="4483"> <td data-start="4393" data-end="4395" data-col-size="sm"></td> <td data-start="4395" data-end="4430" data-col-size="sm">Team Formation & Idea Submission</td> <td data-start="4430" data-end="4483" data-col-size="md">Teams finalize ideas and submit initial proposals</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4484" data-end="4580"> <td data-start="4484" data-end="4506" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4486" data-end="4505">Day 2 (June 21)</strong></td> <td data-start="4506" data-end="4530" data-col-size="sm">Prototype Development</td> <td data-start="4530" data-end="4580" data-col-size="md">Coding, model building, and mentoring sessions</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4581" data-end="4662"> <td data-start="4581" data-end="4583" data-col-size="sm"></td> <td data-start="4583" data-end="4604" data-col-size="sm">Expert Interaction</td> <td data-start="4604" data-end="4662" data-col-size="md">Review and feedback from domain experts and zoologists</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4663" data-end="4765"> <td data-start="4663" data-end="4685" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4665" data-end="4684">Day 3 (June 22)</strong></td> <td data-start="4685" data-end="4719" data-col-size="sm">Final Presentation & Evaluation</td> <td data-start="4719" data-end="4765" data-col-size="md">Teams present final prototypes to the jury</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4766" data-end="4844"> <td data-start="4766" data-end="4768" data-col-size="sm"></td> <td data-start="4768" data-end="4800" data-col-size="sm">Valedictory & Awards Ceremony</td> <td data-start="4800" data-end="4844" data-col-size="md">Announcement of winners and recognitions</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <hr data-start="4846" data-end="4849" /> <h5 data-start="4851" data-end="4896">👥 4] Eligibility & Participation Rules</h5> <ul data-start="4897" data-end="5332"> <li data-start="4897" data-end="4927"> <p data-start="4899" data-end="4927"><strong data-start="4899" data-end="4913">Team Size:</strong> 2–4 members</p> </li> <li data-start="4928" data-end="5112"> <p data-start="4930" data-end="5112">Open to: Undergraduate, postgraduate students, researchers, and innovators from any discipline related to <strong data-start="5036" data-end="5110">Zoology, Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, or Technology.</strong></p> </li> <li data-start="5113" data-end="5332"> <p data-start="5115" data-end="5137"><strong data-start="5115" data-end="5135">Code of Conduct:</strong></p> <ul data-start="5140" data-end="5332"> <li data-start="5140" data-end="5181"> <p data-start="5142" data-end="5181">Maintain professionalism and respect.</p> </li> <li data-start="5184" data-end="5251"> <p data-start="5186" data-end="5251">Original ideas only — plagiarism will lead to disqualification.</p> </li> <li data-start="5254" data-end="5332"> <p data-start="5256" data-end="5332">Teams must submit all source files before the final presentation deadline.</p> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <hr data-start="5334" data-end="5337" /> <h5 data-start="5339" data-end="5370">🧩 5] Evaluation Criteria</h5> <ol data-start="5371" data-end="5809"> <li data-start="5371" data-end="5460"> <p data-start="5374" data-end="5460"><strong data-start="5374" data-end="5401">Innovation & Creativity</strong> – Novelty of the concept and uniqueness of the approach.</p> </li> <li data-start="5461" data-end="5555"> <p data-start="5464" data-end="5555"><strong data-start="5464" data-end="5505">Practical Application / Social Impact</strong> – Real-world usefulness and potential benefits.</p> </li> <li data-start="5556" data-end="5644"> <p data-start="5559" data-end="5644"><strong data-start="5559" data-end="5587">Technical Implementation</strong> – Functionality, design, and technological robustness.</p> </li> <li data-start="5645" data-end="5733"> <p data-start="5648" data-end="5733"><strong data-start="5648" data-end="5677">Scalability & Feasibility</strong> – Ability to scale and sustain in practical settings.