Sahamati Sandbox Environment Guide
Sahamati’s sandbox environment offers hackathon participants a space to integrate and test their AA protocol API implementations. AA Protocol APIs are available in the sandbox environment through the Sahamati proxy service at https://api.sandbox.sahamati.org.in/proxy/v2. To gain access to the sandbox, participants should email their details to sandbox@sahamati.org.in.
For more information on onboarding procedures and technical specifications for the proxy service, please visit the Sahamati Developer Portal at https://developer.sahamati.org.in:
- Onboarding Details:
https://developer.sahamati.org.in/sahamati-net/proxy#pre-requisites - Proxy Technical Specifications:
https://developer.sahamati.org.in/technical-specifications/proxy-api-specs
Participants can connect with the FIU/AA/FIP simulators provided within the sandbox, or connect with AA ecosystem members who have made their services accessible within the sandbox environment.
- Sahamati sandbox offers AA API simulators that enable hackathon participants to connect with and receive responses from simulated FIUs, AAs, and FIPs. For detailed information on the simulator’s capabilities and usage instructions, please visit the Sahamati Developer Portal.
- Sahamati sandbox also enables hackathon participants to connect with AA ecosystem members who have made their sandbox environments available for the hackathon. Participants can connect to these members through the Sahamati proxy service within the sandbox environment. List of participating members and their details will be shared with participants by the start date of the hackathon.
In addition to the Proxy service for AA protocol APIs, hackathon participants can also use the following services in the sandbox environment:
- Fair Use Framework: Provides access to purpose code definitions, fair use parameters (which outline the upper limits for consent attributes), and fair use policies (which set the rules for validating consent and FI requests).
- Observability: Provides dashboards that allow participants to review the details of requests and responses, including timestamps, status codes, and any error codes.
For more information on these services, please visit https://developer.sahamati.org.in
Sahamati BuildAAthon 2024 FAQs
General FAQs
- What is the Sahamati BuildAAAthon’24?
The Sahamati BuildAAthon is an Account Aggregator ecosystem Hackathon that aims to raise awareness of the RBI’s revolutionary Account Aggregator (AA) framework, empowering individuals and businesses by giving them greater control over their data. The hackathon will challenge participants to develop cutting-edge solutions around data empowerment, financial inclusion, and risk management.
- Who can participate in Sahamati BuildAAAthon’24?
The hackathon is open to developers, finance enthusiasts, startups, and organizations interested in products around AA framework. Both individuals and teams are welcome to participate.
- How do I register for the hackathon?
You can register for the hackathon by visiting the Devfolio Website Link.
- What is the theme or focus of the hackathon?
The hackathon will focus on themes related to Democratizing Insurance and Investment Advisory for Indians, Empowering Customers to Leverage their Digital Footprints, Risk Management Solutions for the Ecosystem. For a detailed overview of the themes please click here
- What are the key dates for the hackathon?
- Virtual Hackathon Kickoff: 4th October 2024
- Registration Deadline: 20th October 2024
- Masterclasses: 7th October to 20th October 2024
- Project Submission Deadline: 27th October 2024
- Winners Announced: 8th November 2024
- SamvAAd Presentation: 19th November 2024
- What should the teams submit by the end of the hackathon?
Teams are expected to submit a functional prototype of their project, along with a short explainer video that outlines their solution and its potential impact.
- Who will judge the hackathon entries?
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts, including leaders from the BFSI space, experienced Techies, and representatives from Sahamati. For a detailed judges list please click here
- What are the criteria for judging?
Projects will be judged based on the following criteria:
Common evaluation criteria:
Feasibility and Practicality: How realistic is the implementation of the solution? Can it be scaled and integrated into existing systems or ecosystems?
Technicality: How functional is the project? Does it justify the hackathon duration?
User Experience and Design: How user-centric is the solution’s design and intended experience?
Evaluation Criteria Specific to Themes:
- Democratizing Insurance and Investment Advisory for Indians
- Accessibility & Inclusion
- Empowering Customers to Leverage their Digital Footprints
- Innovation and Creativity
- Risk Management for the AA Ecosystem
- Impact for Enterprises
- What are the prizes for the winning teams?
