NexusFest 2026 (also presented as Srinathon 3.0) is a 24-hour deep-tech and innovation sprint held on 6–7 November 2026 at Srinivas Institute of Technology, Valachil, Mangaluru, Karnataka. Organised by Nexus Clubs / Nexus-SIT, the event brings together programmers, researchers, designers and founders to solve high-stakes real-world challenges focused on artificial intelligence, zero-knowledge systems and decentralised finance.

The flagship component is Srinathon 3.0, a 24-hour hackathon. A Startup Pitching Event brought by Wrkube runs alongside it. The format is hybrid, supporting both in-person participation at the Valachil campus and a global online track. The official site promotes a prize pool of ₹50,000+ and capacity for 300+ hackers. AWS is listed as Principal Sponsor; winning teams receive exclusive AWS merchandise in addition to prizes. Participants also receive goodies.

Registration closes on 23 October 2026. Applicants use the official Google Form accessed via the “Join Hackathon / Register” buttons on the event website. Teams may choose curated problem tracks or submit an open problem statement. A detailed rulebook covering team formation, IP rights and judging criteria is available.

The campus venue offers high-speed connectivity, rest pods, catering and hardware testing facilities. It is accessible via Mangaluru Junction / Central railway stations, Mangaluru International Airport and has on-campus parking. Google Maps directions are provided on the official site.

NexusFest continues the lineage of earlier Srinathon events organised in association with student communities at SIT, positioning itself as a focused deep-tech build event in coastal Karnataka.

NexusFest 2026 offers a focused 24-hour environment for builders interested in AI, zero-knowledge proofs and decentralised finance. Participants gain access to mentoring, a competitive prize pool, AWS-related merchandise for winners, networking with fellow developers and founders, and the option of hybrid participation. The event is held on the SIT Valachil campus in Mangaluru with supporting facilities for intensive building.

Open to programmers, researchers, designers and founders. Teams may bring their own problem statements or select curated tracks. Specific eligibility criteria, age limits or team-size restrictions beyond the rulebook have not been detailed on the public pages. Refer to the official rulebook and registration form for complete guidelines.

Event Schedule


Day 1 – 08:30 AMReporting Time – Ceremony & Keynote; check-in and team assembly
Day 1 – 10:00 AMHackathon Starts – 24-hour coding sprint begins
Day 1 – 01:00 PMLunch Break – Meals & networking
Day 1 – 04:30 PMMentoring Session 1 (no points)
Day 1 – 06:00 PMTea Break
Day 1 – 09:00 PMMentoring Session 2 (carries points)
Day 2Continued hacking, judging and closing (detailed timings not specified on the public timeline)