International Hackathon on Neuroscience and Mental Health

<h4 data-start="198" data-end="267"><strong data-start="204" data-end="265">International Hackathon on Neuroscience and Mental Health</strong></h4> <p data-start="268" data-end="412"><strong data-start="268" data-end="278">Dates:</strong> August 8–10, 2026<br data-start="296" data-end="299" /><strong data-start="299" data-end="308">Mode:</strong> Online<br data-start="315" data-end="318" /><strong data-start="318" data-end="335">Organized by:</strong> Mastering Up<br data-start="348" data-end="351" /><strong data-start="351" data-end="364">Convenor:</strong> Ms. Suguna B – Co-Founder & CBO, Mastering Up</p> <hr data-start="414" data-end="417" /> <h5 data-start="419" data-end="449"><strong data-start="423" data-end="449">1] About the Hackathon</strong></h5> <p data-start="451" data-end="879">The <strong data-start="455" data-end="516">International Hackathon on Neuroscience and Mental Health</strong> brings together researchers, clinicians, technologists, and students to innovate solutions addressing the most pressing challenges in brain science and mental wellbeing. This 72-hour event aims to merge neuroscience research with data-driven and technology-based interventions to enhance diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and awareness of mental health issues.</p> <p data-start="881" data-end="1153">Participants will explore topics like <strong data-start="919" data-end="1036">neuroimaging, AI-driven mental health tools, neuroplasticity, brain-computer interfaces, and digital therapeutics</strong>, building prototypes and frameworks that bridge neuroscience with accessible, human-centered healthcare innovations.</p> <hr data-start="1155" data-end="1158" /> <h5 data-start="1160" data-end="1198"><strong data-start="1164" data-end="1198">2] Problem Statements / Tracks</strong></h5> <p data-start="1200" data-end="1541"><strong data-start="1200" data-end="1260">Track 1 – AI-Powered Early Detection of Mental Disorders</strong><br data-start="1260" data-end="1263" />Develop an AI or machine learning-based system for early detection of depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder through speech, text, or behavior data.<br data-start="1413" data-end="1416" /><em data-start="1416" data-end="1436">Expected Solution:</em> Predictive model or application prototype that can assess mental health risks based on multimodal input.</p> <p data-start="1543" data-end="1852"><strong data-start="1543" data-end="1603">Track 2 – Neuroimaging Data Analysis for Brain Disorders</strong><br data-start="1603" data-end="1606" />Create an algorithm that automates analysis of MRI, fMRI, or EEG data to identify biomarkers of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s or epilepsy.<br data-start="1753" data-end="1756" /><em data-start="1756" data-end="1776">Expected Solution:</em> AI-assisted neuroimaging model that enhances diagnostic accuracy and speed.</p> <p data-start="1854" data-end="2163"><strong data-start="1854" data-end="1928">Track 3 – Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCI) for Cognitive Rehabilitation</strong><br data-start="1928" data-end="1931" />Design a BCI-based tool to help restore motor or cognitive function in patients with brain injury or neurodegenerative disorders.<br data-start="2060" data-end="2063" /><em data-start="2063" data-end="2083">Expected Solution:</em> BCI prototype or software framework for rehabilitation through neural feedback.</p> <p data-start="2165" data-end="2487"><strong data-start="2165" data-end="2233">Track 4 – Digital Therapeutics for Stress and Anxiety Management</strong><br data-start="2233" data-end="2236" />Build a mobile or web-based platform offering personalized digital therapies, mindfulness exercises, or cognitive behavioral support.<br data-start="2369" data-end="2372" /><em data-start="2372" data-end="2392">Expected Solution:</em> Application integrating neuroscience-based behavior tracking and evidence-based interventions.</p> <p data-start="2489" data-end="2794"><strong data-start="2489" data-end="2552">Track 5 – Neuroeducation and Cognitive Learning Enhancement</strong><br data-start="2552" data-end="2555" />Create an educational technology that leverages neuroscience principles to improve memory, focus, or learning in students.