AI Builders Hackathon — ₹1,00,000 Prize Pool at T-Hub
A single-day hackathon focused on the AI application layer, held at T-Hub Hyderabad on April 20, 2026, with ₹1,00,000 in cash prizes and API credits for winning teams.
- Funding amount
- ₹1L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The AI Builders Hackathon is a one-day competition hosted at T-Hub Hyderabad, a leading innovation hub in India. The entire event is dedicated to the AI application layer, so the emphasis stays on practical AI solutions that can genuinely be deployed rather than on research or infrastructure work.
The audience is Indian students, developers and early-stage startup teams working on AI-powered applications. Individual builders and teams are both allowed to take part.
The rewards are prize-based: a total cash pool of ₹1,00,000, along with API credits for the winning teams. Registration closes on August 31, 2026, and the hackathon day itself is April 20, 2026 at T-Hub Hyderabad. The full schedule and the judging criteria are carried on the event's official page.
Highlights
- Single-day hackathon held at T-Hub Hyderabad on April 20, 2026.
- Total cash prize pool of ₹1,00,000, plus API credits for winning teams.
- Focused exclusively on the AI application layer.
- Open to Indian students, developers and early-stage startup teams.
- Solo builders and teams are both welcome; team size is not specified.
- Registration closes on August 31, 2026 through the Internshala competition page.
Who can apply
Participation is open to people based in India. The programme specifically invites Indian students, developers and early-stage startup teams who want to build AI-powered applications.
- Solo entries are allowed.
- Teams are welcome as well — the programme does not mention a cap on team size.
- Participants must be based in India.
AI Builders Hackathon — ₹1,00,000 Prize Pool at T-Hub 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 AI Builders Hackathon — ₹1,00,000 Prize Pool at T-Hub closed on 31 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 competition, so the rewards come in the form of prizes rather than a funding round or an investment.
- ₹1,00,000 in total cash prizes, shared among the winning teams.
- API credits for the winning teams, to support further building after the event.
- A platform to build and present an AI application prototype at T-Hub Hyderabad on the event day.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to AI Builders Hackathon — ₹1,00,000 Prize Pool at T-Hub, 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
AI Builders Hackathon — ₹1,00,000 Prize Pool at T-Hub is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I win at the AI Builders Hackathon?
The hackathon carries a total cash prize pool of ₹1,00,000, which is shared among the winning teams. On top of the cash, winning teams also receive API credits to keep building after the event.
What is the application deadline?
Registration closes on August 31, 2026. Applications are submitted through the Internshala competition page for the event, so it is best to register well before that date.
When and where does the hackathon take place?
The event is held on April 20, 2026 at T-Hub Hyderabad. It is a single-day format, with teams building their AI application prototypes and then presenting them.
Who is eligible to participate?
Anyone based in India can take part. The programme specifically reaches out to students, developers and early-stage startup teams who are interested in building AI-powered applications.
Can I apply on my own, or do I need a team?
Both routes are open. Solo participants are allowed, and teams are welcome too. The programme does not specify a team size limit, so no maximum or minimum team strength is stated.
What kind of project am I expected to build?
The hackathon is dedicated to the application layer of AI. Participants are encouraged to create practical, deployable AI solutions, and they build and present their AI application prototypes on the event day at T-Hub Hyderabad.
How do I apply for the AI Builders Hackathon?
Applications go through the Internshala competition page at https://internshala.com/competitions/ai-builders-hackathon/. You register there before the August 31, 2026 deadline.
Are the judging criteria and the event schedule published?
Yes. The programme states that the judging criteria and the detailed schedule are available on the event's official page, so participants can check them there before the hackathon day.
Does the hackathon take equity in my startup or idea?
The programme is listed as a competition, and the rewards described are cash prizes and API credits for the winning teams. There is no mention of an equity stake or any investment terms for participants.
Is the hackathon open to participants outside India?
No. Eligibility is limited to participants based in India.
Is DPIIT recognition required for AI Builders Hackathon — ₹1,00,000 Prize Pool at T-Hub?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for AI Builders Hackathon — ₹1,00,000 Prize Pool at T-Hub, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to AI Builders Hackathon — ₹1,00,000 Prize Pool at T-Hub
Not sure AI Builders Hackathon — ₹1,00,000 Prize Pool at T-Hub 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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