About
ANIMATE 2026 is an online Animation Hackathon using Synfig Studio (2D) and Blender (3D), organized by FOSSEE, IIT Bombay. The FOSSEE project is part of the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT) , Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
Use AI to imagine. Use Open Source to create.
AI is an Assistant — Not the Creator.
AI tools are permitted in ANIMATE 2026, but they must be used only to assist the participant's creative process. The final animation must be created and animated by the participant using the approved open-source animation software.
AI-generated content cannot replace the participant's animation work.
Approved Animation Software
- 2D Animation: Synfig Studio
- 3D / 2D Animation: Blender
FOCAL-Supported Open Source Tools
- 🎨 Inkscape — Vector artwork and assets
- 🖼️ GIMP — Image editing and textures
- 🎙️ Audacity — Audio editing
- 🎬 OpenShot — Video editing
- 🎞️ Blender Video Editor — Video editing
- 💻 Any other open-source software only
Judging Criteria
We evaluate the participant's creativity, animation skills, storytelling, and effective use of open-source software-not the quality of an AI-generated video.
Who Can Participate?
Open to creators, thinkers, and animators across all skill levels.
No Entry Fee
Participation in ANIMATE 2026 is completely free of charge.
Open to All
Students, freelancers, working professionals, and animation enthusiasts.
Solo or Teams
Participate individually or assemble a team of up to 4 members.