<br data-start="2677" data-end="2680" /><em data-start="2680" data-end="2700">Expected Solution:</em> Learning app or tool incorporating brain-training modules supported by neuroscience evidence.</p> <p data-start="2796" data-end="3127"><strong data-start="2796" data-end="2857">Track 6 – Wearable Neurotech for Mental Health Monitoring</strong><br data-start="2857" data-end="2860" />Develop a wearable system that continuously monitors brain activity, stress levels, or sleep quality to provide real-time feedback and interventions.<br data-start="3009" data-end="3012" /><em data-start="3012" data-end="3032">Expected Solution:</em> Prototype integrating biosensors and data analytics for personalized mental health monitoring.</p> <p data-start="3129" data-end="3407"><strong data-start="3129" data-end="3177">Track 7 – Neurodiversity and Inclusion Tools</strong><br data-start="3177" data-end="3180" />Design a digital solution that supports individuals with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia in education or workplace environments.<br data-start="3302" data-end="3305" /><em data-start="3305" data-end="3325">Expected Solution:</em> Adaptive software or assistive interface improving accessibility and inclusivity.</p> <p data-start="3409" data-end="3704"><strong data-start="3409" data-end="3468">Track 8 – Neuroethical AI and Mental Privacy Protection</strong><br data-start="3468" data-end="3471" />Propose an ethical framework or tool to ensure privacy and responsible use of neural and psychological data in digital systems.<br data-start="3598" data-end="3601" /><em data-start="3601" data-end="3621">Expected Solution:</em> Policy-based tool, algorithm, or app emphasizing ethical data use in neuroscience.</p> <p data-start="3706" data-end="4019"><strong data-start="3706" data-end="3771">Track 9 – Mental Health Support Systems for Crisis Management</strong><br data-start="3771" data-end="3774" />Build a platform integrating real-time counseling, AI-based chatbots, or telemedicine services for suicide prevention or trauma response.<br data-start="3911" data-end="3914" /><em data-start="3914" data-end="3934">Expected Solution:</em> Digital ecosystem connecting users to verified professionals and emergency services.</p> <p data-start="4021" data-end="4358"><strong data-start="4021" data-end="4067">Track 10 – Individual Innovation Challenge</strong><br data-start="4067" data-end="4070" />Participants can propose <strong data-start="4095" data-end="4113">original ideas</strong> or projects integrating <strong data-start="4138" data-end="4190">neuroscience, brain health, and mental wellbeing</strong> using innovative technological or biological approaches.<br data-start="4247" data-end="4250" /><em data-start="4250" data-end="4270">Expected Solution:</em> Novel prototype, app, or framework contributing to brain and mental health improvement.</p> <hr data-start="4360" data-end="4363" /> <h5 data-start="4365" data-end="4402"><strong data-start="4369" data-end="4402">3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)</strong></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="4404" data-end="5132"> <thead data-start="4404" data-end="4448"> <tr data-start="4404" data-end="4448"> <th data-start="4404" data-end="4414" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4406" data-end="4413">Day</strong></th> <th data-start="4414" data-end="4429" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4416" data-end="4428">Activity</strong></th> <th data-start="4429" data-end="4448" data-col-size="md"><strong data-start="4431" data-end="4446">Description</strong></th> </tr> </thead> <tbody data-start="4496" data-end="5132"> <tr data-start="4496" data-end="4618"> <td data-start="4496" data-end="4525" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4498" data-end="4524">Day 1 – August 8, 2026</strong></td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="4525" data-end="4556"><em data-start="4527" data-end="4555">Inauguration & Orientation</em></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="4556" data-end="4618">Welcome address, track introductions, and team formations.</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4619" data-end="4726"> <td data-start="4619" data-end="4621" data-col-size="sm"></td> <td data-start="4621" data-end="4654" data-col-size="sm"><em data-start="4623" data-end="4653">Problem Selection & Ideation</em></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="4654" data-end="4726">Teams finalize problem statements and begin brainstorming solutions.