There will be one winner under each theme.
- Is there any mentorship or support during the hackathon?
Yes, there will be masterclasses by esteemed speakers. Also dedicated “Ask me anything” sessions by subject matter experts which is planned during the hackathon period.
- How long does the hackathon last?
The hackathon will last for four weeks, during which teams will work on their projects and submit their final prototypes.
- How can I stay updated on the hackathon?
You can follow all updates about the hackathon on Sahamati’s website and social media channels. Regular updates will also be sent to registered participants via email.
- Is there a fee to participate in the hackathon?
No, participation in the Sahamati Account Aggregator Hackathon is free of charge. - Can anyone in India and outside India participate in BuildAAthon 2024?
Yes! BuildAAthon 2024 is open to participants from both India and outside India. Whether you’re based locally or internationally, you’re welcome to join and contribute to this exciting hackathon. - Is the hackathon open to both entities and individuals?
Absolutely! BuildAAthon 2024 is open to individuals, teams, startups, and organizations. Whether you’re representing a company or participating on your own, you’re invited to bring your ideas to life. - Can a single person register for BuildAAthon 2024?
Yes, individual participants are more than welcome to register. If you prefer to work solo or haven’t formed a team, you can still participate and compete in BuildAAthon 2024
Technical FAQs
- Are there any channels for hackathon participants to ask questions or hold discussions?
- We will soon be launching the Sahamati Discord server, and details will be shared with all hackathon participants. Once available, you can join the server to engage in discussions and ask questions in the dedicated hackathon channel.
- How do I get API access tokens for accessing the sandbox environment?
- See Identity & Access Management details in the Sahamati Developer Portal.
- Is there a usage limit on Sandbox?
- While there are no specific usage limits, access may be restricted if any misuse of the APIs is detected or observed.
- Where can I find details about the AA protocol APIs?
- Detailed specifications for AA protocol APIs are available on the Sahamati Technical Resources page or at https://api.rebit.org.in. Additional information about the APIs and their flows can also be found here.
- What are the purpose codes available in the sandbox environment?
- See https://sahamati.org.in/purpose-codes/ or the purpose codes are available at the ReBIT site https://api.rebit.org.in/purpose.
- Can additional purpose codes be used for hackathon solutions?
- Yes, you can request the addition of new purpose codes in the sandbox environment for your hackathon solutions. Please email your request, including details of the new purpose codes, to sandbox@sahamati.org.in. The codes will be reviewed and enabled in the sandbox simulators upon approval.
- Can I configure additional simulated responses in the Sahamati sandbox environment?
- Yes, Hackathon participants can set up mock FIU, AA or FIP within the sandbox environment and configure simulated responses for various scenarios. Request to create a mock member has to be sent via email to sandbox@sahamati.org.in.
- If I am creating an FIU app, does the Sandbox environment provide an FIU module?
- A mock FIU can be configured in the sandbox environment and used as the FIU module for FIU apps.
- Who are the AA ecosystem members I can connect with in the sandbox?
- We are in the process of inviting AA ecosystem members to participate in the hackathon. A list of these members will be published on the Sahamati Developer Portal once it is finalised.
- How can I simulate OTP Notifications?
- In the sandbox environment, simulators use generic OTPs for various scenarios. These generic OTPs will be listed on the Sahamati Developer Portal. Additionally, if hackathon participants connect with an ecosystem member, they should refer to the specific details provided in each AA’s sandbox for further information.
