The UIDAI Data Hackathon 2026, held in New Delhi, showcased innovative solutions for inclusive governance, attracting participation from over 5,000 teams. This event, organized by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), aimed to enhance digital identity frameworks and improve public service delivery. The hackathon received nearly 15,000 registrations, leading to a rigorous evaluation process that shortlisted 30 projects for final assessment. The winning project, from the Institute of Engineering and Management and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Kolkata, analyzed Aadhaar enrolment and biometric update patterns, offering recommendations for service improvements. UIDAI CEO Vivek Chandra Verma praised the participants for their analytical rigor and public-interest focus, highlighting the potential of such innovations to support policy enhancements. UIDAI plans to make this hackathon an annual event, expanding participation to include academia and startups, thereby fostering a diverse innovation ecosystem. This initiative underscores UIDAI's commitment to open innovation and evidence-based policymaking.