BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge
BLOCKQUEST 2026 is an AI arcade game development challenge by SRMIST ACM SIGAI, inviting students to innovate and build games with AI for a ₹7,000 prize pool.
- Funding amount
- ₹7,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (19 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Department of Computational Intelligence (CINTEL) at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, together with the SRMIST ACM SIGAI Student Chapter, presents BLOCKQUEST 2026 – an AI arcade game development challenge. This single-day event is held physically at TP 2-712, SRM Institute of Science and Technology on April 20, 2026.
Participants are tasked with designing and building their own arcade games that creatively integrate AI-based concepts using Microsoft MakeCode. The challenge emphasizes innovation, engaging gameplay, and exceptional user experience. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced tech enthusiasts.
Student teams of 1 to 3 members can participate. A registration fee of ₹149 per participant is required. The total prize pool is up to ₹7,000, with cash prizes for the top three teams. Winners also receive certificates, and On Duty (OD) is provided for student participants.
Teams must register by the deadline of April 19, 2026.
Highlights
- Total prize pool up to ₹7,000 with cash prizes for top three teams.
- Open to students; teams of 1 to 3 members allowed.
- Single-day physical event on April 20, 2026 at SRM Institute of Science and Technology.
- Use Microsoft MakeCode to build AI-powered arcade games.
- Registration deadline: April 19, 2026; fee ₹149 per participant.
- Winners receive certificates and OD (On Duty) for students.
Who can apply
Open to students. Teams must consist of 1 to 3 members. A registration fee of ₹149 per participant applies. The event is held physically at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, so participants should be able to attend in person.
BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge 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 BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge closed on 19 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Cash prizes: ₹4,000 for first place, ₹2,000 for second place, and ₹1,000 for third place, from a total prize pool of up to ₹7,000.
- All winners receive certificates.
- OD (On Duty) is provided for student participants.
About the provider
BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge is offered by SRM Institute of Science and Technology, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by SRM Institute of Science and Technology as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge, 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
BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹7,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is BLOCKQUEST 2026?
BLOCKQUEST 2026 is an AI arcade game development challenge organized by the Department of Computational Intelligence (CINTEL) and the SRMIST ACM SIGAI Student Chapter at SRM Institute of Science and Technology.
Who is eligible to participate?
The challenge is open to students. Participants must form teams of 1 to 3 members.
What is the prize money?
The total prize pool is up to ₹7,000. First prize is ₹4,000, second prize is ₹2,000, and third prize is ₹1,000. Winners also receive certificates.
What is the registration fee?
The registration fee is ₹149 per participant.
When is the event?
The event is a single-day physical challenge on April 20, 2026.
Where does the event take place?
The event is held at TP 2-712, SRM Institute of Science and Technology.
What is the application deadline?
Teams must register by April 19, 2026.
What do I need to build?
Participants are required to design and build an arcade game that creatively integrates AI-based concepts using Microsoft MakeCode.
Is there any On Duty (OD) provided?
Yes, OD (On Duty) is provided for student participants.
How do I apply?
Interested teams must register via the official event page on Unstop by the deadline. Further details are available at the provided URL.
How much funding does BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge provide?
BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge provides ₹7,000 (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Does BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge take equity?
No. BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge?
BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge is offered by SRM Institute of Science and Technology, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge
Not sure BLOCKQUEST 2026: AI Arcade Game Development Challenge is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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