IGNITE HARD(ware) 2026

Submit problems which can be solved with Engineering + Science through IGNITE — form a team, submit your solution, compete for recognition, and move approved ideas into prototype through December 2026.

See Timeline

5 – 20 Aug

Problem submissions

24 Aug – 12 Oct

Teams & solutions

14 Oct – 1 Nov

Review & awards

HARD(ware) Track Timeline

5 August – 31 December 2026 · Problems · Teams · Review · Awards · Prototype

5 – 20 Aug

Problem Submission

Submit problems which can be solved with Engineering + Science through the IGNITE portal. Submissions close 20 August.

24 Aug – 12 Oct

Team Formation & Solution Submission

Shortlisted problems go live on the platform — form a team, collaborate, and submit your solution proposal (including your pitch deck) by 12 October.

14 – 23 Oct

Initial Review

The evaluation panel reviews submitted decks against the weighted criteria.

24 – 30 Oct

Final Review

The evaluation panel reviews submitted decks against the weighted criteria. Teams may be reached out to for clarifications on scope, costs, prototype plans, or ownership.

1 Nov

Winners Declared

Award winners are announced — Best Business Impact, Most Innovative Idea, and Best Pitchdeck — and approved solutions selected to prototype are confirmed.

3 Nov – 31 Dec

Prototype Timeline

Approved solutions move into prototype development — scoped builds, PoCs, or small-scale validations with named owners and committee support.

HARD(ware) Evaluation Criteria

Four criteria, weighted for Engineering + Science solutions reviewed in October.

100%

Total weightage

Clarity of Problem Definition

25%

Technical Feasibility

35%

Affordability

25%

Team Composition

15%

Awards & Recognition

Three awards announced on 1 November — different strengths are recognized, with no single overall winner required.

Best Business Impact

The solution with the highest potential value to GPS Renewables.

Most Innovative Idea

The most creative, original solution to a business challenge.

Best Pitchdeck

The clearest, most compelling pitch deck — problem, solution, feasibility, and business case presented with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is IGNITE HARD(ware) 2026 for?

IGNITE HARD(ware) 2026 is a hackathon for problems which can be solved with Engineering + Science — where prototyping or equipment is needed to prove benefit at small scale.

How are pitch decks evaluated?

Four criteria, weighted: Clarity of Problem Definition (25%), Technical Feasibility (35%), Affordability (25%), and Team Composition (15%). Initial Review (14–23 October) and Final Review (24–30 October) are when the panel scores decks and engages with teams.

When are winners announced?

Winners are declared on 1 November 2026 — Best Business Impact, Most Innovative Idea, and Best Pitchdeck. Which solutions proceed to prototype, and at what scope, is confirmed at the same time.

What is the prototype timeline?

Prototype work kicks off from 3 November through 31 December 2026. Scope, budget gates, and business owners are set at final review — the focus is proving benefit at a small scale before wider rollout.

Contact Us

Questions about IGNITE HARD(ware) 2026?

Pitch decks, review scheduling, prototype scope, or platform access — reach out and the team will get back to you.

gps-ignite-core@gpsrenewables.com

Deck help & HARD(ware) program queries

Building a solution with Engineering + Science for IGNITE?

IGNITE HARD(ware) 2026