</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4727" data-end="4851"> <td data-start="4727" data-end="4756" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4729" data-end="4755">Day 2 – August 9, 2026</strong></td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="4756" data-end="4785"><em data-start="4758" data-end="4784">Development & Mentorship</em></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="4785" data-end="4851">Coding, research, and prototype building with mentor guidance.</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4852" data-end="4936"> <td data-start="4852" data-end="4854" data-col-size="sm"></td> <td data-start="4854" data-end="4879" data-col-size="sm"><em data-start="4856" data-end="4878">Mid-Evaluation Round</em></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="4879" data-end="4936">Jury review of progress and feedback for improvement.</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4937" data-end="5046"> <td data-start="4937" data-end="4967" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4939" data-end="4966">Day 3 – August 10, 2026</strong></td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="4967" data-end="5004"><em data-start="4969" data-end="5003">Final Submission & Presentations</em></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="5004" data-end="5046">Teams present demos and final reports.</td> </tr> <tr data-start="5047" data-end="5132"> <td data-start="5047" data-end="5049" data-col-size="sm"></td> <td data-start="5049" data-end="5083" data-col-size="sm"><em data-start="5051" data-end="5082">Results & Valedictory Session</em></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="5083" data-end="5132">Announcement of winners and closing ceremony.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <hr data-start="5134" data-end="5137" /> <h5 data-start="5139" data-end="5183"><strong data-start="5143" data-end="5183">4] Eligibility & Participation Rules</strong></h5> <ul data-start="5185" data-end="5614"> <li data-start="5185" data-end="5215"> <p data-start="5187" data-end="5215"><strong data-start="5187" data-end="5201">Team Size:</strong> 2–4 members</p> </li> <li data-start="5216" data-end="5330"> <p data-start="5218" data-end="5330"><strong data-start="5218" data-end="5234">Eligibility:</strong> Open to students, researchers, healthcare professionals, developers, and innovators globally.</p> </li> <li data-start="5331" data-end="5356"> <p data-start="5333" data-end="5356"><strong data-start="5333" data-end="5342">Mode:</strong> 100% Online</p> </li> <li data-start="5357" data-end="5614"> <p data-start="5359" data-end="5381"><strong data-start="5359" data-end="5379">Code of Conduct:</strong></p> <ul data-start="5384" data-end="5614"> <li data-start="5384" data-end="5441"> <p data-start="5386" data-end="5441">Respect and collaborate ethically across disciplines.</p> </li> <li data-start="5444" data-end="5517"> <p data-start="5446" data-end="5517">Plagiarism or misuse of intellectual property is strictly prohibited.</p> </li> <li data-start="5520" data-end="5572"> <p data-start="5522" data-end="5572">Follow submission deadlines and event protocols.</p> </li> <li data-start="5575" data-end="5614"> <p data-start="5577" data-end="5614">Jury decisions are final and binding.</p> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <hr data-start="5616" data-end="5619" /> <h5 data-start="5621" data-end="5651"><strong data-start="5625" data-end="5651">5] Evaluation Criteria</strong></h5> <p data-start="5653" data-end="5707">Projects will be judged on the following parameters:</p> <ol data-start="5708" data-end="6130"> <li data-start="5708" data-end="5782"> <p data-start="5711" data-end="5782"><strong data-start="5711" data-end="5738">Innovation & Creativity</strong> – Novelty and originality of the concept.</p> </li> <li data-start="5783" data-end="5877"> <p data-start="5786" data-end="5877"><strong data-start="5786" data-end="5827">Practical Application / Social Impact</strong> – Relevance to global mental health challenges.</p> </li> <li data-start="5878" data-end="5970"> <p data-start="5881" data-end="5970"><strong data-start="5881" data-end="5909">Technical Implementation</strong> – Soundness of design, AI/tech integration, and usability.