Sahamati BuildAAthon 2024 Schedule
| Date | Day | Webinar Topic | |
| 1 | 4th Oct 2024 | Friday | Hackathon Kick-Off |
| 2 | 7th Oct 2024 | Monday | Session on Sahamati Net |
| 3 | 8th Oct 2024 | Tuesday | Democratizing Insurance and Investment Advisory for Indians |
| 4 | 9th Oct 2024 | Wednesday | Empowering Customers to Leverage their Digital Footprints |
| 5 | 14th Oct 2024 | Friday | Empowering Customers to Leverage their Digital Footprints and Risk Management Solutions for the Ecosystem |
| 6 | 15th Oct 2024 | Monday | Risk Management Solutions for the Ecosystem |
| 7 | 16th Oct 2024 | Wednesday | Reimagining Financial Services with Accou |
| 8 | 20th Oct 2024 | Friday | Registration Closed |
| 9 | 23rd Oct 2024 | Wednesday | Meet and Greet @Sahamati Bangalore Office |
| 10 | 30th Oct 2024 | Wednesday | Final Submission of Prototype |
| 11 | 7th Nov 2024 | Thursday | Virtual Presentation by Top 5 Teams |
| 12 | 8th Nov 2024 | Thursday | Declaration of Results |
| 13 | 19th Nov 2024 | Tuesday | Top 3 Winners’ Presentation at SamvAAd 2024 |
Sahamati BuildAAthon Themes and Format
Themes:
- Democratizing Insurance and Investment Advisory for Indians
- Empowering Customers to Leverage their Digital Footprints
- Risk Management Solutions for the Ecosystem
1: Democratizing Insurance and Investment Advisory for Indians
Insurance penetration is only 4.2% of GDP, compared to the global average of 7.2%, with higher premiums and claim rejection rates. Similarly, less than 5% of the population in India access investment advisory services. Markets like the U.K. have seen improvements in insurance penetration through Open Finance initiatives. The Account Aggregator (AA) ecosystem in India presents opportunities to develop innovative financial services and foster financial inclusion in India.
This hackathon theme challenges participants to create innovative solutions that make financial services, especially insurance and advisory services, more accessible and affordable for all Indians. The focus is reducing fraud claims, enhancing process efficiency, and leveraging new technologies to democratize financial services. Participants are encouraged to develop customer experience innovations that significantly improve usability and accessibility.
- Expanding Insurance Penetration in India
- Expanding Advisory Services beyond HNIs and UHNIs
Focus Area: Accessibility & Inclusion
2: Empowering Customers to Leverage their Digital Footprints
The DPDP Act 2023 empowers customers to control and share their personal data across sectors. Through consent managers, individuals can manage their information to access services on better terms and stimulate product innovation. The Account Aggregator (AA) ecosystem is a pioneering implementation of consent managers, and the Act opens up exciting opportunities for innovation in the financial sector.
This theme focuses on leveraging the cross-sectoral potential of the AA ecosystem. We encourage participants to explore use cases allied to financial information available on the network and to explore financial applications of non-financial data, such as government records (transport, utility, land) and private data (social media, employment, e-commerce).
- Explore Unifying Synchronous and Asynchronous Data Sharing
- Expanding Data Empowerment beyond financial services
- Complementing Financial Service Delivery with Non-financial Data
Focus Area: Innovation and Creativity
3: Risk Management Solutions for the Ecosystem
Access to real-time data is critical for risk management use cases that provide actionable insights. This theme invites participants to create cutting-edge solutions built on the AA framework for fraud prevention and risk mitigation in the financial sector. The theme also encourages teams to explore privacy-preserving technologies that ensure sensitive customer data remains secure while providing meaningful analysis and insights to customers and institutions alike. Additionally, we invite teams to offer solutions that strengthen the regulatory and supervisory functions in the ecosystem.
- Risk Management Solutions
- RegTech/SupTech Solutions
- Privacy-Preserving Technology
Focus Area: Business Impact
Hackathon Format:
- Form a Team: Assemble a team of up to 5 members and register for the AA Hackathon. Each hacker must provide their individual details, but you can submit your application as a team (size 1-5).
- Registration Confirmation: After registering, teams will receive a confirmation email to start hacking
- Launch Event: Join the online kickoff on October 4th, 2024, featuring demos and sessions by industry experts.
