Caspian Buildathon — BITS Pilani AI Agent Hackathon, ₹1.6L Prize Pool — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Caspian Buildathon — BITS Pilani AI Agent Hackathon, ₹1.6L Prize Pool — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the Caspian Buildathon?
It is a virtual hackathon organised by BITS Pilani through its Caspian initiative, which backs student-led tech projects and competitions. The task is to build an AI agent that can reach anyone, using modern AI and machine learning techniques. Everything happens online on Devpost, from 28 July to 12 August 2026, and you can enter alone or with a team.
How much prize money is on offer?
The total prize pool is $1,700, which works out to roughly ₹1,56,400 at 92 INR per USD, and the programme page presents the prize as up to ₹1.6L. BITS Pilani has not published how that pool is divided between ranks, so the exact amount for first place or any other position is not public.
What are the build dates and the application deadline?
The buildathon opens on 28 July 2026 and closes on 12 August 2026, giving you a two-week sprint. 12 August 2026 doubles as the registration deadline, so you need to be registered and have your project submitted by that date.
Who can take part in the hackathon?
Anyone with an interest in building agents — developers, students and AI enthusiasts are all invited, and no geographic restrictions are mentioned, so builders outside India are welcome too. The event is beginner-friendly, so you do not need a prior track record in agent development to enter.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration?
No. This is a hackathon, not a government funding scheme or an investor programme, so DPIIT startup recognition and MSME registration play no part in your entry. There is also no requirement to be an incorporated company, since individual participation is allowed.
Can I enter as part of a team, and is there a team size limit?
Yes, teams are allowed and solo participation is equally fine. The organiser has not stated a maximum team size, so as far as the published information goes, team size is flexible.
Does the programme take equity in my project?
No. The reward is competition prize money drawn from a $1,700 pool, so nothing is exchanged for ownership. You are not giving up a stake or any rights in what you build.
How will submissions be judged?
Three criteria are published: creativity, technical implementation and impact. In practice, judges look at how original the idea is, how well the agent has actually been built, and the difference it could make for the people it is meant to reach.
Is the buildathon suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is described as beginner-friendly, which makes it accessible to people who are new to building AI agents, while still leaving enough depth for more experienced builders to show what they can do.
How and where do I apply?
Registration and project submission both go through the official Devpost page at https://caspian.devpost.com/. Set up your entry there, build during the two-week window, and submit your project on the same page before 12 August 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for Caspian Buildathon — BITS Pilani AI Agent Hackathon, ₹1.6L Prize Pool?
Caspian Buildathon — BITS Pilani AI Agent Hackathon, ₹1.6L Prize Pool is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
How do I apply for Caspian Buildathon — BITS Pilani AI Agent Hackathon, ₹1.6L Prize Pool?
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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