In a groundbreaking event this June, 6,151 girls and young women from 23 states across India participated in WitchHunt 2026, the country’s first AI-powered hackathon designed exclusively for females. The initiative focused on empowering participants from smaller towns and villages to apply artificial intelligence to real community challenges, from healthcare to smart city innovations.
- 6,151 participants formed 1,250 teams from 23 Indian states
- Healthcare was the top focus with 275 ideas submitted
- Women made up 73% of participants, 98% aged 18-30
What happened
WitchHunt 2026 was a first-of-its-kind AI hackathon in India designed specifically for girls and young women, aiming to bring them into the country's AI conversation directly from smaller towns and rural areas. The event saw over six thousand participants form 1,250 teams, producing 373 functional AI prototypes after months of mentoring and bootcamps.
The initiative was orchestrated by the HopeWorks Foundation in partnership with AI4India and the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission. It followed a six-year mission by HopeWorks to bridge education and employment gaps for underserved girls. This hackathon allowed participants to create technology solutions that addressed issues they personally faced, such as difficulties accessing healthcare or emergency alerts.
Why it feels good
WitchHunt 2026 shone as a beacon of inclusivity by leveling the playing field: participants from remote villages had access to the same resources and expert guidance as those from top institutions. Importantly, 73% of participants were women, and nearly all were young adults aged 18 to 30, a group historically underrepresented in India's tech innovation landscape.
The focus on AI literacy combined with real-world problem solving empowered the participants to overcome fears that AI would be an additional barrier. Instead, they embraced the technology to build meaningful solutions. The high submission-to-prototype conversion rate, roughly double the usual industry average, reflects the dedication and potential unlocked through this approach.
What to enjoy or watch next
Following the success of WitchHunt 2026, the HopeWorks Foundation plans to publish a white paper detailing key insights and lessons learned from the hackathon. Many jury members are also offering internships to finalists, opening pathways toward further skill development and career opportunities in AI and technology.
The projects born out of this hackathon offer a glimpse into the future of community-led innovation, particularly in critical areas like healthcare, smart cities, education, and climate action. Watching how these young innovators continue to refine and implement their prototypes will be inspiring, as the ripple effects of empowering rural and underserved young women in AI begin to unfold across India.