Forge 2026: Microsoft Learning Resources & Hackathon
Build, Skill, and Elevate with Azure, AI, and Copilot. Join PES University's premier Microsoft hackathon and explore curated learning resources.
📅 Date: February 14, 2026
📍 Venue: PES University, Electronic City Campus
About The Event
Forge 2026 isn't just a hackathon; it's a launchpad. Whether you're a pro developer or just opened your first VS Code window, we have a track for you. We are moving beyond simple chatbots into the era of Agentic AI, Cloud Scale, and Digital Security.
Special Track: The Copilot Skilling Challenge
Designed for beginners to get certified while they build.
The Mission
Complete the "Optimize processes with Microsoft 365 Copilot" learning path during the hackathon.
The Reward
Earn a Microsoft Applied Skills Credential immediately.
The Requirement
To qualify for final judging, at least one member per team must show their completion badge.
Bonus
Teams where all members complete the plan unlock "Priority Mentorship" from our Microsoft experts.
Technical Tracks
Track 1: Build with AI & Copilot
"Don't just use AI—shape it."
Focus
Move beyond simple chatbots. Build Agentic AI, extensions for Microsoft 365 Copilot, or intelligent developer tools.
Tech Stack
Project Ideas
- •
The "Campus Concierge": A Copilot agent that answers university policy questions and books classrooms.
- •
"Code-Explain" Plugin: A VS Code extension that uses AI to explain complex codebases to junior developers in plain English.
- •
Inclusive Reader: An AI tool that simplifies complex academic text for students with learning disabilities.
Track 2: Build on Azure Cloud
"If it doesn't scale, it fails."
Focus
For the architects. Build cloud-native applications, FinTech solutions, or tools that automate infrastructure. Solve for scale, security, and reliability.
Tech Stack
Project Ideas
- •
Micro-Payment Market: A secure platform for students to buy/sell notes with real-time transaction handling.
- •
Event Scale-Up: A ticketing system designed to handle 5,000 concurrent requests without crashing.
- •
Smart Expense Tracker: A cloud app using Azure AI Vision to scan receipts and log expenses to a database.
Track 3: Build Secure & Modern Apps
"Security isn't a feature; it's the foundation."
Focus
For the hardcore engineers. Focus on Cybersecurity, Identity, and Developer Experience. Build the "shield" that protects users or the "hammer" developers use to build.
Tech Stack
Project Ideas
- •
Verifiable Credentials Vault: An Entra ID app for securely storing digital academic certificates.
- •
The "Linter" of Truth: A VS Code extension that scans code in real-time for security vulnerabilities before you commit.
- •
Anti-Phish Guard: A Windows desktop tool that analyzes network traffic to block suspicious domains.
Hackathon Rules
- 1
Team Size
3–4 members.
- 2
Originality
All code must be written between February 9th and February 14th, 2026.
- 3
Skilling Requirement
Every team must have completed the Copilot Skilling Plan to earn 20 points.
- 4
Submission
Projects must be pushed to a public GitHub repository with a README and a 10-slide presentation.
- 5
Code of Conduct
Collaborate, don't just compete. Respect the community guidelines.
Event Timeline
| Time | Activity | Logistics Note |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 – 11:00 | Inauguration | Medical SEMINAR HALL Main Stage. |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Final Touches | Teams polish code/slides. Mentors circulate. |
| 12:30 – 01:30 | Lunch Break | – |
| 01:30 – 03:00 | Round 1: The Qualifier | Split Rooms: • Panel A: Teams 1–13 (Classroom 1) • Panel B: Teams 14–25 (Classroom 2) (7 mins per team) |
| 03:00 – 03:15 | Selection Break | Judges submit scores. Top 10 list finalized. |
| 03:15 – 04:15 | Round 2: Grand Finale | Main Auditorium: Top 10 Teams Present. (3 mins pitch + 1 min transition) |
| 04:15 – 04:45 | Jury Deliberation / Filler | Audience Quiz |
| 04:45 – 05:30 | Awards Ceremony | Winners Announced. Photo Op. Event Close. |
Inauguration
Medical SEMINAR HALL Main Stage.
