2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 — Online Contest, ₹1.6L Prizes
A two-day online hackathon run by the ACM Fremont Chapter and the Soft Computing Research Society, open to students and working professionals in teams of 2–4, with a $1,750 prize pool and awards listed at up to ₹1.6L.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.6L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (12 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 is a two-day, fully online hackathon run by the ACM Fremont Chapter in the USA together with the Soft Computing Research Society, an India-based research organisation. Every part of the event — signing up, submitting an idea, mentoring sessions and the closing presentations — is handled over the internet, so teams can join from anywhere.
The prize pool for this edition stands at $1,750, with the overall award value listed at up to ₹1.6L. Cash prizes go to the top three teams:
- Winner: $1,000
- First runner-up: $500
- Second runner-up: $250
On top of the cash, every team that reaches the finals receives a Certificate of Recognition.
Participants choose their own problem to solve within one of several technology tracks, including AI for Social Good, GreenTech & Climate Action, Web 3.0 & Decentralized Applications, Future of Mobility and Cybersecurity for the future, among others.
The contest runs in two rounds. In Round 1, teams send a concept proposal as a PDF or a PPT covering the problem statement, the proposed solution, who the target users are, the technology stack and the development plan. Shortlisted teams move to Round 2, where they build a prototype and deliver a live virtual demo and pitch before the judging panel, followed by judges' questions.
Entries are scored on innovation and creativity, impact and relevance, technical implementation, user experience and how clearly the team presents. Round 1 in particular is judged on novelty, clarity, feasibility and potential impact.
Registration closes on 12 August 2026, and entries go through the official hackathon website at https://nextgen2026.thescrs.org/.
Highlights
- Two-day, fully online hackathon; registration closes 12 August 2026.
- Prize pool of $1,750 — $1,000 for the winner, $500 for the first runner-up and $250 for the second runner-up, with awards listed at up to ₹1.6L.
- Teams must have 2 to 4 members; solo entries are not accepted, while inter-college and inter-organisation teams are encouraged.
- Open to university students and working professionals from any field, with no age or educational background restrictions.
- Tracks include AI for Social Good, GreenTech & Climate Action, Web 3.0 & Decentralized Applications, Future of Mobility and Cybersecurity for the future.
- All finalists receive a Certificate of Recognition; apply at https://nextgen2026.thescrs.org/.
Who can apply
The hackathon is open to university students at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level, to working professionals, and to technology enthusiasts generally. The organisers have set no age bar and no minimum educational qualification, and applicants from engineering, design, business, sciences and every other discipline are equally welcome.
The one firm rule is that entries are team-based. Every team must have 2 to 4 members, and solo applications are not accepted. Teams that bring together people from different colleges or different organisations are allowed and are actively encouraged.
The published rules do not restrict participation by state, sector or type of organisation, so what counts is an individual's student or professional status rather than the registration of any company.
2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 — Online Contest, ₹1.6L Prizes is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for 2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 — Online Contest, ₹1.6L Prizes closed on 12 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
This is a prize competition rather than a grant scheme or an investment, so the reward is cash and recognition rather than funding for a business.
- Winner: $1,000
- First runner-up: $500
- Second runner-up: $250
The total prize pool is $1,750, and the listing values the awards at up to ₹1.6L.
Every team that reaches the final round also receives a Certificate of Recognition.
The cash awards are prize money from a contest — no equity stake is taken in a team and nothing has to be repaid.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The hackathon is decided over two rounds, and there is no offline stage at any point.
Round 1 — Idea submission. Each team files a concept proposal as a PDF or PPT. The proposal must spell out the problem statement, the solution being proposed, the target users, the technology stack and the development plan. Entries are assessed on novelty, clarity, feasibility and potential impact.
Round 2 — Prototype development and final pitch. Teams that clear the first round build their prototype and present it in a live virtual demo and pitch before the judging panel, which is followed by a Q&A session.
Across both rounds, the panel weighs innovation and creativity, impact and relevance, technical implementation, user experience (UX/UI) and the clarity of the presentation.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to 2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 — Online Contest, ₹1.6L Prizes, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 — Online Contest, ₹1.6L Prizes is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.6L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much prize money is on offer at the 2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026?
The total prize pool is $1,750, and the listing values the awards at up to ₹1.6L. The winner takes $1,000, the first runner-up receives $500 and the second runner-up gets $250. Every team that reaches the finals also receives a Certificate of Recognition.
Who is eligible to take part?
The hackathon is open to university students at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level, to working professionals and to technology enthusiasts. There is no age bar and no educational background requirement, so people from engineering, design, business, sciences and other fields can all enter.
Can I participate on my own?
No. Participation is strictly team-based, with each team made up of 2 to 4 members, so solo entries are not accepted. Teams that combine members from different colleges or different organisations are allowed and are actively encouraged.
What is the last date to register?
Registration closes on 12 August 2026. The hackathon itself is a two-day event held entirely online, and the deadline applies to signing up and submitting your idea through the official website.
Is the hackathon online or on campus?
It is completely online. Registration, idea submission, mentoring and the final presentations all take place over the internet, so teams can take part from wherever they are based.
Does the programme take equity in my idea or startup?
No. This is a prize competition, not an equity investment or a loan scheme. The cash awards are prize money, so no stake is taken in a team and nothing has to be repaid.
What themes or tracks can we build for?
Teams can pick from tracks such as AI for Social Good, GreenTech & Climate Action, Web 3.0 & Decentralized Applications, Future of Mobility and Cybersecurity for the future, among others.
What has to be submitted in the first round?
Round 1 requires a concept proposal in PDF or PPT format that covers the problem statement, the proposed solution, the target users, the technology stack and the development plan.
How are the entries judged?
Round 1 is judged on novelty, clarity, feasibility and potential impact. In the final round, the panel looks at innovation and creativity, impact and relevance, technical implementation, user experience (UX/UI) and presentation clarity, after the live demo and pitch.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
No. The published eligibility is built around being a student or a working professional and forming a team of 2 to 4 members; no company registration, DPIIT recognition or MSME status is listed as a requirement. Entries are submitted through the official hackathon website at https://nextgen2026.thescrs.org/.
How do I apply for 2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 — Online Contest, ₹1.6L Prizes?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to 2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 — Online Contest, ₹1.6L Prizes
Not sure 2nd NextGen Hackathon 2026 — Online Contest, ₹1.6L Prizes is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.