NIFTEM-K Hosts India’s First AI-Food Technology Hackathon

The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K), hosted “Hack the Fork”, described as India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) and food technology hackathon. The 24-hour event began on 24 October 2026 and concluded on 25 October 2026. It was organised by France-based non-profit Hack the Fork in collaboration with the NIFTEM-K Smart Protein Project and The Good Food Institute India.

Artificial Intelligence in Food Technology

Artificial Intelligence includes computational methods that use data to perform tasks such as classification, prediction and optimisation. In food technology, AI applications can analyse production data, detect patterns in food-safety records and support product formulation. Hack the Fork invited participants to develop AI-based responses to challenges in alternative proteins, sustainable food systems and food innovation. The hackathon included themes on AI for plant-based formulation using indigenous crops, AI for bioprocessing and fermentation scale-up, and open AI solutions for supply chains, food safety and nutrition. More than 85 teams applied, and 22 teams with over 90 participants from 10 states were shortlisted. Participants included students from Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Information Technology and the University of Delhi.

Alternative Proteins and Fermentation

Alternative proteins are protein sources developed as alternatives to conventional animal-derived products. They include plant-based proteins and products made through fermentation or cell-culture processes. Plant-based formulations can use crops such as pulses, cereals and oilseeds. Fermentation uses microorganisms or their enzymes to transform raw materials into products. In food production, fermentation is used to make foods such as yoghurt, bread and fermented beverages. Bioprocess scale-up involves adapting a process from laboratory or pilot production to larger-scale manufacturing.

Food Systems and NIFTEM-K

Food systems encompass activities from food production and processing to distribution and consumption. Supply-chain management, food safety and nutrition are among the areas addressed by AI solutions in the hackathon. Food safety controls seek to prevent or reduce biological, chemical and physical hazards in food. NIFTEM-K was the sole university host for the India edition of Hack the Fork 2026, which was conducted across eight countries and 11 universities. The event offered a total cash prize pool of ₹1.5 lakh across three ranks, and each winning team received entry to NIFTEM-K’s Startup Incubation Program.

Important Facts for Exams

• NIFTEM-K is located at Kundli in Haryana.
• Hack the Fork 2026 covered AI applications in food technology and alternative proteins.
• The hackathon attracted more than 85 applicant teams, of which 22 were shortlisted for the final round.
• Fermentation uses microorganisms or enzymes to transform raw materials.

Hack the Fork 2026 took place on 24 and 25 October across 11 universities in eight countries. NIFTEM-K hosted the India edition as its sole university host.