Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy launches CMiH 2026 to encourage students, researchers, start-ups and innovators to develop technology solutions for critical minerals.
New Delhi: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy has launched the Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 (CMiH 2026), an initiative aimed at promoting innovation and technological solutions in the critical minerals sector.
The hackathon seeks to support the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission by bringing together students, researchers, academic and R&D institutions, start-ups and innovators to address key challenges related to critical minerals.
Focus on a Secure Critical Minerals Ecosystem
According to the Ministry of Mines, CMiH 2026 will provide participants with an opportunity to showcase innovative ideas, receive expert mentorship and contribute to developing a secure and self-reliant critical minerals ecosystem in India.
Critical minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly important for sectors including renewable energy, electric vehicles, advanced electronics, defence and high-technology manufacturing.
Two Key Problem Statements
The 2026 hackathon will focus on two major technological challenges:
1. Mineral Prospectivity Mapping from Open Data
Participants will be required to develop a prospectivity heatmap for lithium or rare-earth-element (REE) pegmatites using open-source data. The results will be validated against known mineral occurrences.
2. Smart Technology and Patent Tracker for Critical Minerals
The second challenge involves developing an intuitive, web-based Smart R&D and Patent Tracking System specifically focused on critical minerals.
The proposed system is expected to help track technological developments, research activities and patents in the critical minerals ecosystem.
JNARDDC to Host the Hackathon
The hackathon will be organised and hosted by the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Mines.
JNARDDC will serve as the Organising Body and Host Institute for CMiH 2026.
Important Dates and Prize Money
The last date for submission of ideas is September 20, 2026.
The winners will be announced during India Mining Week 2026, scheduled to be held from November 15 to 17, 2026.
For each of the two problem statements, two winning teams will receive prizes:
- 🥇 First Prize: ₹1.50 lakh
- 🥈 Second Prize: ₹1.00 lakh
This means a total of four winning teams will be recognised across the two problem statements.
Opportunity for Students and Start-ups
CMiH 2026 is expected to provide an important platform for young innovators, researchers and technology-driven start-ups to work on challenges associated with India’s critical mineral security.
The initiative also aligns with India’s broader efforts to reduce dependence on overseas sources and strengthen domestic capabilities in mineral exploration, technology development, research and innovation.
How to Participate
Detailed information about the hackathon, including the problem statements, eligibility criteria, guidelines and registration process, is available on the official JNARDDC website.
Source: Ministry of Mines, Government of India / JNARDDC.
