DATASPHERE 2026 Hackathon — ₹4,500 Prize Pool for Students

DATASPHERE 2026 is a three-round hackathon held offline by Brainiacs – The Data Science Society, the data science society of Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, working with the college's Department of Statistics. It is a student-facing competition that puts artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to work on industrial problems.

The headline theme for this edition is 'AI & IoT for Smart Industrial Ecosystems: Optimizing Energy, Resources, and Waste for a Sustainable Economy'. Teams are asked to imagine systems that watch energy consumption, machinery and waste through connected sensors, then use AI and machine learning for forecasting, efficiency gains and anomaly detection. Adjacent ideas include waste management, KPI dashboards, and automation for predictive maintenance and load balancing — all pointed at lower costs, lower energy use, cleaner waste handling and a smaller carbon footprint.

The theme sets a direction rather than a boundary: projects on other subjects are equally welcome. Work is judged across three rounds, the three winning teams share ₹4,500 in cash prizes, and winners also pick up certificates. Everything wraps up with an in-person presentation day on the Sri Venkateswara College campus.

• Three-round hackathon with an offline final on 18 April 2026, 10 AM to 5 PM, at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi.
• ₹4,500 in total cash prizes shared by the three best-placed teams, plus certificates for winners.
• Teams must have between two and four members; the hackathon is primarily aimed at students.
• Core theme: AI & IoT for Smart Industrial Ecosystems — optimising energy, resources and waste.
• Abstract closes 17 April 2026 at 11:59 AM; technical proposal due the same day at 11:59 PM.
• Projects outside the main theme are also accepted.

Entry is by team, and each team must have between two and four members. The hackathon is aimed primarily at students, and it is the kind of event where student teams apply data science, AI and IoT skills to a live problem statement.

Beyond team size and the student focus, the organisers have not set out extra conditions — there is no state quota, no sector restriction, and no requirement for a registered company, DPIIT recognition or MSME registration.

The event is anchored at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, and the closing round requires teams to present in person, so members need to be able to attend on campus.

DATASPHERE 2026 Hackathon — ₹4,500 Prize Pool for Students is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for DATASPHERE 2026 Hackathon — ₹4,500 Prize Pool for Students closed on 17 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

This is a prize-based competition rather than an investment programme, so what a team can take home is cash and recognition.

• A total of ₹4,500 is set aside as the cash prize pool, shared by the three best-placed teams. The organisers have not published how the amount is split between first, second and third place.
• Winners also receive certificates marking their result.
• Because the reward is a prize, there is no equity dilution and nothing to repay afterwards.

The published rewards stop at the prize pool and certificates; travel reimbursement, mentorship and incubation support are not part of the offer.

Selection unfolds across three rounds. The first two are judged on written submissions, and only after that does anyone present in person.

• Round 1 – Abstract submission: the entry point, closing on 17 April 2026 at 11:59 AM. Teams register and file their abstract through the official Google Form.
• Round 2 – Technical proposal: a deeper write-up of the proposed solution, due on 17 April 2026 at 11:59 PM.
• Round 3 – Final presentation: shortlisted teams present offline on 18 April 2026, between 10 AM and 5 PM, at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi.

Both written deadlines fall on the same day, so teams should treat 17 April as the hard cut-off for all paperwork.

Before you apply to DATASPHERE 2026 Hackathon — ₹4,500 Prize Pool for Students, 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.

DATASPHERE 2026 Hackathon — ₹4,500 Prize Pool for Students is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹4,500. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.