Maverick Effects AI Challenge 2026 : Gujarat Technological University

Organisation : Gujarat Technological University
Contest Name : Maverick Effects AI Challenge 2026
Applicable For : Students from AICTE/UGC approved colleges, institutes, or universities located in Gujarat
Prize : Prize Amount & Trophy
Contest Last Date : 31st July, 2026
Website : https://www.maverickeffectchallenge.com/

What is Maverick Effects AI Challenge?

The Maverick Effect AI Challenge, jointly organized by Gujarat Technological University, the Dewang Mehta Foundation Trust and Harish Mehta, aims to spark the next generation of innovation in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Students from AICTE/UGC-approved colleges, institutes, or universities in Gujarat are eligible to participate. There are no registration or participation fees. Participate and win Prize Amount & Trophy. Last date of contest is 31st July, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria of Maverick Effects AI Challenge

** Students from AICTE/UGC approved colleges, institutes, or universities located in Gujarat are eligible to participate. Participation from students of other institutions will not be accepted.
** Students can be from any part of India or abroad; however, they must be currently enrolled in a college located in Gujarat.
** This challenge is not restricted to engineering students; students from other disciplines can also participate.

How To Enter in the Maverick Effects AI Challenge?

There are no registration charges to participate in Maverick Effect AI Challenge 2026. However, the cost involved in developing the project or submission will not be reimbursed by the organizers.

Participation Guidelines:
** Participation can be individual or in teams.
** Students must select one problem statement out of the five options given on the website. Submitting responses for other problem statements will lead to rejection.
** A maximum of 5 team members are allowed in a team.
** One student can participate in only one project, either as a lead or a partner. Submitting multiple nominations will lead to rejection of all nominations.
** Participating students/teams must complete the processes and procedures available on the website to submit their nominations. Failure to do so will lead to rejection.
** College/University/Private Organization/Association or an individual or a group of professionals cannot participate in this challenge. This challenge is made exclusively for the students.
** Only online submissions are permitted. No offline submission/participation is allowed.

Prizes of Maverick Effects AI Challenge

Prize Amount & Trophy

Winner : ₹1,00,000
1st Runner’s Up : ₹90,000
2nd Runner’s Up : ₹80,000

Additional Opportunities:
** Lunch/Dinner with Shri Harish Mehta and Dignitaries from the Government, Academia and Industry Experts.
** Awards, trophies, and participation certificates.
** Letter to shortlisted teams/students for incubation and venture support from GTU Innovation Council.

Final Presentation and Judging:
** It is mandatory for the shortlisted students/teams to be available in Ahmedabad on 13th August 2026 for the final presentation.
** A panel of Jury will interview all the teams and decide the winners, who will be announced on 7th August 2026 during the Dewang Mehta IT Awards 2026.
** All team members must be present during the presentation. Failure to show up will lead to rejection.
** In case of unavoidable circumstances, if a shortlisted student/team cannot come for the presentation, they must inform the organizer by email at info@maverickeffectchallenge.com If deemed suitable by the organizers, they may be given the option to participate online, but this will be a rare condition.

Important Dates of Maverick Effects AI Challenge

** Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026
** Announcement of Short-Listed Students/Teams: August 7, 2026
** Mentoring Session & Project Presentation: August 13, 2026
** Award Announcement: August 14, 2026