</p> </li> <li data-start="5971" data-end="6044"> <p data-start="5974" data-end="6044"><strong data-start="5974" data-end="6003">Scalability & Feasibility</strong> – Potential for real-world deployment.</p> </li> <li data-start="6045" data-end="6130"> <p data-start="6048" data-end="6130"><strong data-start="6048" data-end="6072">Presentation Quality</strong> – Clarity and professionalism in showcasing the solution.</p> </li> </ol> <hr data-start="6132" data-end="6135" /> <h5 data-start="6137" data-end="6168"><strong data-start="6141" data-end="6168">6] Prizes & Recognition</strong></h5> <p data-start="6170" data-end="6281">🏆 <strong data-start="6173" data-end="6198">Top 10 Ideas/Winners:</strong> USD 1000 Worth of Voucher under <strong data-start="6231" data-end="6259">“Idea to Startup Scheme”</strong> by <strong data-start="6263" data-end="6279">SUKISH GROUP</strong></p> <p data-start="6283" data-end="6419">🥇 <strong data-start="6286" data-end="6302">Top 3 Ideas:</strong> Will be shared with leading <strong data-start="6331" data-end="6376">neuroscience and healthcare organizations</strong> for <strong data-start="6381" data-end="6405">Seed Funding Support</strong>, including:</p> <ol data-start="6420" data-end="6610"> <li data-start="6420" data-end="6472"> <p data-start="6423" data-end="6472">National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, USA)</p> </li> <li data-start="6473" data-end="6534"> <p data-start="6476" data-end="6534">World Health Organization (WHO – Mental Health Division)</p> </li> <li data-start="6535" data-end="6572"> <p data-start="6538" data-end="6572">Harvard Brain Science Initiative</p> </li> <li data-start="6573" data-end="6595"> <p data-start="6576" data-end="6595">Mindstrong Health</p> </li> <li data-start="6596" data-end="6610"> <p data-start="6599" data-end="6610">Neuralink</p> </li> </ol> <p data-start="6612" data-end="6939">📜 <strong data-start="6615" data-end="6648">Certificates of Participation</strong> for all participants<br data-start="6669" data-end="6672" />🏅 <strong data-start="6675" data-end="6696">Special Category:</strong> Innovation Awards under <strong data-start="6721" data-end="6760">MU International Awards 2026 Series</strong><br data-start="6760" data-end="6763" />🌍 <strong data-start="6766" data-end="6791">Showcase Opportunity:</strong> Presentation at related <strong data-start="6816" data-end="6847">MU International Conference</strong><br data-start="6847" data-end="6850" />📖 <strong data-start="6853" data-end="6869">Publication:</strong> All selected ideas will be <strong data-start="6897" data-end="6939">abstracted in MU International Journal</strong></p> <hr data-start="6941" data-end="6944" /> <h5 data-start="6946" data-end="6977"><strong data-start="6950" data-end="6977">7] Registration Section</strong></h5> <ul data-start="6979" data-end="7218"> <li data-start="6979" data-end="7081"> <p data-start="6981" data-end="7081"><strong data-start="6981" data-end="7009">Indian Team (4 Members):</strong> ₹499<br data-start="7014" data-end="7017" />🔗 <a class="decorated-link" href="https://rzp.io/rzp/4JM7ux4N" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7022" data-end="7079">Registration Link (Indian)</a></p> </li> <li data-start="7083" data-end="7218"> <p data-start="7085" data-end="7218"><strong data-start="7085" data-end="7120">International Team (4 Members):</strong> USD 50<br data-start="7127" data-end="7130" />🔗 <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/3ZZAY2H3ZDMBS" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7135" data-end="7216">Registration Link (Foreigner)</a></p> </li> </ul> <p data-start="7220" data-end="7272">📅 <strong data-start="7223" data-end="7253">Deadline for Registration:</strong> <strong data-start="7254" data-end="7272">August 1, 2026</strong></p> <hr data-start="7274" data-end="7277" /> <h5 data-start="7279" data-end="7309"><strong data-start="7283" data-end="7309">8] Contact Information</strong></h5> <p data-start="7311" data-end="7431">📧 <strong data-start="7314" data-end="7324">Email:</strong> <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="7325" data-end="7348">contact@masteringup.com</a><br data-start="7348" data-end="7351" />🌐 <strong data-start="7354" data-end="7366">Website:</strong> <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.masteringup.com/events" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7367" data-end="7431">www.masteringup.com/events</a></p>