Participants must officially register for the Hackathon on Devpost and submit a research proposal outlining their project idea.

Submission Requirements: 

• Click the “Register for this Hackathon” button on the Hackathon Website.
• Create a Devpost account or log in with an existing account (no charge).
• Complete all required registration fields.
• On the additional information page, please upload your proposal. Proposal requirements can be seen here.
• Proposal Document Requirements: Include project title & abstract (250 words max), problem statement & significance, proposed solution & expected impact, research methodology & technical feasibility, preliminary literature review, and submit in PDF version.

The research paper and prototype of each project will be reviewed and evaluated. The finalists will be selected to enter the FutureForge Incubator.

Submission Requirements:

1. Final Research Paper (max. 15 pages): Your final research paper should provide a comprehensive academic analysis supporting the value and feasibility of your innovative product. The paper must follow a structured format and demonstrate that your solution effectively addresses a real-world problem.

Structure

1. Abstract – A concise summary of your research, including the problem, your solution, key findings, and the societal impact of your product.
2. Introduction – Define the problem your product aims to solve, explain its significance, and provide a brief overview of your proposed solution.
3. Literature Review – Present relevant research, existing technologies, and previous attempts to solve the problem. Demonstrate how your product fills a gap or improves upon current solutions.
4. Methodology – Describe the theoretical framework, experimental design, modeling, simulations, or validation methods used to support your product’s feasibility and effectiveness.
5. Results & Discussion – Analyze your findings, explain how they validate your product, and compare them with existing solutions. Address potential limitations and improvements.
6. Conclusion – Summarize key takeaways, restate your product’s impact, and discuss future development or implementation.
7. References – Cite all sources in a standardized format (APA/IEEE preferred).

2. Prototype: A working prototype must accompany your research paper to demonstrate your product’s feasibility.

The prototype can take various forms, depending on the nature of your innovation:

1. Physical Prototype – A tangible model demonstrating the product’s core functionality.
2. Software/Digital Prototype – A functional program, simulation, or algorithm that supports your research.
3. Conceptual Model/Simulation – If physical prototyping is not feasible, a well-structured CAD model, computational simulation, or detailed technical schematic can be submitted.

 Submission Requirements:

1. Demonstration Video (3–5 minutes) – Show the prototype in action, explaining key features and functionality.
2. Technical Documentation (2–5 pages) – Explain the prototype’s design, construction, and connection to the research paper.
3. Code Repository (if applicable) – Provide a link to GitHub or another hosting platform for software-related projects.

3. Business Proposal (Optional): In addition to the research paper and prototype, participants can choose to submit a comprehensive business model outlining how they plan to bring their product to market. The submission is optional but will affect the selection of finalists who can access the incubator. This submission should provide a strategic roadmap for commercialization, demonstrating the product’s market potential, competitive advantage, and sustainability.

Business Model Report (Max. 10 pages): Your report should address the following key components:  

1. Executive Summary – Provide a high-level overview of your business model, including your product, target market, and revenue potential.  
2. Problem & Market Opportunity – Clearly define the market need, current gaps in existing solutions, and how your product addresses these challenges.  
3. Value Proposition – Explain what makes your product unique and how it provides value to customers.  
4. Target Market & Customer Segments – Identify your primary audience, including key demographics, potential users, and market size analysis.  
5. Competitive Analysis – Assess existing competitors, highlighting your competitive advantage. Include a SWOT analysis if applicable.  
6. Go-To-Market Strategy – Detail your strategy for launching the product, including distribution channels, pricing strategy, and marketing approach.  
7. Revenue Model & Financial Plan – Outline how your business will generate revenue (e.g., sales, subscriptions, partnerships). Provide a basic financial forecast (costs, pricing, expected revenue).  
8. Operational Plan & Scalability – Describe the steps required to manufacture, distribute, and scale your product.  
9. Intellectual Property & Regulatory Considerations – Address patent opportunities, regulatory approvals, and compliance requirements if applicable.  
10. Future Growth & Sustainability – Discuss long-term goals, partnerships, and potential expansions. 
11. Prototype Sales Strategy Video (3–5 minutes)(Optional): Participants are encouraged to submit a short pitch video outlining their sales strategy and how they plan to introduce their product to the market.