BugBash

BugBash 2026 is a high-octane, 24-hour national hackathon hosted by Newton School of Technology in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This innovation sprint centers on problem-solving, debugging, and building impactful tech solutions, with a strong emphasis on AI and practical implementation. It challenges participants not merely to build, but to break, fix, and improve systems under pressure.

The hackathon offers two tracks: Track 1 — Build an AI Agent (develop an autonomous system to solve real-world workflow problems independently) and Track 2 — Build Something Using AI (create a functional product where AI is central). Problem statements are revealed at the start.

The event runs from 12:00 PM on April 25, 2026 to 1:00 PM on April 26, 2026, featuring an opening ceremony, three mini-challenges (debugging/rapid build rounds), final submission, and judging. A total prize pool of ₹65,000 is distributed, with ₹40,000 for first place, ₹25,000 for second place, plus certificates, goodies, and potential networking or internship opportunities for top participants.

• Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students nationwide.
• Solo and team (up to 4 members) participation with cross-college teams allowed.
• Two tracks: Build an AI Agent or Build with AI.
• Total cash prize pool of ₹65,000 (₹40,000 for 1st, ₹25,000 for 2nd).
• Additional prizes for Best Debugging, Innovation, Social Impact, Mini-Challenge.
• 24-hour high-intensity hackathon in Bengaluru (in-person event).

Undergraduate and postgraduate students can participate. Teams may have 1–4 members (solo participants allowed), and cross-college teams are permitted. Each participant can be in only one team. A valid college or government ID is required for registration.

BugBash is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for BugBash closed on 24 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Cash prizes: ₹40,000 for 1st place, ₹25,000 for 2nd place (total ₹65,000 prize pool).
• Certificates for winners, runner-ups, and all finalists.
• Goodies for winners and runner-ups.
• Potential networking and internship opportunities (subject to availability).
• Additional category awards: Best Debugging Solution, Best Innovation, Best Social Impact, and Mini-Challenge Champion.

BugBash is offered by Newton School of Technology, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Newton School of Technology as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Participants register by April 24, 2026 with a valid ID. Team formation is self-driven (1–4 members). At the hackathon, problem statements are revealed (opening ceremony). Teams work for 24 hours, with three mini-challenges to earn extra recognition. Final submission occurs before Hour 23. Submissions are judged, and winners announced at the closing ceremony (Hour 24). Judging criteria likely include innovation, technical execution, problem-solving, and impact.

Before you apply to BugBash, 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.

BugBash is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹65,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.