LexTech, NLU Odisha Invites Participation In Paper Presentation Competition (Lexathon 2026)

About LexTech

LexTech: Centre for Law, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation is a research centre dedicated to exploring the intersections of law and emerging technologies. With a focus on FinTech, AI, TMT, Online Gaming & Betting Laws, and Data Privacy, LexTech promotes interdisciplinary research, capacity building, and responsible tech adoption.

To give you a brief overview of our events so far, please find our “Unwrapped - The Annual Round up 2025” here.

The First Edition of Lexathon

Our previous edition, Lexathon 2025, was a two-day national conclave featuring an Ideathon, Startup Pitch Competition, Paper Presentation Competition, and a high-impact panel discussion on the DPDP Rules. The event was supported by our esteemed collaborators Saraf & Partners, The Dialogue, LiveLaw, Manupatra, and State Bank of India. Lexathon witnessed wide student participation and meaningful engagement with industry experts, academicians, and practitioners, reinforcing our commitment to advancing discourse on technology law and policy.

About Lexathon 2026

Lexathon is a first-of-its-kind tech-law conclave, designed to bring together lawyers, policymakers, industry experts, and students to explore the legal and regulatory challenges of emerging technologies. The conclave features competitions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to foster a deeper understanding of FinTech, AI, Data Privacy, Online Gaming, and Tech Regulation.

About the Paper Presentation Competition

The Paper Presentation Competition at Lexathon 2026 invites students to engage in cutting-edge legal research under the theme 'Law, Technology and Governance in the Digital Era'. Participants are encouraged to explore the sub-themes as detailed in the brochure attached. Please note that the sub-themes are merely suggestive, and participants are encouraged to explore novel ideas under the broad theme.

Eligibility & Team Composition

• Open to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law students, including those enrolled in integrated law programs, from recognized universities.
• Participation is permitted individually or in teams of two (cross-institutional teams allowed).
• No limit on the number of teams registering from a single institution.

Competition Format

The competition shall be conducted in three stages.

• In the submission round, participants are required to submit a research paper of approximately 3000 words.
• All submissions will then be evaluated, following which the top eight papers will be selected for the presentation round.
• The presentation round will be held offline at the NLU Odisha campus on 7th March, 2026. The selected teams will present their papers before a panel of 3 judges from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.

Awards & Benefits

• Winner: ₹15,000 + Internship Opportunity at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

• First Runner-Up: ₹10,000
• Second Runner-Up: ₹5,000

Registration Fees

• Single Author - Rs. 400
• Co-authors - Rs. 700

Important Dates

• Registration Opens: 24th January, 2026
• Registration Closes: 5th February, 2026
• Submission of Papers: 12th February, 2026
• Release of Top 8 Papers: 24th February, 2026
• Paper Presentation: 7th March, 2026

Why Participate?

The Paper Presentation Competition offers students a unique opportunity to present original research, gain recognition from leading experts, and secure an internship at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. As part of Lexathon 2026, participants will also have access to panel discussions and networking sessions with legal-tech leaders, making this event an invaluable learning and career-building opportunity.

For more details: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1F_Q1lr8N-i6b8rvzsFug7ugJnmOEtDA1?usp=sharing

For Registration form: https://forms.gle/BPTP3Cakvpf4aRxu9

For any queries, please feel free to reach out to us at lextech@nluo.ac.in.