Build with DataHub: The Agent Hackathon — ₹18.9L Prize Pool
DataHub's virtual hackathon, open worldwide, with a $20,500 (₹18.9L) prize pool and entries closing 10 August 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹18.9L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (10 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
DataHub runs this hackathon entirely online, and it is aimed at people who build with data and AI. The brief is deliberately wide open — entrants pick their own idea for an agent-based project built on DataHub, then show what the platform makes possible.
Two themes are flagged as the main focus: machine learning/AI, plus DevOps. Beyond that, there is no fixed problem statement to solve, so the quality of your own concept carries a lot of weight.
The build window runs from July 6, 2026 to August 10, 2026. Work is submitted through Devpost, and the official page also carries the detailed rules and the judging criteria.
The prize pool stands at $20,500, which converts to roughly ₹18,86,000 at 92 INR per US dollar. The programme is listed with a headline value of up to ₹18.9L. How the money is divided across winning places has not been published.
Entry is open worldwide. Indian developers, students and teams can take part on the same terms as anyone else, with no geographic restriction in the rules.
Highlights
- Virtual hackathon run by DataHub, with entries registered and submitted through Devpost.
- Total prize pool of $20,500, roughly ₹18,86,000 at 92 INR per US dollar.
- Build window: July 6, 2026 to August 10, 2026.
- Open to individuals and teams worldwide, with Indian entrants eligible.
- Open-ended brief with machine learning/AI and DevOps as the highlighted themes.
- Cash prizes only — no equity is taken from participants.
Who can apply
Anyone can enter, whether as a solo participant or as part of a team. The organisers place no geographic limits on who may take part, and Indian participants are welcome.
- Profile: individual developers, students, data engineers and AI enthusiasts.
- Useful background: hands-on experience with machine learning, AI, DevOps or data engineering — that is the audience this hackathon is written for.
- Team format: both individuals and teams may enter; the rules do not state a maximum team size.
- Location: fully virtual and global, so no travel is involved.
- Registration requirements: the published rules do not require DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or an incorporated company. This is an open competition rather than a government startup scheme.
Build with DataHub: The Agent Hackathon — ₹18.9L Prize Pool 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 with DataHub: The Agent Hackathon — ₹18.9L Prize Pool closed on 10 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
This is a prize competition, not an equity investment or a loan. Winners receive cash awards rather than a stake being taken in what they build.
- Total prize pool: $20,500, which comes to about ₹18,86,000 at the 92 INR per US dollar rate quoted by the organisers.
- Headline value: the programme is listed at up to ₹18.9L.
- Split by rank: the organisers have not specified how the pool is divided between first place and the other winning entries.
- Equity: none. No equity, revenue share or repayment is mentioned in connection with the awards.
Participation does not require travel, since the event is run as a virtual hackathon.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Build with DataHub: The Agent Hackathon — ₹18.9L Prize Pool, 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 with DataHub: The Agent Hackathon — ₹18.9L Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹18.9L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I win at this hackathon?
The total prize pool is $20,500, which works out to roughly ₹18,86,000 at 92 INR per US dollar. The programme is listed with a headline value of up to ₹18.9L. The organisers have not published how that pool is split between winning places.
When does the hackathon run and what is the deadline?
The build window opens on July 6, 2026 and closes on August 10, 2026. Your project has to be submitted through Devpost by that closing date.
Who is eligible to take part?
Individual developers, students and teams are all eligible, and there are no geographic restrictions. Indian participants are welcome to enter. The hackathon is written for people with experience in machine learning, AI, DevOps or data engineering, but the rules do not set a formal qualification bar.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to enter?
No such condition appears in the published rules. Those requirements belong to Indian government startup schemes, whereas this is a global hackathon run by DataHub and open to individuals and teams everywhere.
Does the programme take equity in my project?
No. The awards are competition prizes drawn from a $20,500 pool rather than an investment, so participants are not asked to hand over a stake in what they build.
What kind of project should I build?
The brief is open-ended — you choose your own idea. The only direction given is that projects should be agent-based solutions built on DataHub, with machine learning/AI and DevOps named as the two focus themes.
Can I enter as a team, and how large can the team be?
Both individuals and teams are allowed to enter. The organisers have not specified a team size limit in the information available.
Is the hackathon online?
Yes, it is a virtual event, so you can take part from anywhere without travelling. All submissions are made through Devpost.
How do I apply?
Register on the official Devpost page at https://datahub.devpost.com/ and submit your project there before the August 10, 2026 deadline.
How will entries be judged?
The listing does not spell out the judging criteria. The organisers state that the judging criteria and the specific hackathon rules are detailed on the official hackathon page, so check the Devpost listing for the exact scoring approach.
Alternatives to Build with DataHub: The Agent Hackathon — ₹18.9L Prize Pool
Not sure Build with DataHub: The Agent Hackathon — ₹18.9L Prize Pool is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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