Plaksha University and Mphasis Conclude TrackShift Innovation Challenge 2026

Plaksha University has successfully concluded the second edition of its flagship hackathon, the TrackShift Innovation Challenge 2026. Held on the university campus, the event was organised in collaboration with Mphasis to promote and advance STEM education across India. The intensive 24-hour competition took place from September 12 to September 13, bringing together a diverse group of aspiring engineers and innovators.

The challenge attracted significant interest from the academic community, drawing over 3,600 applications from prestigious institutions, including various IITs, NITs, BITS Pilani, and numerous regional colleges. From this pool of applicants, 180 undergraduate and postgraduate students were selected to participate in the on-campus event. Notably, female students accounted for one-third of the total application volume, highlighting a strong interest in high-level technical competitions among women in technology.

Focus on Motorsport Engineering and AI

The competition was designed to test students' capabilities in artificial intelligence, advanced mobility, and intelligent systems. Participants were tasked with addressing three complex engineering problems directly derived from technical challenges encountered during the 2026 motorsport racing season. By utilizing real-world data, the organisers aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and practical industry application.

The first challenge, titled Energy and Overtake Intelligence, required teams to develop a live decision engine capable of recommending optimal energy modes during active races. The second task focused on Track Limits Detection, where students utilized advanced computer vision tools and car telemetry data to identify racing violations in real-time. Finally, the Tyre Degradation Intelligence challenge tasked participants with creating sophisticated mathematical models to filter out background noise from practice sessions, further demonstrating the practical application of data science in high-stakes environments.