AI Nexus
AI Nexus Hackathon 2026 by SRM Connects offers ₹22,000 in cash prizes, an internship for the winner, and participation certificates. Open to Indian college and engineering students, featuring online rounds and an offline finale.
- Funding amount
- ₹22,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (7 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
AI Nexus Hackathon 2026 is an innovation-driven AI hackathon organized by SRM Connects, designed to bring together students, developers, and AI enthusiasts to build impactful AI-powered solutions. The theme is “Code the Future. Build the Impossible.”
This hackathon is open to college and engineering students across India. Participants can register individually or form teams of 2 to 4 members. Cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged, and each participant may be part of only one team.
The competition spans multiple stages: an online quiz round, technical screening, prototyping phase, and an offline Grand Finale Demo Day. The total cash prize pool is ₹22,000, with ₹10,000 and an internship for first place, ₹7,000 for second, and ₹5,000 for third. All teams that complete the competition receive participation certificates. Mentorship may be provided during the prototyping phase.
Registration closes on June 7, 2026. Projects must be original and developed during the hackathon; plagiarism or unethical behavior leads to disqualification.
Highlights
- Cash prize pool up to ₹22,000
- Internship opportunity for 1st place winner
- Open to Indian college and engineering students
- Teams of 2–4 members allowed
- Online rounds followed by an offline demo day
Who can apply
AI Nexus is open to college students and engineering students from across India. Participants may join as individuals or form teams of 2 to 4 members. Cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged. Each participant can be part of only one team. All projects must be original and developed during the hackathon period; any plagiarism or unethical behavior will result in immediate disqualification.
AI Nexus 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 Nexus closed on 7 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Total cash prize pool of ₹22,000: ₹10,000 for 1st place, ₹7,000 for 2nd place, and ₹5,000 for 3rd place.
- An internship opportunity for the 1st prize winner.
- Participation certificates for all teams that successfully complete the competition.
- Possible mentorship during the prototyping phase (Level 2).
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process consists of multiple stages:
- Level 0 – Quiz Round (June 1–7, 2026): Teams are shortlisted based on idea innovation, problem-solving approach, feasibility, and relevance to AI/Technology.
- Level 1 – Technical Screening (June 9–15, 2026): Shortlisted teams submit project architecture, tech stack details, and prototype concepts.
- Level 2 – Prototyping Phase (June 19–28, 2026): Teams build and submit working prototypes or MVPs. Mentorship may be provided.
- Grand Finale – Offline Demo Day (July 18, 2026): Finalists present projects to judges and industry experts, evaluated on innovation, technical complexity, user experience, impact, scalability, and presentation quality.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to AI Nexus, 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 Nexus is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹22,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total prize money for AI Nexus Hackathon?
The total cash prize pool is ₹22,000. First place receives ₹10,000 plus an internship opportunity, second place receives ₹7,000, and third place receives ₹5,000.
Who can apply for the AI Nexus Hackathon?
The hackathon is open to college students and engineering students from across India. You can participate as an individual or as part of a team.
What is the team size allowed?
Teams must consist of 2 to 4 members. Cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged.
What is the deadline for registration?
Registration closes on June 7, 2026.
What are the stages of the hackathon?
The hackathon has four stages: Level 0 (Quiz Round) from June 1–7, Level 1 (Technical Screening) from June 9–15, Level 2 (Prototyping Phase) from June 19–28, and the Grand Finale (Offline Demo Day) on July 18, 2026.
Does the hackathon take equity or demand any ownership of the projects?
No, this is a competition. Participants retain full ownership of their projects. No equity is taken.
What documents are needed to apply?
You need to provide your full name, email address, phone number, college/organization name, year of study, team name, and team member details via the registration form.
How do I apply for AI Nexus?
You can apply online through the official registration link on Unstop. Ensure you have stable internet connectivity for the online rounds.
Are there any participation certificates?
Yes, all teams that successfully complete the competition will receive participation certificates.
Can I participate if I am not an engineering student?
Yes, the hackathon is open to all college students and engineering students. Non-engineering college students are also eligible.
How much funding does AI Nexus provide?
AI Nexus provides ₹22,000 (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for AI Nexus?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for AI Nexus, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to AI Nexus
Not sure AI Nexus 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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