Build Space by Google Developer Groups — ₹85,000 Student Case Competition
A three-round case competition for student teams run by Google Developer Groups on Campus at TIET, Patiala, with a ₹85,000 prize pool and an Unstop registration deadline of 16 April 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹85,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (16 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Build Space is a case competition that pairs an engineering challenge with a business one, organised by Google Developer Groups on Campus at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) in Patiala, Punjab. It runs as the chapter's flagship event and is aimed at teams that want to take an idea past the demo stage and show it could stand up as a real venture.
The premise is straightforward: a clever build is not enough by itself. Teams are expected to place their technical work next to a credible commercial case, which makes the competition a useful proving ground for students who are thinking about launching companies rather than simply shipping prototypes.
Entry is by team, not by individual. Three to five students form a team and sign up on Unstop, where registration closes on 16 April 2026. From there the contest moves through a screening quiz, an on-campus building sprint and a final pitch in front of judges.
Holding it all together is a prize pool worth ₹85,000, handed out as a mix of cash and in-kind rewards to the leading teams and to track winners where those tracks apply. Every participant is bound by the event's Code of Conduct.
Highlights
- ₹85,000 total prize pool, paid as a combination of cash and in-kind rewards
- Winner takes ₹35,000; ₹20,000 and ₹10,000 for the next two places, plus two ₹10,000 track awards where applicable
- Three rounds: a 20-minute online quiz, a 16-hour on-campus prototype sprint for the top 40 teams, and a judged final pitch
- Open to students entering as teams of 3 to 5 members
- Registration happens only through Unstop and closes on 16 April 2026
- Hosted by Google Developer Groups on Campus at TIET, Patiala, Punjab
Who can apply
Build Space is a student competition, and eligibility hinges mainly on who is on your team rather than on your company's stage, sector or location.
- Teams must have 3 to 5 members — solo entries are not part of the format.
- Entry is open to students. The competition is pitched at people who want to turn classroom and technical knowledge into a market-ready product.
- Registration is accepted only through Unstop. There is no separate route into the competition.
- Each participant is expected to follow the event Code of Conduct.
The published eligibility rules do not set out any conditions around DPIIT recognition, MSME status, incorporation, industry or home state. Team size, student status and signing up on Unstop before the deadline are the only formal requirements.
Build Space by Google Developer Groups — ₹85,000 Student Case Competition 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 Build Space by Google Developer Groups — ₹85,000 Student Case Competition closed on 16 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Build Space is a prize competition rather than an investment programme, so nothing is taken in exchange for equity. The rewards are prize money and in-kind benefits.
The pool comes to ₹85,000 in total and is split as follows:
- Winner: ₹35,000 in cash and in-kind
- First Runner Up: ₹20,000 in cash and in-kind
- Second Runner Up: ₹10,000 in cash and in-kind
- Track Winner 1: ₹10,000, where applicable
- Track Winner 2: ₹10,000, where applicable
The two track awards are conditional — they are handed out only if the relevant tracks are run.
Beyond the prize money, teams that clear the first round spend 16 hours building on campus, and finalists get a slot before a judging panel, where they present their product, the technology behind it and their business model, then field questions.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Build Space filters teams through three rounds, each testing something different.
Round 1 — The Blueprint Brief
An online quiz that runs for 20 minutes. It probes how well participants grasp product fundamentals and core technology concepts, and it doubles as a test of logical and technical reasoning. The strongest performers move forward.
Round 2 — The Forge at Buildspace, held on campus
The top 40 teams take part in a 16-hour offline sprint. This is the build phase: ideas are turned into working prototypes, with teams sharpening both the solution itself and the product concept around it.
Round 3 — Final Pitching, held on campus
Finalists present before a judging panel. Each team delivers a timed pitch covering its product, the technology underneath it and the business model, followed by a Q&A with the judges.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Build Space by Google Developer Groups — ₹85,000 Student Case Competition, 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
Build Space by Google Developer Groups — ₹85,000 Student Case Competition is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹85,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Build Space offer?
The competition carries a total prize pool of ₹85,000, given out as a combination of cash and in-kind rewards. The winner receives ₹35,000, the first runner up ₹20,000 and the second runner up ₹10,000. Two further awards of ₹10,000 each go to track winners, but only if those tracks apply.
Who is eligible to take part in Build Space?
The competition is open to students, and you enter as a team rather than as an individual. Every team must have between three and five members, and registration has to be done through Unstop. No other conditions — such as company stage, sector or state — are listed in the eligibility rules.
What is the last date to register?
Registration closes on 16 April 2026. Teams need to be signed up on Unstop before that date to be considered for Round 1.
How and where do I apply?
Applications are handled entirely through the official Unstop event page for Build Space by Google Developer Groups. You can register here: https://unstop.com/hackathons/build-space-by-google-developer-groups-helix-tiet-thapar-institute-of-engineering-and-technology-tiet-patiala-1666534?lb=RmRUqal2&utm_medium=StartupGrantsIndia&utm_source=competitions&utm_campaign=Nikhilmo94501. Unstop is the only route in, so there is no separate form or email entry to fall back on.
Does Build Space take equity in my startup or idea?
No. Build Space is a case competition that awards prize money and in-kind rewards — it is not an investment programme, and nothing is given in return for a stake in your venture. Whatever you build during the competition stays yours.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to enter?
Neither is mentioned in the eligibility rules. Build Space does not list DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or company incorporation as a condition of entry. What matters is that you are a student, that your team has three to five members, and that you register on Unstop by the deadline.
How does the competition progress from round to round?
There are three rounds. Round 1, the Blueprint Brief, is a 20-minute online quiz on product fundamentals and technical concepts, and the best performers advance. Round 2, the Forge at Buildspace, brings the top 40 teams together on campus for a 16-hour sprint to turn ideas into working prototypes. Round 3 is the final pitch on campus, where finalists present their product, technology and business model to a judging panel and answer questions.
Is Build Space just a hackathon?
Not quite — it is built as a technical-business case competition. A working build alone will not carry a team through. Participants are expected to show that their solution is commercially viable, which is why the final round includes a pitch on the business model alongside the product and the technology behind it.
Are the rounds held online or on campus?
The first round is an online quiz, so teams can attempt it remotely. Rounds 2 and 3 both take place on campus — Round 2 is a 16-hour offline sprint for the top 40 teams, and Round 3 is the final pitching session.
How many members should be on a team?
Teams must have a minimum of three and a maximum of five members. Applications that fall outside that range do not fit the competition's format, so it is worth locking in your team size before you register on Unstop.
How do I apply for Build Space by Google Developer Groups — ₹85,000 Student Case Competition?
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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