CircuitBreak 2025 brings together twenty unique themes, each with its own problem statement that pushes participants to think sharply and build boldly. The challenge runs online for an entire month, giving students the freedom to work solo or form teams while competing in a fully open sprint where both software and hardware solutions are allowed. With no mentorship or workshops, participants rely on their creativity, discipline, and technical instincts to carry their ideas from concept to prototype. Every theme features its own judging criteria tailored to the nature of that domain, ensuring that originality, execution, and impact are evaluated in ways that fit each challenge. By the end, participants walk away with strengthened coding skills, deeper problem-solving abilities, and the experience of building something real under competitive pressure in a purely digital arena.

Requirements

What to Build
Participants create a full solution based on the problem statement of their chosen theme. This can be software, hardware, or a combination of both. Projects should move beyond raw ideas and show a working prototype, demo, or simulation that proves the concept actually functions. Teams are free to use any tools, languages, or platforms, as long as the final build clearly solves the challenge and can be demonstrated online.

Following are the 20 themes listed below.

  • Artificial Intelligence for Everyday Life
    Practical AI solutions that improve daily activities, productivity, or decision-making.

  • Smart Cities & Urban Innovation
    Technology to enhance transportation, energy management, public safety, and city planning.

  • Climate Action & Sustainability
    Digital solutions addressing climate change, renewable energy, waste reduction, and conservation.

  • Healthcare & Well-Being Tech
    Innovations for diagnosis, monitoring, mental health, accessibility, and preventive care.

  • Education Technology (EdTech)
    Tools that make learning more engaging, personalized, accessible, or affordable.

  • Internet of Things (IoT) & Smart Devices
    Connected systems for homes, industries, agriculture, or environmental monitoring.

  • Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy
    Solutions to protect data, detect threats, and promote safe digital behavior.

  • FinTech & Digital Payments
    Innovations in banking, financial inclusion, budgeting, fraud detection, or investments.

  • Assistive Technology for Inclusivity
    Tech that empowers people with disabilities or special needs.

  • AgriTech & Food Security
    Smart farming, crop monitoring, supply-chain optimization, and food waste reduction.

  • Space Technology & Exploration
    Applications inspired by satellite data, space missions, or astrophysics.

  • Gaming, AR & VR Experiences
    Interactive entertainment, simulations, training systems, or educational games.

  • Disaster Management & Emergency Response
    Early warning systems, rescue coordination, and crisis communication tools.

  • Blockchain & Web3 Applications
    Decentralized solutions for identity, transparency, and trust.

  • Transportation & Mobility Solutions
    Innovations in traffic management, EVs, public transport, and logistics.

  • AI for Social Good
    Technology that addresses social issues such as poverty, literacy, or public health.

  • E-Commerce & Retail Innovation
    Enhancing online shopping, supply chains, personalization, and customer experience.

  • Open Innovation / Build Anything
    A free theme encouraging unrestricted creativity and experimentation.

  • Data Analytics & Decision Intelligence
    Using data to generate insights, predictions, and informed decisions.

  • Future of Work & Productivity Tools
    Platforms and tools that redefine collaboration, automation, and remote work.

     

What to Submit
Participants must upload a functional prototype or demo video (5–7 minutes) showing the project in action, along with a short write-up explaining how it solves the problem statement. The submission should include all source code, relevant design files, hardware schematics (if used), and instructions for running or testing the project. Everything must be packaged clearly so judges can understand, evaluate, and verify the work without needing extra guidance.

This keeps expectations transparent and gives participants a solid runway to build with purpose.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

1 non-cash prize
Prizes
28 winners

We've got some good stuff lined up. Prize pool to be revealed after the hackthon only to the winner, more sponsors, better tools, and so much more.

Plus certificates for everyone who participates.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Arjun Pai

Praneetha Kotla

Praneetha Kotla
Lead Robotic Process Automation Developer, ERP Smartlabs

Mahendran Chinnaiah Mahendran Chinnaiah
Healthcare Applications Architect

Suresh Kumar Palus

Suresh Kumar Palus
Lead Software Engineer, Paramount Streaming

Sai Teja Erukude

Sai Teja Erukude
Data Scientist, Koch Ag & Energy Solutions

Sayaan Biswal

Nayam Desai

Judging Criteria

  • Judging Criteria – CircuitBreak 2025
    Judging Criteria: Originality, functionality, technical skill, alignment with theme, impact, clarity, UX/design. Theme-specific factors like robotics accuracy, AI performance, sustainability, gaming engagement, or blockchain security may apply.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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