Final Touches
Teams polish code/slides. Mentors circulate.
Lunch Break
–
Round 1: The Qualifier
Split Rooms: • Panel A: Teams 1–13 (Classroom 1) • Panel B: Teams 14–25 (Classroom 2) (7 mins per team)
Selection Break
Judges submit scores. Top 10 list finalized.
Round 2: Grand Finale
Main Auditorium: Top 10 Teams Present. (3 mins pitch + 1 min transition)
Jury Deliberation / Filler
Audience Quiz
Awards Ceremony
Winners Announced. Photo Op. Event Close.
Evaluation Metrics
Round 1
| Criteria | Max Points | What Judges Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Technical Complexity | 20 | • Did they use Microsoft Tech (Azure/Copilot)? • Is the code clean/structured? |
| 2. Functionality (The Demo) | 15 | • Does it actually work? (Zero points if it crashes). • Is the UI usable? |
| 3. Innovation | 15 | • Is the idea unique? • Does it solve a real problem (not just a "ToDo list" app)? |
| TOTAL (ROUND 1) | 50 | Top 5 from each panel move to Round 2. |
1. Technical Complexity
20• Did they use Microsoft Tech (Azure/Copilot)? • Is the code clean/structured?
2. Functionality (The Demo)
15• Does it actually work? (Zero points if it crashes). • Is the UI usable?
3. Innovation
15• Is the idea unique? • Does it solve a real problem (not just a "ToDo list" app)?
TOTAL (ROUND 1)
50Top 5 from each panel move to Round 2.
Round 2
| Criteria | Max Points | What Judges Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Presentation Quality | 20 | • Clarity: Did they explain the "Why" clearly? • Time Management: Did they finish in 3 Minutes? • Confidence: Did they own the stage? |
| 2. Business/Social Impact | 15 | • Is this solution viable in the real world? • Scalability: Can it handle users? |
| 3. Q&A Defense | 15 | • Can the team answer tough questions from the jury? • Did everyone understand the project, or just one leader? |
| TOTAL (ROUND 2) | 50 | Added to Round 1 Score. |
1. Presentation Quality
20• Clarity: Did they explain the "Why" clearly? • Time Management: Did they finish in 3 Minutes? • Confidence: Did they own the stage?
2. Business/Social Impact
15• Is this solution viable in the real world? • Scalability: Can it handle users?
3. Q&A Defense
15• Can the team answer tough questions from the jury? • Did everyone understand the project, or just one leader?
TOTAL (ROUND 2)
50Added to Round 1 Score.
Final Leaderboard Calculation
| Bonus Category | Points | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Copilot Skilling Champion | +20 | Team showed verified badges. |
| Azure Power User | +10 | Used 2+ Azure Services (e.g., AI + Database). |
| Deployment Hero | +5 | Project is actually live on the web (not just localhost). |
Copilot Skilling Champion
+20Team showed verified badges.
Azure Power User
+10Used 2+ Azure Services (e.g., AI + Database).
Deployment Hero
+5Project is actually live on the web (not just localhost).
Required Developer Tools
Visual Studio Code
(Required)
The essential code editor for all tracks.
GitHub Copilot
(Recommended)
AI-powered code suggestions to accelerate your development.
Microsoft Teams Toolkit
(For Track 1)
Build Microsoft Teams apps and Copilot extensions.
Azure CLI
(For Tracks 2 & 3)
Manage Azure resources from the command line.
Microsoft Learning Resources & Documentation
Featured Resources
Azure
Azure Overview
Core Azure services, regions, and cloud concepts.
Azure Developer Portal
Resources and guidance for building apps on Azure.
App Service
Host and scale web apps and APIs.
Azure Arc
Manage hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Azure Functions
Run event-driven serverless code.
AKS
Managed Kubernetes service on Azure.
Operator Insights
Analytics for telecom network operations.
Azure Quantum
Quantum computing and optimization services.