- Hack Period:Teams will have until October 27th, 2024, to develop their projects. This hack period will be supported by online masterclasses and mentorship
- Submission Deadline: Teams will submit their project prototypes and a brief explainer video (max 5 minutes) by October 27th, 2024
- Evaluation: A panel of experts will review and evaluate all entries
- Final Presentation: The top five entries from each theme will present to the jury in the first week of November 2024.
- Winners Presentation at SamvAAd 2024: Three winning teams will present their projects at Samvaad 2024 on November 19th, in Mumbai
Sahamati BuildAAthon Code of Conduct
Applicability
This policy shall be applicable on all spaces related to Devfolio, including the following, as well as their online counterparts (if any):
- hackathons
- talks, presentations, or demos
- workshops
- parties and social events
- social media channels, etc.
In addition to participants, this Code of Conduct applies equally to all sponsors and partners of hackathons, and to all projects that are made at the hackathon.
No plagiarism or re-using of past work
We encourage you to submit original projects only prepared in the duration of the hackathon.
However, if you decide to submit projects consisting of re-used code, or re-submit a project that you have already submitted previously to any other hackathon, you are required to disclose such previous use and its extent with the submission.
If upon inspection, it is found that the project has re-used code that was not disclosed with the submission, the organiser may ask the participant to point out similarities and differences between the old and new work, and/or disqualify the submission from winning awards automatically, at the sole discretion of the organiser.
No discrimination
Hackathons hosted on Devfolio are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment and harassment-free experience for everyone. No discrimination, on the basis of the following, shall be tolerated:
- gender
- gender identity or expression
- age
- sexual orientation
- disability
- physical appearance
- body size
- race
- ethnicity
- nationality
- religion
- political views
- previous hackathon attendance or lack thereof
- computing experience or lack thereof
- chosen programming language or tech stack
No harassment
We do not tolerate harassment of or by hackathon participants in any form, including offensive discriminatory verbal comments, public display of sexual material, deliberate intimidation, stalking, wilful disruption, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual advances, and the taking of photographs and audio/video recordings without the subject’s consent.
No recording without consent
While photography and videography is encouraged, other participants must be given a reasonable chance to opt out from being photographed or videographed. If they object to the taking of their photograph or video, you are required to comply with their request
If they express their disapproval after the photo or video has been captured, you are required to delete it from your records, and in case it has been shared online, take reasonable steps to retract it from social media as well.
You are prohibited from taking photographs in contexts where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy (example – in bathrooms or where participants are sleeping etc.).
Creation of a safe space
No sponsors, partners, or participants shall use obscene or sexualised images, activities, or other material at the hackathons for any non-permitted purpose. The use of sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes, and anything that creates a sexualised environment is prohibited.
Intellectual Property
Subject to any existing third party rights already created, you will own any original developments made by you, and all rights, titles and interests in those developments, including the intellectual property rights therein. By posting your submission on Devfolio, you are granting Devfolio and its affiliates a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, distribute, display and reproduce your submission only to the extent required by us to provide services on the Devfolio platform. We will never try to steal your creations or use them exploitatively without your consent.
Always report
If you notice any violation of this Code of Conduct or find otherwise suspicious behavior or have any concerns, please contact a member of the hackathon organizing committee immediately.
We will be happy to help participants contact local security or local law enforcement, if required, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the hackathon. We value your attendance and experience.
Consequences of violations
In case any participant violates this Code of Conduct, the organizer may, at their sole discretion:
- expel them from the hackathon with no refund (if applicable),
- block their access to Devfolio resources, including its website,
- report their behaviour to local law enforcement.
Sahamati BuildAAthon Prizes
Prizes:
| Theme Name | Prize amount per theme |
| Democratizing Insurance and Investment Advisory for Indians | Rs 1,50,000 Lakhs |
| Empowering Customers to Leverage their Digital Footprints | Rs 1,50,000 Lakhs |
| Risk Management Solutions for the Ecosystem | Rs 1.50,000 Lakhs |
Note :
- There will be one winner under each theme
Sahamati BuildAAthon Speakers & Judges
Speakers
Judges
Aakarsh Naidu Head of Fintech and Startups Head of Fintech and Startups
Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)
