The Long-Term Track is a year-long product development journey aimed at building a high-efficiency product with real future market potential. Participants move through three development phases, two major review stages, final submission, and multi-field testing.
The NTLS Long-Term Track is an elite, year-long product development competition. Unlike standard hackathons, this event challenges students to design, build, and refine a product with real-world market potential. From January to December, you will evolve from an idea to a high-efficiency prototype ready for commercialization.
The final prize is awarded based on Execution Efficiency and Market Value:
The Single Winner Case: Teams achieving an efficiency of more than 90% and a high market value are eligible for the full ₹1,00,000 grand prize.
The Split Prize Case: If top teams fall below the 90% threshold, the pool is split:
1st Place: ₹50,000
2nd Place: ₹30,000
3rd Place: ₹20,000
Registration: Jan 09, 2026 – Jan 31, 2026
Development Phase 1: Feb 01 – April 30, 2026
Review 01 Window: May 01 – May 30, 2026
Development Phase 2: June 01 – July 31, 2026
Review 02 Window: August 01 – August 31, 2026
Development Phase 3: September 01 – September 30, 2026
Final Submission: October 01, 2026
Testing & Prize Processing: October – December 2026
Teams can consist of 1 to 5 members. Fees are calculated based on team size:
1 Member: ₹199
2 Members: ₹378 (₹189/person)
3 Members: ₹537 (₹179/person)
4 Members: ₹676 (₹169/person)
5 Members: ₹745 (₹149/person)
This track is uniquely refund-eligible for committed teams:
To Qualify: You must attend at least 2 reviews, show ≥50% prototype completion during reviews, and reach ≥70% completion in your final portfolio.
Refund Ratios:
70–80% Efficiency: Partial refund based on completion.
>80% Efficiency: 2/3 of your fee back (e.g., ₹189 paid ➔ ₹126 refunded).
Processing: Refunds are credited within 5–7 working days after final October verification.
Open to all School and College students (1st to 4th year).
A valid Student ID is mandatory.
Disqualification occurs if a team misses two continuous reviews or submits plagiarized "project-center" work.
Independent Projects: You own 100% of your IP.
NTLS Problem Statements: If you use an NTLS-provided statement, all materials must be surrendered post-event. Unauthorized use of NTLS materials may lead to legal action.
95% Technical: Innovation, data handling, technology stack, and output speed.
5% Presentation: Professional pitch and documentation quality.
Language: Submissions and presentations are accepted in Tamil or English.
Priority: NTLS institution projects receive primary mentorship.
Bulk Support: Colleges with ≥5 registered teams receive an extra layer of technical support and dedicated mentorship from NTLS.
Review Format: Default is Live. Video submissions are permitted only for academic clashes with 1-week advance notice.
For frequent updates, technical guidelines, and official announcements, all registered participants must join the official communication channel:
👉 Join the NTLS Innovation WhatsApp Group
Following the Final Submission on Oct 1st, products will undergo multi-field testing throughout November, culminating in the Dec 2026 Prize Distribution Ceremony.