ACE Design Sprint
An offline designathon in Delhi for college students to showcase their creativity and innovation, with cash prizes for top designs.
- Funding amount
- ₹8,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- 13 Jan 2027
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The ACE Design Sprint is a designathon hosted by Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS), Delhi. It brings together students from across colleges for a time-bound offline competition focused on creativity and innovation. Participants can enter individually or in teams of up to two members, and they are free to choose their own design tools. The theme is "Open Idea," meaning you can work on any design you like. Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and presentation, and participants must bring their own laptops. The event takes place on October 30, 2025, and registration is mandatory by January 13, 2027. A registration fee applies: ₹150 per team or ₹100 for solo participants. Cash prizes and certificates are awarded to the top two teams, with strict rules against plagiarism and pre-made templates.
Highlights
- ₹5,000 1st place prize
- Open to all college students
- Offline designathon in Delhi
- Certificates for winners
Who can apply
Open to students from all colleges. Participants can compete individually or in teams of 1–2 members. Registration is mandatory before the deadline.
ACE Design Sprint 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
Applications for ACE Design Sprint are open and the current deadline is 13 Jan 2027. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
- Cash prize of ₹5,000 for 1st place.
- Cash prize of ₹3,000 for 2nd place.
- Certificates provided to winners.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ACE Design Sprint, 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
ACE Design Sprint is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹8,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The top prize is ₹5,000 for 1st place and ₹3,000 for 2nd place. Certificates are also awarded.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for registration is January 13, 2027.
Who is eligible to apply?
The competition is open to students from all colleges. You can participate individually or in a team of up to two members.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, the registration fee is ₹150 per team or ₹100 for solo participants.
What design tools can I use?
You can use any design tools you prefer, such as Figma, Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator. You must bring your own laptop.
What is the theme for the designathon?
The theme is "Open Idea," so you are free to design anything you like.
When and where does the event take place?
The ACE Design Sprint is an offline event held in Delhi on October 30, 2025.
Are there any rules against plagiarism?
Yes, plagiarism and the use of pre-made templates are strictly prohibited. Violations will lead to disqualification.
How do I apply?
You can apply by registering on the official competition page on Unstop before the deadline.
Does ACE Design Sprint take equity?
No. ACE Design Sprint is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for ACE Design Sprint?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for ACE Design Sprint, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to ACE Design Sprint
Not sure ACE Design Sprint is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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