Bizzathon Hackathon 2026 — ₹25,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams
Student teams of up to three take on a live business problem in an 18-hour hackathon hosted by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad during E-Summit 2026, competing for ₹25,000 in cash prizes.
- Funding amount
- ₹25,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (25 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Bizzathon is a business and innovation hackathon hosted by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad under its E-Summit 2026 banner. There is no take-home phase here — the judging panel releases the problem statements only once the competition is under way, so every team starts from zero and has to think on its feet.
Teams are handed a challenge drawn from the real world. Over the next 18 hours they work out an innovative and practical answer, shape it into a business or implementation strategy, and build a presentation that can withstand scrutiny. The format rewards both creativity and the discipline to package an idea convincingly.
Reaching that stage is not automatic. The event opens with an online aptitude and business quiz that filters the field — it probes reasoning, problem-solving and entrepreneurial instinct, and only the strongest performers advance. The closing round is a live pitch before the judging panel, followed by a Q&A that puts each team's assumptions to the test.
Three cash prizes are on the line, adding up to a ₹25,000 pool, with the winning team taking home ₹12,000. Entry is limited to teams of one to three students studying at a recognised university in India, and every registration goes through Unstop.
Highlights
- Hosted by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad as part of E-Summit 2026
- An 18-hour business hackathon where the problem statement is revealed by the judging panel at the start
- Total prize pool of ₹25,000 — ₹12,000 for the winner, ₹8,000 for the 1st runner up and ₹5,000 for the 2nd runner up
- Open to students of any recognised Indian university, in teams of 1 to 3 members
- Three rounds: online screening quiz, the 18-hour hackathon, then a final pitch with Q&A
- Register on Unstop by 25 July 2026 and carry a valid college ID for verification
Who can apply
Bizzathon is a student-only competition. To be eligible you must be enrolled at a recognised university in India; the criteria do not extend to non-students, working professionals or registered companies.
- Team size: 1 to 3 members.
- Registration: mandatory through the Unstop listing, completed before the deadline of 25 July 2026.
- Verification: every participant must carry a valid college ID card for checks at the event.
- Reporting: teams that clear the screening round must reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the event begins.
Because eligibility rests on student enrolment rather than on a registered entity, DPIIT recognition and MSME registration do not form part of the requirements.
Bizzathon Hackathon 2026 — ₹25,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams 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 Bizzathon Hackathon 2026 — ₹25,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams closed on 25 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Bizzathon is a prize competition rather than an investment programme, so what teams compete for is cash prize money:
- Winner: ₹12,000
- 1st Runner Up: ₹8,000
- 2nd Runner Up: ₹5,000
The three awards together make up a prize pool of ₹25,000. This is not a grant, a loan or an equity deal — no stake in any venture changes hands and nothing has to be repaid. The winnings are a straight cash reward for the solutions the judges rate highest on the day.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Selection runs through three rounds, and a team has to clear each one to reach the next.
Round 1 — Online Quiz (Screening) An aptitude and business quiz that filters the applicant pool. It assesses analytical thinking, problem-solving ability and entrepreneurial knowledge. Only the top-performing teams move ahead.
Round 2 — Business & Innovation Hackathon Qualifying teams receive a real-world problem statement from the judging panel and get 18 hours to work on it. Inside that window they must develop an innovative solution, build a business or implementation strategy, and prepare a final presentation.
Round 3 — Final Presentation Teams pitch their solution before the judging panel and then face a Q&A session. The judges weigh innovation, feasibility, scalability, business viability, presentation skills, problem-solving approach and overall impact.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Bizzathon Hackathon 2026 — ₹25,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams, 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
Bizzathon Hackathon 2026 — ₹25,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹25,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much prize money does Bizzathon offer?
The competition carries a total prize pool of ₹25,000. The winning team receives ₹12,000, the 1st runner up gets ₹8,000 and the 2nd runner up takes ₹5,000.
Who is eligible to participate in Bizzathon?
It is open to students enrolled at any recognised university in India. You take part as a team of one to three members.
What is the last date to register for Bizzathon?
Registration closes on 25 July 2026. All entries must be submitted through the official Unstop listing before that date.
Does Bizzathon take equity in my idea or venture?
No. Bizzathon is a prize competition, so winners simply receive cash. There is no equity stake, no investment and no repayment involved.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. Eligibility is based on being a student at a recognised university in India, so DPIIT recognition and MSME registration are not required.
Can I enter Bizzathon on my own, or do I need a full team?
You can enter solo. Team sizes of one, two or three members are all permitted.
How does the competition work and how long is the hackathon?
There are three rounds. The first is an online aptitude and business quiz that screens applicants. Teams that qualify move into the 18-hour business and innovation hackathon, and the final round is a presentation before the judging panel followed by a Q&A.
Do I need to arrive with a ready-made idea or business plan?
No. The judging panel provides the real-world problem statements at the start of the competition, and teams then have the allotted time to develop their solution, strategy and presentation.
Which documents should I carry to the event?
Every participant must carry a valid college ID card, which is required for verification. Teams that clear the screening round should also report to the venue at least 30 minutes before the event.
How and where do I apply for Bizzathon?
Applications are made online through the Unstop platform, which is the mandatory registration route. Complete your entry before the 25 July 2026 deadline; shortlisted teams then report to the venue ahead of the event.
How do I apply for Bizzathon Hackathon 2026 — ₹25,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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