DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026 — ₹3L Online Prize Pool
An online innovation and design hackathon for students and early-stage innovators across India, with ₹3,00,000 in cash prizes. Register by 21 July 2026 for the 1–2 August event.
- Funding amount
- ₹3L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (21 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026 is a fully online, pan-India competition for students and early-stage innovators who want to build and pitch their ideas in a judged setting. It is organised jointly by DQ Labs, EuroSchool Whitefield and The Deens Academy.
This is a hackathon rather than an accelerator or a grant scheme. Participants collaborate, ideate and build during the event window, and the strongest work is recognised with cash prizes drawn from a pool worth ₹3,00,000 in total.
Key dates and format
- The hackathon runs on 1 and 2 August 2026.
- The last date to register is 21 July 2026.
- The entire event is digital, so teams can join remotely from any part of India — no travel is involved.
Who it is for
Entry is open to participants across India, with students and early-stage innovators as the intended audience. No team-size cap or age limit is specified, and no particular industry focus is stated. Registration happens through the official Internshala competition page for the event.
Highlights
- Pan-India online hackathon co-organised by DQ Labs, EuroSchool Whitefield and The Deens Academy
- ₹3,00,000 total cash prize pool, with up to ₹3L advertised
- Held over 1–2 August 2026, entirely online with remote participation
- Open to students and early-stage innovators across India
- Registration closes on 21 July 2026
- Apply through the official Internshala competition page
Who can apply
Participation is open to students and early-stage innovators from any part of India.
- Geography: the hackathon is pan-India, so participants from any state or city can take part.
- Audience: students and early-stage innovators are the groups the programme is aimed at.
- Mode: the event is fully online and teams can participate remotely.
- Team size and age: the programme does not state any cap on team size or any age limit.
- Registrations: there is no mention of a DPIIT registration, MSME registration or registered-company requirement for this competition.
DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026 — ₹3L Online 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 DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026 — ₹3L Online Prize Pool closed on 21 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
This programme is a prize competition rather than a funding scheme, so what participants stand to gain is cash.
- Prize money: a pool of ₹3,00,000 is available in cash for the best entries.
- Advertised amount: the programme is listed at up to ₹3L.
- Non-dilutive: rewards are paid as prize money, so no equity or ownership in a venture is exchanged.
- No travel cost: because everything is delivered online, teams can compete from wherever they are.
The published information does not describe any grant, stipend, mentorship package or incubation support alongside the cash prizes.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026 — ₹3L Online 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
DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026 — ₹3L Online Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹3L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026?
It is a digital hackathon held across India, where participants ideate, collaborate and build solutions in a competitive, judged environment. The event is co-organised by DQ Labs, EuroSchool Whitefield and The Deens Academy, and it is run completely online.
How much prize money can I win?
The hackathon has a cash prize pool of ₹3,00,000 in total, and the programme is advertised at up to ₹3L. Winners are rewarded with cash rather than a grant, loan or investment.
What is the last date to register?
Registration closes on 21 July 2026. Make sure your entry is submitted through the official Internshala competition page before that date.
When does the hackathon actually take place?
The event runs on 1 and 2 August 2026. It is a two-day online marathon, so you can take part from wherever you are based.
Who is eligible to participate?
The hackathon is open to participants across India, and it is aimed at students and early-stage innovators. No specific industry, sector or state restriction is mentioned.
Is the hackathon online or on-site?
It is fully online. Participants from anywhere in India can join remotely, and teams can take part without travelling to a venue.
Are there any team size or age restrictions?
The programme does not state any team size limit or age restriction, so nothing on that front is fixed in the published information.
Does the hackathon take equity in my idea or venture?
No. This is a competition with cash prizes, so the rewards are non-dilutive — no stake or ownership in your idea or venture is taken in return.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
No. DPIIT recognition and MSME registration are not listed as conditions for this hackathon; it is open to students and early-stage innovators across India.
How do I apply for the DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026?
Register through the official Internshala competition page for the event, and complete your registration before the 21 July 2026 closing date.
Alternatives to DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026 — ₹3L Online Prize Pool
Not sure DQ Labs Innovation & Design Hackathon 2026 — ₹3L Online Prize Pool 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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