GatewayHacks 2026: Global Software & AI Hackathon, ₹10.8L Prize Pool
GatewayHacks 2026 is a free, fully online hackathon for software and AI builders worldwide, with a prize pool of about ₹10,75,020 and a beginner-friendly, social-good focus. Entries close 2 October 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹10.8L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- 2 Oct 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
GatewayHacks 2026 is a virtual hackathon organised by GatewayGS, a global community of developers, designers and technology enthusiasts. Builders from anywhere in the world are invited to create software and AI solutions that tackle real-world problems, with social good placed at the centre of the brief.
The event runs from 1 September to 2 October 2026, entirely online. That long window lets participants work at their own pace rather than against a single weekend clock, and all submissions must be in by 2 October 2026.
Projects are built around two themes — Software and AI — and participants are encouraged to apply their work to areas such as education, healthcare, sustainability and community welfare.
The total prize pool is $11,685 (approximately ₹10,75,020, or up to ₹10.8L), shared across several winning projects. Awards recognise both overall excellence and category-specific achievements.
GatewayGS describes itself as a community-driven initiative with a track record of running inclusive events, and this hackathon is explicitly designed to be beginner-friendly — a practical entry point for students and early-career developers who want hands-on experience and a portfolio project. Registration is free and runs until the submission deadline.
Highlights
- Fully online hackathon running 1 September to 2 October 2026, with free registration.
- Total prize pool of $11,685 (about ₹10,75,020, or up to ₹10.8L), split across several winning projects.
- Two build themes: Software and AI, with projects encouraged to deliver positive social impact.
- Open to participants worldwide — no geographic restrictions, no age limits and no experience requirements.
- Enter solo or in a team of any size; the event is explicitly beginner-friendly.
- Registration and final submissions are both handled through the official Devpost page.
Who can apply
GatewayHacks 2026 is open to participants from every country, with no geographic restrictions of any kind.
- Experience level: None required. The hackathon is explicitly beginner-friendly and just as open to first-time hackers as to experienced builders.
- Age: No age requirements are listed.
- Team size: Teams can be of any size, and solo participants are welcome too.
- Who it suits: Students, working professionals, hobbyists and early-career developers with an interest in software development, machine learning or AI.
There is no company-entity requirement, no DPIIT or MSME registration condition, and no restriction on where in the world you are based.
GatewayHacks 2026: Global Software & AI Hackathon, ₹10.8L 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
Applications for GatewayHacks 2026: Global Software & AI Hackathon, ₹10.8L Prize Pool are open and the current deadline is 2 Oct 2026. Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
GatewayHacks 2026 is a prize-based competition, and the rewards are cash prizes rather than a grant or investment.
- Total prize pool: $11,685, which the organisers value at roughly ₹10,75,020 (up to ₹10.8L).
- How it is split: The pool is distributed across multiple winning projects rather than going to a single winner.
- Award types: Prizes are given for overall excellence as well as for category-specific achievements, so a range of innovative solutions can be recognised.
- Cost to enter: Nothing. Registration is free for every participant.
- What else you gain: The chance to build a portfolio project, work with software and AI tooling, and take part in an event pitched at beginners as much as experienced builders.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
GatewayHacks 2026 follows a straightforward online timeline.
- Register free on the official Devpost page — sign-ups stay open until the submission deadline.
- Build between 1 September and 2 October 2026, working at your own pace on a software or AI project with a social-good angle.
- Submit through Devpost by 2 October 2026. Projects cannot be accepted after that date.
- Judging looks at three things: creativity, technical execution and impact.
- Winners are announced shortly after the submission deadline, with prizes spread across multiple projects across overall and category awards.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to GatewayHacks 2026: Global Software & AI Hackathon, ₹10.8L 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
GatewayHacks 2026: Global Software & AI Hackathon, ₹10.8L Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10.8L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much prize money is on offer at GatewayHacks 2026?
The total prize pool is $11,685, which the organisers peg at approximately ₹10,75,020 — up to ₹10.8L. That pool is not handed to one winner: it is distributed across multiple winning projects, with prizes for overall excellence as well as category-specific achievements.
What is the deadline for GatewayHacks 2026?
Submissions close on 2 October 2026. Registration is also free and stays open until that same date, and the build window itself runs from 1 September to 2 October 2026.
Who is eligible to take part?
Basically anyone, anywhere. The hackathon is open to participants from all countries with no geographic restrictions, and there are no age or experience requirements. Students, professionals, hobbyists and first-time hackers are all welcome.
Can I enter alone, or do I need a team?
Both work. Teams can be of any size, and solo participants are explicitly welcome, so you can take part on your own if you prefer.
What kind of project should I build?
Projects should sit within the hackathon's two themes, Software and AI, and are expected to address real-world problems. The strongest fit is work with a social-good angle — areas such as education, healthcare, sustainability and community welfare are called out as examples.
I have never done a hackathon before. Is GatewayHacks right for me?
Yes. The event is deliberately beginner-friendly and is positioned as an entry point for students and early-career developers who want hands-on experience and a portfolio project. No prior hackathon record or specialist skill level is required.
Does GatewayHacks 2026 take equity in my project?
No. This is a hackathon competition with cash prizes, not an investment programme — the organisers describe no equity, ownership stake or repayment obligation attached to participating or winning.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration?
No. GatewayHacks 2026 is a global online hackathon open to individual builders and teams rather than registered companies, and no DPIIT or MSME registration is listed as a condition of entry.
How are the entries judged, and when are winners announced?
Submissions are assessed on creativity, technical execution and impact. Winners are announced shortly after the 2 October 2026 submission deadline.
How and where do I apply?
Registration is free and happens on the official Devpost page for the hackathon at https://gatewayhacks-2026.devpost.com/. The same platform is used to submit your finished project before the deadline — sign-up and submissions both close on 2 October 2026.
How do I apply for GatewayHacks 2026: Global Software & AI Hackathon, ₹10.8L Prize Pool?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to GatewayHacks 2026: Global Software & AI Hackathon, ₹10.8L Prize Pool
Not sure GatewayHacks 2026: Global Software & AI Hackathon, ₹10.8L Prize Pool is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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