Overview

About the Hackathon

The IMiN Mining Innovation Hackathon 2026 is organised under the collaboration between IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Coal India Limited (CIL) as part of the IMiN – Centre of Excellence (CoE).

What is it?

Redefining Mining Through Innovation

This hackathon aims to bring together bright minds to solve real-world challenges in the mining sector through cutting-edge technologies such as AI/ML, IoT, Digital Twin, Robotics, and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS).

Participants will develop innovative, scalable, and industry-relevant solutions aligned with national priorities in safe, smart, and sustainable mining.

With a total prize pool of ₹9,00,000 and direct industry exposure, Miningthon is the launchpad for the next generation of mining technologists.

Organized by

Objectives

What We Aim to Achieve

Miningthon is built around three core pillars that define the future of responsible mining

Safety in Mining

Develop technologies and systems that reduce accidents, improve hazard detection, and protect the lives of miners working in challenging underground and surface environments.

Automation & Efficiency

Leverage robotics, IoT, and AI to automate repetitive and dangerous tasks, optimize equipment utilization, and increase overall operational efficiency in coal mines.

Environmental Sustainability

Create solutions that minimize the ecological footprint of mining operations — from dust suppression and water management to land reclamation and carbon reduction.

Eligibility

Who Can Participate?

Miningthon welcomes innovators from all disciplines and backgrounds

Undergraduate (UG) Students

B.Tech / B.E. students from any recognized Indian university. Mining, CS, Mechanical, Electrical, and allied branches are all welcome.

Postgraduate (PG) Students

M.Tech, M.Sc., MBA, and PhD scholars with a passion for applied research and industry problem-solving in the mining domain.

Interdisciplinary Teams (Mining, Electrical, Mechanical, Geology, Computer Science, etc.)

Working professionals under 30 years of age from the mining, energy, or technology sectors with innovative ideas to contribute.

Structure

Four-Step Journey

From idea to implementation — a structured path to the Grand Finale

Step 1

Idea Submission

Teams submit a 2-page problem statement and proposed solution. Evaluated on innovation, feasibility, and relevance to mining challenges. Top 50 teams advance.

Step 2

Screening & Shortlisting

Shortlisted teams build and refine their solutions at ISM Dhanbad with access to labs, mentors from Coal India, and technical resources.

Step 3

Prototype Development