
International Hackathon on Marine and Naval Engineering
International Hackathon on Marine and Naval Engineering
📅 Date: December 19–21, 2026
🌐 Mode: Online
👩💼 Convenor: Ms. Suguna B, Co-Founder & CBO, Mastering Up
Organized by: Mastering Up
1] About the Hackathon
The International Hackathon on Marine and Naval Engineering 2026 invites global innovators, engineers, researchers, and students to design sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced solutions for the marine and naval industries.
This three-day online innovation sprint focuses on real-world challenges — from ship design optimization and maritime safety to ocean sustainability and naval defense technologies. Participants will explore cutting-edge engineering concepts, simulation tools, automation systems, and green technologies shaping the future of marine transport and naval operations.
2] Problem Statements / Tracks
Below are 10 Tracks (9 thematic + 1 open innovation) that address current and emerging challenges in marine and naval engineering:
Track 1: Smart Ship Design and Optimization
Problem: Traditional ship designs consume excessive fuel and face stability issues in changing sea conditions.
Expected Solution: Develop an AI-powered simulation or software tool to optimize hull design, fuel efficiency, and hydrodynamic performance.
Track 2: Autonomous Marine Navigation Systems
Problem: Manual navigation poses risks in harsh or congested waters.
Expected Solution: Create an autonomous navigation and collision avoidance system integrating GPS, sonar, and real-time data analytics.
Track 3: Sustainable Propulsion and Energy Systems
Problem: Marine transport heavily depends on fossil fuels, increasing carbon emissions.
Expected Solution: Propose hybrid or renewable propulsion systems such as electric drives, hydrogen fuel cells, or biofuel-based engines for ships.
Track 4: Underwater Communication and Monitoring
Problem: Communication and monitoring in underwater environments are limited due to poor signal transmission.
Expected Solution: Design a robust underwater communication network using acoustic, optical, or RF hybrid technologies for naval and research applications.
Track 5: Marine Structural Health Monitoring
Problem: Ships and marine platforms face corrosion, fatigue, and stress over time, leading to costly maintenance.
Expected Solution: Develop IoT-based sensor systems or predictive maintenance software for continuous structural health monitoring.
Track 6: Naval Defense Systems Innovation
Problem: Naval operations require secure, responsive, and stealth technologies.
Expected Solution: Build simulation models or defense system prototypes focusing on radar evasion, autonomous drones, or anti-submarine systems.
Track 7: Marine Pollution Control and Waste Management
Problem: Oil spills, plastic waste, and bilge discharge threaten marine ecosystems.
Expected Solution: Develop mechanical, chemical, or biological systems to detect, collect, and recycle pollutants from marine environments efficiently.
Track 8: Port Automation and Logistics Optimization
Problem: Inefficient port logistics increase turnaround time and operational costs.
Expected Solution: Design smart port management systems leveraging AI, IoT, and robotics for automation, scheduling, and cargo tracking.
Track 9: Ocean Data Analytics and Forecasting
Problem: Lack of predictive analysis affects marine route safety, weather forecasting, and fisheries management.
Expected Solution: Create big data analytics platforms or machine learning models to forecast sea conditions, waves, and currents in real time.
Track 10: Individual Innovation – Open Marine Challenge
Problem: Open category for participants to propose an original marine or naval engineering innovation.
Expected Solution: Any creative, feasible, and impactful solution enhancing maritime efficiency, safety, or sustainability.
3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)
| Day | Activity | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – December 19, 2026 | Inauguration & Theme Briefing | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Team Networking & Mentor Interaction | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | |
| Hackathon Kickoff & Coding Begins | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM | |
| Day 2 – December 20, 2026 | Development & Progress Check-ins | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Mid-Stage Review & Feedback | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | |
| Day 3 – December 21, 2026 | Final Presentation & Submission | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Jury Evaluation & Results | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | |
| Closing Ceremony | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
4] Eligibility & Participation Rules
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Team Size: 2–4 members
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Open to: Students, researchers, professionals, and innovators globally
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Mode: Online Participation
Code of Conduct:
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Maintain originality; plagiarism will lead to disqualification.
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Respect mentors, judges, and fellow participants.
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Follow ethical and professional collaboration standards.
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All submissions must be completed before the final deadline.
5] Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Innovation & Creativity | Novelty and originality of the concept |
| Practical Application / Social Impact | Real-world relevance and environmental/social contribution |
| Technical Implementation | Design, functionality, and use of technology |
| Scalability & Feasibility | Potential for large-scale adoption or commercialization |
| Presentation Quality | Clarity, communication, and demonstration effectiveness |
6] Prizes & Recognition
🏆 Top 10 Winning Teams:
Receive USD 1000 worth of “Idea to Startup Scheme” Vouchers from SUKISH GROUP.
🚀 Top 3 Projects:
Will be shared with leading Marine and Naval Research Companies for potential Seed Funding and Collaboration, including:
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Rolls-Royce Marine
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Wärtsilä Corporation
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Naval Group
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Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
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CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (India)
🎖️ Additional Recognition:
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Certificates of Participation to all participants
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Special Innovation Awards at MU International Awards 2026 Series
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Showcase opportunity at upcoming MU International Conference
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Selected ideas to be abstracted in MU International Journal
7] Registration Section
💡 Indian Team (4 Members): ₹499
🔗 Register (Indian)
🌍 International Team (4 Members): USD 50
🔗 Register (International)
🗓 Registration Deadline: December 12, 2026
8] Contact Information
📧 Email: contact@masteringup.com
🌐 Website: www.masteringup.com/events