Cepheus 2.0
A 24-hour hackathon hosted by GDG on Campus AIT & Code Club in Bengaluru, challenging developers and designers to build innovative solutions for real-world problems, with a ₹50,000 prize pool.
- Funding amount
- ₹50,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (18 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Cepheus 2.0 is a 24-hour in-person hackathon taking place at the Atria Institute of Technology (AIT) campus in Bengaluru. Organised by GDG on Campus AIT and Code Club, this event brings together developers, designers, and problem-solvers to create tech-driven solutions for real-world challenges. Participants will have the chance to work on six distinct problem statements covering digital asset protection, rapid crisis response, smart supply chains, unbiased AI decision-making, smart resource allocation, and Web3 & decentralised future. The event runs from April 22nd to April 23rd, 2026, with registrations open from March 12th to April 18th, 2026. Selected teams will be announced between April 15th and 19th. Cepheus 2.0 features a total cash prize pool of ₹50,000, certificates of excellence for the top three teams, and additional opportunities like sponsor bounties and potential internships. It is open to college students (undergraduate and postgraduate), developers, designers, and innovators passionate about technology.
Highlights
- Open to all college students, developers, and designers.
- Hosted by GDG on Campus AIT and Code Club at Atria Institute of Technology, Bengaluru.
- Total cash prize pool of ₹50,000 and certificates of excellence.
- Six problem statements across AI, Web3, supply chain, and more.
- In-person 24-hour hackathon on April 22-23, 2026.
- Potential internship opportunities and sponsor bounties.
Who can apply
The hackathon is open to college students (undergraduate and postgraduate), developers, designers, and innovators who are passionate about building tech-driven solutions. No specific team size is mentioned, but typical hackathon teams are encouraged. Participants can be from any college or background, not limited to AIT students.
Cepheus 2.0 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 Cepheus 2.0 closed on 18 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- A total cash prize pool of ₹50,000, distributed as:
- Grand Winner: ₹25,000 + Certificate of Excellence
- 1st Runner-Up: ₹15,000 + Certificate of Excellence
- 2nd Runner-Up: ₹10,000 + Certificate of Excellence
- Certificates of Excellence for the top three teams.
- Opportunity to connect with industry leaders, mentors, and fellow tech enthusiasts.
- Potential internship opportunities.
- Additional special category prizes and sponsor bounties may be announced.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Teams are selected based on their application. The organisers will announce selected teams between April 15th and 19th, 2026. During the 24-hour hackathon, judging will take place based on the solutions built for the chosen problem statements.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Cepheus 2.0, 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
Cepheus 2.0 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total prize pool for Cepheus 2.0?
The total cash prize pool is ₹50,000. The Grand Winner receives ₹25,000, the 1st Runner-Up gets ₹15,000, and the 2nd Runner-Up gets ₹10,000, along with Certificates of Excellence for each.
What is the application deadline?
Registrations close on April 18th, 2026. Selected teams will be announced between April 15th and 19th, 2026.
Who is eligible to participate in the hackathon?
The hackathon is open to college students (undergraduate and postgraduate), developers, designers, and innovators. No prior hackathon experience is necessary.
Is there any registration fee or equity requirement?
The details provided do not mention any registration fee. It is a competition with cash prizes, so no equity is taken from participants.
What are the problem tracks or themes?
There are six tracks: Digital Asset Protection, Rapid Crisis Response, Smart Supply Chains, Unbiased AI Decision, Smart Resource Allocation, and Web3 & Decentralized Future.
Will the hackathon be held online or in person?
The hackathon will be held in person at the Atria Institute of Technology (AIT) campus in Bengaluru on April 22-23, 2026.
How do I apply?
Interested participants should register on the official Devfolio page for Cepheus 2.0 by April 18th, 2026.
What documents or materials are needed to apply?
The details provided do not specify required documents. Typically, hackathon applications on Devfolio require basic profile information and possibly a team description.
Are there any special category prizes or internships?
Additional special category prizes, sponsor bounties, and valuable internship opportunities may be announced.
Do participants need to be from Atria Institute of Technology?
No, the hackathon is open to all college students, developers, designers, and innovators, not limited to AIT students.
How much funding does Cepheus 2.0 provide?
Cepheus 2.0 provides ₹50,000 (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Cepheus 2.0?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Cepheus 2.0, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to Cepheus 2.0
Not sure Cepheus 2.0 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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