About the Forensic Hackathon
The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) is dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and education in forensic sciences and allied disciplines. With its unwavering commitment to fostering indigenous technology and aligning with the vision of the ‘Make in India’ mission, NFSU plays an important role in promoting cutting-edge research and development.
The university fosters innovation by connecting diverse sectors and creating solutions that align with India’s evolving forensic and technological needs.
In line with this vision and India’s growing position as a global hub for innovation, NFSU is excited to announce the Forensic Hackathon scheduled for March 21, 2025. India has the 3rd largest start-up ecosystem in the world, with around 20,000 start-ups, 4,750 of which are technology-led.
This impressive status is bolstered by a range of government initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission, PM Research Fellowships, Start-up India Abhiyaan, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and the SAMRIDHI scheme, which play a crucial role in positioning India at the forefront of innovation.
This event aims to catalyse positive transformations in crime investigation practices by promoting competition and collaboration among key stakeholders, including Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories, academic institutions, and industries engaged in forensic tool analysis and manufacturing.
By uniting these diverse participants, the Forensic Hackathon aspires to generate innovative solutions and enhance the effectiveness of forensic science in tackling contemporary challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and enhancing the criminal justice system.
Objectives of the Forensic Hackathon
- To understand the real-time challenges faced by forensic experts and law enforcement agencies in the context of the new criminal laws and technological advancements during scientific investigations of crimes
- To develop next-generation methodologies and products that leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance crime investigation processes.
- To connect, create partnerships and identify technology-driven companies and start-ups interested in manufacturing advanced tools and technologies for forensic investigation to create innovative solutions.
- To inspire and engage students in competitive spirit to showcase their innovative ideas into practical, indigenous tools for criminal investigations that aligns with the latest technological trends and new legal requirements.
Major Themes
Forensic Biological Sciences
- On the spot identification of source of biological fluids (saliva, semen, urine etc.)
- Exact age estimation of a person.
- Development of kits for age estimation of biological fluids for forensic application.
- Development of X-STR/Y-STR/Autosomal Kits indigenously.
- Portable DNA Analysis Devices.
- Development of cost effective and reliable instruments particularly for crime against women.
- Development of Forensic Microbial Profiling for Body Fluid Identification.
- DNA methylation analysis device for individual identification.
- Identifying Multiple Individuals from Mixed DNA Samples.
- Metagenomic Profiling for Environmental Forensics.
Forensic Chemical Sciences
- Methods for detection of metabolites of drugs (including spurious drugs/ date rape drugs/ club drugs) and poisons of forensic concerns
- Detection strategies for Arson residues and accelerant identification
- Rapid tests for detection of explosive residues from explosive scenes, warfare, terrorism activities, etc.
- Novel methods for detection of adulterants and contaminants from medicines and food commodities.
- Cyber-toxicology integrative strategies for countering mass poisoning cases
- Methods for detection of Poisons and contaminants of emerging concerns from biological fluids/environment
- Kits for rapid identification of animal/plant poisons from environment/ biological fluids
- Development of android based image processing mobile application for determination of geographic origin of drugs of abuse based on intermediate reaction reagents & adulterants residues.
Forensic Electronics
- Development of mobile phones event log analysis tool
- Tool to identify the second party IP address in the WhatsApp call using IPDR analysis
- Tool Geo identification of SIM card in VoIP calls and messages
- Tool CCTV image enhancement using AIML technology
- Tools for the Identification of deepfake images and videos
- Capturing and data retrieval from rouge drones
- Development of software for recovery of overwritten/deleted files from CCTV/DVR/ Hard Disk.
- Computerized approach for decrypting data from encrypted disk partition.
Forensic Psychology
- Neuro-Psycho-Behavioral profiling of criminals Assessment of criminal behavior and its future predictability.
- Police/Army Psychology: Recruitment, their stress management and intervention.
- Rehabilitation modules for Juveniles.
- Prison Psychology: Development of Counseling, intervention, coping skills and improving subjective well-being training and rehabilitation program for prisoners/Jailor/relatives of prisoners.
- Psychological Challenges in Schools/Colleges: For prediction of violent behavior among students, suicidal tendencies, bullying in children.
- Challenges for NGOs: Counselling and to develop rehabilitative modules for victims of domestic violence and rape, child rights, child custody, divorce cases etc.
The proposed forensic technology should be indigenously developed, which could be effectively used in the field of forensic science and must be in connection with the new criminal laws. However, more emphasis will be given to those technologies which gives advanced information that is not available currently. These cutting-edged-indigenously developed ‘Make In India’ proposals will be thoroughly vetted to ensure that they become accepted by leaders in the concerned field.
Who can Participate?
- Students from all over India.
- Professionals (Forensic Scientists, Technocrats, Police, Judiciary, Potential Entrepreneurs) based in India
Team Composition
- Maximum 2-3 members in a team.
- The team of ‘students’ should include at-least one currently enrolled student in an educational institution of India.
- The team of ‘professionals’ should include at-least one currently employed or associated person with any governmental or private organisation based in India.
- There can be a team comprised of both student(s) and professional(s) but one of them should be a currently enrolled student or a currently employed professional.
Registration Fee
PER TEAM ₹ 1,000 /-
Registration Fees Includes
- Welcome kit.
- Free participation in all sessions, coffee breaks and working lunch during the conference event.
Important Dates
- Last Date for Registration: March 15, 2025
- Last Date for Submission of Proposal: March 10, 2025
- Acceptance of Proposal: March 12, 2025
- Presentation of Proposal: March 21, 2025
- Declaration of result: March 22, 2025
Funding
- Seed money to 1st Spot winner: Rs. 2,00,000 /-
- Seed money to 2nd Spot winner: Rs. 1,00,000 /-
Venue
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Contact
Email: aifsc@nfsu.ac.in
Click here to register.
Click here for more information.
