Esper AI Hackathon — ₹5.5L Prize Pool for Edge AI Teams — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Esper AI Hackathon — ₹5.5L Prize Pool for Edge AI Teams — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much money is on the table at the Esper AI Hackathon?
The total prize pool is $6,000, which works out to roughly ₹5,52,000. It is split three ways: $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third.
Who is eligible to take part?
Developers with at least 3 years of experience building machine learning systems, entering as teams of 2 to 4 members, and able to attend in person at the Esper office in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. The event is offline only, so remote participation is not an option.
When and where does the hackathon happen?
It runs from June 22, 2026 at the Esper office in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. Teams get 3 days on site to build and then demo their solution.
How many teams get selected?
Only 10 teams are invited. Picking is based on the strength of the idea submitted, so a clear, well-argued concept matters more at the application stage than a polished prototype.
Does the hackathon take equity in my startup or product?
No. This is a competition with cash prizes, so the winnings are non-dilutive — no equity and no share of revenue is claimed in exchange for the prize money.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
Neither is listed as a requirement. The stated eligibility is about the experience of the developers and the size of the team, not about corporate registrations or certifications.
What kind of AI solution am I expected to build?
Solutions should run on edge devices rather than in the cloud, aimed at the environments where physical work happens — retail, restaurants, healthcare and logistics are the named verticals. Expect to interface with edge devices, sensors or point-of-sale hardware, and to optimise for latency and inference quality.
How will my project be judged?
On a live demo, not a slide deck. Four weighted criteria decide the outcome: Enterprise Problem Depth at 30%, Hardware Integration at 25%, AI Quality & Innovation at 25%, and Live Demo Readiness at 20%.
Can I apply on my own?
The format is built around teams of 2 to 4 members, so entry is structured around a group rather than an individual developer. If you are applying alone, you would need to form or join a team of that size.
How do I apply, and what is the deadline?
Registration happens through the official event page at https://esperhacks.replit.app/#details, and applications are currently open. No closing date has been announced, so it is worth registering early — only 10 team slots exist.
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