NIFTEM-K Hosts India’s First AI × Food Tech Hackathon, ‘Hack the Fork’

NIFTEM-K hosted "Hack the Fork", India's first AI × Food Tech Hackathon focused on the alternative protein industry. The 24-hour event was held on October 24-25, 2026.

Organisers
- Organised by Hack the Fork, a France-based non-profit initiative.
- Conducted in collaboration with NIFTEM-K.

Participation
- Over 85 teams applied for the hackathon.
- 25 teams were shortlisted, with 22 teams participating in the final round.
- More than 90 participants from 10 states took part.
- Teams included students and innovators from institutions such as IITs, IIITs, and the University of Delhi.

Focus Areas
Participants developed AI-driven solutions for:
- Alternative proteins and plant-based food innovation.
- Fermentation technologies.
- Nutritional optimisation.
- Food safety.
- Sustainable food production.
- Food waste reduction.

Leadership Remarks
- Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, highlighted the role of the hackathon in fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology-driven solutions for the food sector.
- He encouraged participants to develop practical solutions for a sustainable and future-ready food-processing ecosystem.

Mentorship Support
- The event was coordinated by Dr. Vimal Pant, Professor at NIFTEM-K and CEO of NTIBIF.
Mentors included:
- Chaitanya Chilukuri, GFI India
- Svarnim Samant, GFI India
- Dr. Saurabh Jain, IIIT Sonepat
- Abhishek Shukla, University of Delhi

Outcomes
- Winning teams competed for prizes worth ₹1.5 lakh.
- Participants also received opportunities to enter NIFTEM-K's Startup Incubation Programme.
- The initiative reinforced the institute's commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable food technology.