AI 4 Earth Hackathon — ₹2,300 Prize Pool, Online AI Challenge — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about AI 4 Earth Hackathon — ₹2,300 Prize Pool, Online AI Challenge — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I win at the AI 4 Earth Hackathon?
The advertised prize pool is $25, which works out to roughly ₹2,300 at the conversion rate used by the organisers. No breakdown by rank or placement has been published, so it is not known how the pool is divided among the winners.
When does the hackathon run and what is the submission deadline?
The event takes place online from July 25, 2026 to August 15, 2026. The deadline for both registration and project submission is August 15, 2026.
Who is eligible to participate?
Practically anyone. The hackathon is open to all skill levels with no geographic restriction, and beginners are actively encouraged to join. Developers, data scientists, students and AI enthusiasts are the intended audience.
Do I need to be based in India to enter?
No. There are no geographic restrictions at all — the hackathon is global and runs entirely online, so anyone can participate from anywhere.
Can I work in a team, or do I have to enter alone?
You can do either. Solo participants and teams are both welcome, and the organisers have not set out any team-size constraints.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Registration and participation are free, and there is no charge for submitting a project.
What kind of project should I build?
Anything that sits under the broad "AI for Earth" umbrella. The central theme is environmental sustainability, and you may choose your own sub-theme — for example wildlife conservation, water quality monitoring, renewable energy optimisation, waste management or climate modelling.
How will my project be judged?
Entries are assessed on four things: how closely the idea fits the environmental theme, the creativity it shows, the quality of the technical implementation, and the impact it could have. No weightings or detailed scoring criteria have been released.
Does the hackathon take equity in my project?
No. This is a competition with a cash prize rather than an investment programme, so no stake is taken in your project in return for the money.
How and where do I apply?
Registration and project submission both happen on the hackathon's Devpost page at https://gatewaygs-ai-4-earth-hackathon.devpost.com/. You can sign up at any point before the August 15, 2026 deadline.
Is DPIIT recognition required for AI 4 Earth Hackathon — ₹2,300 Prize Pool, Online AI Challenge?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for AI 4 Earth Hackathon — ₹2,300 Prize Pool, Online AI Challenge, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
How do I apply for AI 4 Earth Hackathon — ₹2,300 Prize Pool, Online AI Challenge?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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