An industry-wide, team-based HR innovation competition focused on practical, technology-enabled, business-ready solutions to real workplace challenges.

HR professionals, business leaders, technologists, analysts, and cross-functional teams interested in solving real HR problems using innovation and technology.

Yes, as per the mandated eligibility and team requirements.

It is a structured HR innovation competition focused on real-world implementation and business impact rather than pure coding or theoretical ideas.

No. Solutions must be human-led and business-driven. Technology is an enabler, not a requirement for deep coding expertise.

No. Professionals from all industries can participate.

While dedicated mentorship is not provided, structured templates, evaluation criteria, and competition guidance support teams in developing strong submissions.

Participants must be professionals aged 45 years or below at the time of nomination.

Each team must consist of 2–3 members.

Yes, organizations may nominate multiple teams.

Yes. Teams may be led by HR, Technology, Business, Operations or cross-functional combinations.

Participation is through team nominations submitted via an organization.

No. Each participant may be part of only one team.

Yes. Each team must nominate a Team Lead who will serve as the primary point of contact.

Changes may be restricted and are subject to SHRM's approval.

Yes. Each team must register with a unique team name to ensure accurate identification, evaluation, and communication throughout the competition. Duplicate or similar names may be modified by SHRM for administrative clarity.

Yes. Teams may include members from different business functions as long as eligibility criteria are met.

Organization nominations open on 16 February 2026.

Organizations must complete the official nomination form available on the microsite and provide required team and contact details.

Yes. Participation fees apply per team and vary based on the number of teams nominated.

Participation in the competition and SHRM Tech Conference passes as additional benefits.

Refunds, if applicable, will be governed by SHRM's participation Terms & Conditions available on the microsite.

Real-world HR challenges aligned with the defined AI in HR focus areas.

• Talent Acquisition
• Skilling & Development
• Performance & Productivity
• HR Leadership & Culture
• Total Rewards
• Talent Wellness

No. Solutions must be original and developed specifically for SHRM Techathon.

No. Client work, proprietary work, or previously developed solutions are not allowed.

Yes, AI may be used as a supporting tool, but the core solution must be human-led and implementable.

Organization nomination → Round One submission → Jury shortlisting → Grand Finale → Winners announcement.

Teams develop and submit solutions addressing their own nominated HR challenge.

An independent jury evaluates submissions based on structured criteria.

Top 30 teams advance to the Grand Finale.

Shortlisted teams receive a second challenge within the same focus area selected in Round One. Teams develop an implementation-ready solution within the stipulated timeframe and deliver a live executive pitch.

A 7-minute executive presentation followed by a 3-minute jury Q&A.

Teams should plan dedicated preparation time across submission, evaluation, and presentation stages.

Yes. SHRM reserves the right to modify format, timelines, or evaluation criteria.

An independent jury appointed by SHRM.

Problem framing, solution architecture, innovation & novelty, impact & metrics, feasibility & scalability, and presentation quality.

No. Internal evaluation processes and scoring methodologies remain confidential.

No. Jury decisions are final and binding.

Yes. Each organization can win in a maximum of two categories.

No. Sponsors are not permitted to serve as jury members to ensure transparency and impartial evaluation.

No. A sponsor cannot nominate teams under the specific HR category they are sponsoring.

Yes. The Title Sponsor may nominate teams under any of the six HR focus CoEs.

Yes. All solutions must be submitted using the official SHRM template.

Yes. Diagrams, prototypes, dashboards, and short videos are encouraged but optional.

Clear problem definition, practical implementation, measurable outcomes, feasibility, and business impact.

No. Practical and implementable solutions with clear architecture and feasibility are sufficient.

Trophies, certificates, and the opportunity to present at the SHRM Tech Conference.

Top 30 finalists receive special recognition at the event.

Yes. All participating teams receive Champion's Certificates.

Selected teams may be featured across SHRM platforms and relevant communications.

Each team retains ownership of their intellectual property but grants SHRM a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, and showcase submitted content for event execution, communication, promotional, educational, and other SHRM-related purposes.

Participants should avoid sharing confidential or proprietary information.

Teams will be immediately disqualified.

Yes. SHRM may verify compliance at any stage.

Yes, for non-compliance, false information, unfair practices, or violation of terms.

No. Expenses towards travel and accommodation must be borne by participating teams or their organizations.

Yes. Teams must be available for all competition stages.

SHRM may reschedule or modify the competition format, if required.

Yes, unless organizations opt out where applicable.

Through official SHRM Techathon communication channels.

To understand participant outreach sources and improve engagement.

The latest participation fee, applicable offers, and relevant contact details will be available on the official SHRM Techathon microsite.

All payments must be completed through the official payment gateway provided on the microsite.

Participation fees and offers may be updated periodically. Organizations are advised to refer to the microsite for the most current pricing.

Yes. Payment confirmation and next steps will be shared after successful transaction through the official gateway.

The designated contact number and details for payment-related support will be listed on the microsite.

Yes. Participation will be confirmed only after successful payment through the official payment gateway within the specified timelines.

Payments should be made only through the official payment gateway mentioned on the microsite, unless otherwise communicated by SHRM.