ET AI Hackathon, presented by Accenture: Phase-1 results are out-Now the real build begins

Phase-1 of the ET AI Hackathon: Agentic Edition, presented by Accenture, has concluded. Participants put their technical expertise and problem-solving skills to the test, tackling challenges designed to assess both AI knowledge and practical application.

For the teams moving forward, the technical assessment was more than just a screening exercise. It was an opportunity to demonstrate how they approach complex AI problems, apply their knowledge and to demonstrate how they approach complex AI problems, apply their knowledge, and deliver solutions within real-world constraints.

The next phase raises the bar: teams must move from demonstrating what they know to showing what they can build.

From assessment to application

Shortlisted teams will receive real-world enterprise problem statements and develop working prototypes using agentic AI. The focus now shifts from understanding AI to applying it in ways that address practical business needs.

An effective agentic solution must do more than generate an answer. It should reason through a task, determine the required steps, use the right tools, and work toward a defined outcome. In an enterprise setting, it must also fit the workflow and clearly define where human oversight is needed.

What teams need to prove

In the build phase, teams must demonstrate not only that their solution works, but that it solves the problem effectively.

Solutions will need to balance technical execution with business relevance, viability, scalability, and the potential to create meaningful impact for the business or industry they serve. Teams must also communicate their thinking clearly as they move from prototype to practical application.

Success will require more than strong engineering. It will depend on product thinking, business understanding, and awareness of how AI systems operate in real-world environments.

The road to the national finale

The next round will determine which teams advance to the national finale, where the top 10 teams will present their solutions to Accenture leaders and industry experts.

The first test is over. Now, the real build begins.

Check the Phase-1 results to see which teams are moving forward.