</p> </li> <li data-start="5734" data-end="5809"> <p data-start="5737" data-end="5809"><strong data-start="5737" data-end="5761">Presentation Quality</strong> – Clarity, communication, and overall delivery.</p> </li> </ol> <hr data-start="5811" data-end="5814" /> <h5 data-start="5816" data-end="5848">🏆 6] Prizes & Recognition</h5> <ul data-start="5849" data-end="6609"> <li data-start="5849" data-end="5964"> <p data-start="5851" data-end="5964"><strong data-start="5851" data-end="5876">Top 10 Ideas/Winners:</strong> USD 1000 worth of voucher under the <strong data-start="5913" data-end="5941">“Idea to Startup Scheme”</strong> by <strong data-start="5945" data-end="5961">SUKISH GROUP</strong>.</p> </li> <li data-start="5965" data-end="6294"> <p data-start="5967" data-end="6087"><strong data-start="5967" data-end="5983">Top 3 Ideas:</strong> Will be shared with leading companies/research organizations for <strong data-start="6049" data-end="6073">Seed Funding Support</strong>, including:</p> <ol data-start="6090" data-end="6294"> <li data-start="6090" data-end="6120"> <p data-start="6093" data-end="6120">World Wildlife Fund (WWF)</p> </li> <li data-start="6123" data-end="6155"> <p data-start="6126" data-end="6155">National Geographic Society</p> </li> <li data-start="6158" data-end="6198"> <p data-start="6161" data-end="6198">Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)</p> </li> <li data-start="6201" data-end="6240"> <p data-start="6204" data-end="6240">Zoological Society of London (ZSL)</p> </li> <li data-start="6243" data-end="6294"> <p data-start="6246" data-end="6294">Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)</p> </li> </ol> </li> <li data-start="6296" data-end="6355"> <p data-start="6298" data-end="6355"><strong data-start="6298" data-end="6331">Certificates of Participation</strong> for all participants.</p> </li> <li data-start="6356" data-end="6457"> <p data-start="6358" data-end="6457"><strong data-start="6358" data-end="6386">Special Category Awards:</strong> Innovation Awards under the <strong data-start="6415" data-end="6455">MU International Awards 2026 Series.</strong></p> </li> <li data-start="6458" data-end="6532"> <p data-start="6460" data-end="6532"><strong data-start="6460" data-end="6484">Showcase Opportunity</strong> at relevant <strong data-start="6497" data-end="6530">MU International Conferences.</strong></p> </li> <li data-start="6533" data-end="6609"> <p data-start="6535" data-end="6609">All <strong data-start="6539" data-end="6609">selected ideas will be abstracted in the MU International Journal.</strong></p> </li> </ul> <hr data-start="6611" data-end="6614" /> <h5 data-start="6616" data-end="6648">📝 7] Registration Section</h5> <ul data-start="6650" data-end="6897"> <li data-start="6650" data-end="6754"> <p data-start="6652" data-end="6754"><strong data-start="6652" data-end="6680">Indian Team (4 Members):</strong> ₹499<br data-start="6685" data-end="6688" />🔗 <a class="decorated-link" href="https://rzp.io/rzp/4JM7ux4N" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="6693" data-end="6752">Register Here (Indian Teams)</a></p> </li> <li data-start="6756" data-end="6897"> <p data-start="6758" data-end="6897"><strong data-start="6758" data-end="6793">International Team (4 Members):</strong> USD 50<br data-start="6800" data-end="6803" />🔗 <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/3ZZAY2H3ZDMBS" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="6808" data-end="6895">Register Here (International Teams)</a></p> </li> </ul> <p data-start="6899" data-end="6947"><strong data-start="6899" data-end="6929">Deadline for Registration:</strong> <strong data-start="6930" data-end="6947">June 13, 2026</strong></p> <hr data-start="6949" data-end="6952" /> <h5 data-start="6954" data-end="6985">📩 8] Contact Information</h5> <p data-start="6986" data-end="7106">📧 <strong data-start="6989" data-end="6999">Email:</strong> <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="7000" data-end="7023">contact@masteringup.com</a><br data-start="7023" data-end="7026" />🌐 <strong data-start="7029" data-end="7041">Website:</strong> <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.masteringup.com/events" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7042" data-end="7106">www.masteringup.com/events</a></p>