The Gujarat Police is preparing to host the largest hackathon in India focused on integrating CCTV technology with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance public safety. This initiative aims to mobilise innovators, startups, technology companies, developers, and researchers in the development of advanced technology solutions under the ‘Gujarat Police Innovation Challenge 2026’. The goal is to create a more effective and efficient security system throughout the state.

Guided by G S Malik, the Director General of Police in Gujarat, the challenge seeks to devise scalable AI solutions tailored for real-world policing needs. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the initiative looks to address pressing safety concerns through technological advancements.

Key Objectives of the Hackathon

One of the primary goals is to establish a comprehensive surveillance network that connects over 80,000 CCTV cameras currently managed by various government departments. These cameras utilise different vendors, technologies, and network architectures, making it crucial to develop strategies for seamless integration. The hackathon will focus on creating solutions that allow for unified surveillance across the state.

The envisioned network aims to bolster the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in monitoring incidents and responding promptly to suspicious activities. Participants will have the opportunity to work with real live camera feeds for the first time in such a competition in India, providing a practical platform to test their solutions in genuine policing scenarios.

Teams will be tasked with developing technologies capable of identifying suspicious individuals, vehicles, and activities in real-time. Key functionalities being evaluated will include automatic number plate recognition, vehicle tracking, and cross-camera searches, thus expanding the scope of traditional surveillance methods.

Structure and Prizes of the Competition

The hackathon will unfold in two phases, commencing with the Open Innovation Challenge. This first phase will feature two participant categories: one for students and small to medium-sized startups, and a second for large startups and established technology firms. The selections from this stage will advance to the second phase, the Finale, where the top six teams will showcase their developed solutions in a live environment.

To encourage innovation further, the total prize money awarded will amount to Rs 37 lakh, aimed at motivating participants to devise actionable solutions for policing and public safety concerns. The initiative is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with further information available through the official Gujarat Police portal.

Collaboration with i-Hub, DA-IICT, and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) has provided both technological and knowledge support for this ambitious initiative. These partnerships underscore a growing trend within law enforcement agencies to leverage advancements in AI and automated surveillance for improved policing efficacy.

Future Implications for Law Enforcement

As the demand for more sophisticated policing solutions continues to rise, initiatives like this hackathon will position Gujarat at the forefront of technological innovation in law enforcement. By integrating over 80,000 CCTV cameras into a single network, the project has the potential to significantly enhance surveillance capabilities throughout the state.

The development of AI-based tools in real-world policing settings will provide valuable insights and practical applications, advancing the operational efficacy of the Gujarat Police. It reflects a broader commitment to modernising policing practices and employing cutting-edge technology in ensuring public safety.

Ultimately, the hackathon represents a pivotal opportunity for collaboration between technology developers and law enforcement officials, addressing real challenges faced in the field. The outcomes of this initiative may pave the way for future implementations across the country, setting a precedent for how technology can aid in maintaining public security.

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