Edge AI Hackathon 2026 — ₹45,000 Prize Pool for Hardware Teams — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Edge AI Hackathon 2026 — ₹45,000 Prize Pool for Hardware Teams — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much prize money does the Edge AI Hackathon 2026 offer?
The total cash prize pool is ₹45,000, divided across three hardware tracks. The FPGA track carries ₹20,000, the Raspberry Pi / Renesas Kit track carries ₹15,000, and the ESP32 / Arduino track carries ₹10,000. Winners in each track also receive certificates.
Who is eligible to participate?
The hackathon is open to B.Tech, M.Tech and Ph.D. students studying at any Indian institute. You enter as a team of 3 to 5 members, and every member must belong to the same institute. Inter-department and inter-specialisation teams are permitted, so your teammates do not have to be from your branch.
What is the application deadline?
Registration closes on 15 August 2026. Teams should complete their registration on the official Unstop listing before that date.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. The fee is ₹1,200 per participant, and it is reduced to ₹1,000 per participant for IEEE members. Free hostel accommodation is provided for participants.
Does the hackathon take equity in my project or startup?
No. This is a competition with cash prizes, not an investment, so no equity or ownership stake is taken in exchange for the award money.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. This is a student hardware competition rather than a government startup scheme, so DPIIT recognition and MSME registration are not part of the entry requirements. Eligibility depends on your student status and your team's composition.
What are the rounds and where are they held?
There are three rounds. Round 0 is an online abstract submission. Round 1 is an online software simulation. Round 2 is the on-site stage, where teams implement their hardware, demonstrate it live and give a final presentation at Parala Maharaja Engineering College in Berhampur, Odisha. Development boards are provided by the organisers, while teams must bring their own sensors and peripherals if required.
Which problem domains can teams choose from?
Teams pick one official problem statement from domains including Communication Systems, Biomedical Engineering, Image and Signal Processing, Processor Design, Defence and Security, and Indian Knowledge Systems. Each team must settle on a single official problem statement.
Can we submit a project we have already worked on elsewhere?
Every project submitted must be original. Plagiarism leads directly to disqualification, and the decision of the judges and the organising committee is final.
How do I apply for the Edge AI Hackathon 2026?
Applications are made through the official Unstop page for the hackathon: https://unstop.com/hackathons/edge-ai-hackathon-2026-parala-maharaja-engineering-college-berhampur-1720578. Register your team there before 15 August 2026 and complete the Round 0 abstract submission.
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