CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory
A free, global online hackathon by Cockroach Labs and AWS. Build agentic memory applications, submit on Devpost by 18 August 2026, and compete for $8,750 (about ₹8,05,000) in prizes.
- Funding amount
- ₹8.1L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (18 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
This is a fully online hackathon co-hosted by Cockroach Labs and Amazon Web Services, running from 30 June to 18 August 2026. The brief is narrow and technical: create applications built around agentic memory, pairing CockroachDB's distributed SQL layer with AWS cloud services so that AI agents can retain context and act on it intelligently.
Entry is open worldwide and costs nothing. Solo developers and multi-member teams both qualify, and the organisers do not expect you to arrive with CockroachDB knowledge already in hand — learning material and mentorship are made available so first-timers can get up to speed.
For Indian builders, the practical appeal is the absence of any geographic filter. A developer, data scientist or product team based anywhere in India can take part, ship a portfolio-grade project on agentic memory, have it reviewed against a published set of judging criteria, and compete for a total prize pool of $8,750, roughly ₹8,05,000 (the listing shows up to ₹8.1L).
Everything is submitted through Devpost, and the cut-off is 18 August 2026. There is no registration fee at any point.
Highlights
- Global online hackathon run by Cockroach Labs together with AWS
- Challenge: build applications that use agentic memory, combining CockroachDB with AWS cloud services
- Prize pool of $8,750 (about ₹8,05,000); the listing shows up to ₹8.1L
- Runs 30 June to 18 August 2026, with all entries submitted via Devpost
- Free to enter, open to solo builders and teams, and no prior CockroachDB experience needed
- Projects judged on creativity, technical execution and practical impact
Who can apply
Participation is open to entrants anywhere in the world, with no geographic restrictions listed — Indian individuals and Indian teams are fully eligible.
- Who can take part: developers, software engineers, data scientists and teams.
- Team format: both solo participants and groups are accepted.
- Skill floor: none. You do not need any prior CockroachDB experience, and mentorship plus resources are supplied.
- Company status: this is a competition, so there is no requirement to be an incorporated entity or a registered startup.
- DPIIT recognition: not required.
- MSME/Udyam registration: not required.
- Cost to enter: free — no registration fee is charged.
Because entries are judged on how well they are executed, you will need to actually design, build and submit a working application that uses agentic memory.
CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory 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 CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory closed on 18 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The reward here is a competition prize rather than a grant or an investment.
- Total prize pool: $8,750, which works out to approximately ₹8,05,000. The listing advertises up to ₹8.1L.
- Winners receive cash prizes. This is not an equity deal, so no stake or ownership share in your project is taken.
- Entering is free — there is no registration or submission charge.
- Participants get mentorship and support resources, so you are not building without guidance.
- You build on CockroachDB's distributed SQL alongside AWS cloud services.
The raw listing does not break the pool down by rank, so the exact split between first place and the remaining winners is not published here.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
There is no multi-round application funnel to clear. The outcome rests entirely on the project you submit.
- Build and submit: register on Devpost and upload your finished project before the 18 August 2026 deadline.
- Judging: the organisers assess each entry against three stated criteria — practical impact, creativity and technical execution.
- Results: winners are announced once the judging period comes to a close.
The listing does not disclose the number of judges, how the criteria are weighted, or the precise date results are released.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory, 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
CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹8.1L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is this hackathon asking me to build?
You are asked to create an innovative application that leans on agentic memory — systems where an AI agent keeps and reuses context over time. The recommended stack combines CockroachDB's distributed SQL capabilities with AWS cloud services. Creativity and real-world usefulness matter as much as the underlying engineering.
How much money can I win?
The overall prize pool is $8,750, which is approximately ₹8,05,000. The programme listing presents this as up to ₹8.1L. The source data does not split the pool by rank or category, so the exact amount for first place and for other winners is not published.
Who is allowed to participate?
The hackathon is open globally with no geographic restrictions, which means Indian individuals and Indian teams are welcome. Developers, engineers, data scientists and multi-person teams can all enter, and there is no bar on taking part as a solo builder.
Do I need prior experience with CockroachDB to enter?
No. The organisers state that previous CockroachDB experience is not required, and they provide resources and mentorship to help participants get started. The challenge is designed so newcomers can pick up what they need during the hackathon window.
Can I enter alone, or do I have to form a team?
Both routes are allowed. Solo participants can submit a project on their own, and teams are equally welcome. There is no stated team-size cap in the available information.
Is there a registration or entry fee?
No. The hackathon is free to enter, and the listing confirms there is no registration fee. Your only real investment is the time you spend building and submitting your project.
Does the programme take equity in my project?
No. This is a prize competition rather than an investment or equity programme. Winners receive cash prizes, and no stake or ownership share in the project is taken by the organisers.
When does the hackathon run and what is the submission deadline?
The hackathon runs from 30 June to 18 August 2026. All project submissions must be made through Devpost before the deadline of 18 August 2026. Winners are announced after the judging period ends.
How will my project be assessed?
Entries are judged on three stated criteria: creativity, technical execution and practical impact. The organisers have not published the number of judges, the weighting given to each criterion, or the exact date on which results will be declared.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
Neither is needed. Because this is an open global competition rather than a government-backed startup scheme, there is no requirement for DPIIT recognition, Udyam/MSME registration, or any particular corporate structure.
How and where do I apply?
You register and submit your project on the official Devpost page at https://cockroachdb-ai.devpost.com/. Everything is handled online — there is no offline application step and no fee to pay at any stage.
Who is eligible to apply for CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory?
CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
How do I apply for CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory
Not sure CockroachDB × AWS Hackathon — ₹8.1L Prize for Agentic Memory is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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