Virtual Desktop
Deliver secure remote desktops and apps.
Virtual Machines
Provision and manage virtual machines.
Students
Developers
Azure Python SDK
Use Azure services with Python SDKs.
Azure JavaScript SDK
Build Azure apps using JavaScript and Node.js.
Azure Go SDK
Azure development resources for Go.
Azure C++ SDK
Azure SDKs and tools for C++ developers.
Azure REST APIs
Programmatic access to Azure services.
Azure Go Developer Hub
Manage Azure resources via PowerShell.
Azure PowerShell
AI assistant across Microsoft products.
Data
Security
AI
Copilot
Microsoft Copilot
AI assistance inside Microsoft 365 apps.
Copilot for Microsoft 365
Videos and demos for Copilot features.
Copilot for Dynamics 365
Learn to build autonomous AI agents.
Copilot for Sales
Azure AI Fundamentals certification.
Copilot for Power Platform
Learning and resources for students.
Copilot Power Platform Learning Path
Live events and developer learning.
Power Virtual Agents Path
Copilot for Fabric
GitHub Copilot Docs
Prompt Engineering for M365
Copilot Studio
Enterprise
Startups
Awards & Prizes
| Award Category | Target | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| WINNER • Grand Winner | Overall Top Team | 1 Team |
| RUNNER-UP • 1st Runner-Up | Overall 2nd Place | 1 Team |
| RUNNER-UP • 2nd Runner-Up | Overall 3rd Place | 1 Team |
| TRACK 1 • Best AI Solution | Top Team in Track 1 | 1 Team |
| TRACK 2 • Best Cloud Build | Top Team in Track 2 | 1 Team |
| TRACK 3 • Best Security App | Top Team in Track 3 | 1 Team |
| SPECIAL • Quiz Champion | Trivia Winner | 1 Team |
| ALL • Participants | All other submissions | ALL |
WINNER • Grand Winner
1 TeamOverall Top Team
RUNNER-UP • 1st Runner-Up
1 TeamOverall 2nd Place
RUNNER-UP • 2nd Runner-Up
1 TeamOverall 3rd Place
TRACK 1 • Best AI Solution
1 TeamTop Team in Track 1
TRACK 2 • Best Cloud Build
1 TeamTop Team in Track 2
TRACK 3 • Best Security App
1 TeamTop Team in Track 3
SPECIAL • Quiz Champion
1 TeamTrivia Winner
ALL • Participants
ALLAll other submissions
Need Help Finding a Team or Mentorship?
Connect & Collaborate
Join our community for team formation and mentorship
Team Formation
- •
Find teammates with complementary skills
- •
Join existing teams looking for members
- •
Network with other passionate developers
Mentorship
- •
Get guidance from MLSA club members
- •
Technical support during development
- •
Best practices and project direction
Contact our club members via WhatsApp group for team formation and mentorship opportunities.
Join WhatsApp for Team & MentorshipReady to Forge Your Future?
Registration opens soon. Join our WhatsApp community to stay updated and connect with fellow participants.
Terms & Conditions
1. Eligibility
Forge 2026 is open to all students currently enrolled in any university or college. Participants must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent.
2. Intellectual Property
All projects created during the hackathon remain the intellectual property of the team members. However, by participating, teams grant MLSA PES University the right to showcase their projects for promotional purposes.
3. Code of Conduct
All participants must adhere to the MLSA Code of Conduct. Harassment, discrimination, or any form of misconduct will result in immediate disqualification.
4. Judging Criteria
Projects will be judged based on innovation, technical complexity, design, potential impact, and completion of the Copilot Skilling Challenge. The judges' decision is final.
5. Liability
MLSA PES University and Microsoft are not liable for any damages, losses, or injuries that may occur during the event. Participants are responsible for their own equipment and belongings.
6. Changes to Event
The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the event schedule, rules, or format as necessary. Participants will be notified of any significant changes.
7. Privacy
Participant data will be collected and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By registering, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information.
8. Acceptance of Terms
By registering for Forge 2026, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.