GIBC V2 — Global Student Hackathon for Builders Worldwide — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about GIBC V2 — Global Student Hackathon for Builders Worldwide — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the Global Innovation Build Challenge V2 provide?
None in the form of money. GIBC V2 is a competition rather than a funding scheme, and the organisers state plainly that no cash prize is offered. Instead, five non-cash prizes are given to the standout projects, along with recognition inside the global GIBC community.
Who is allowed to take part in GIBC V2?
Students from anywhere in the world. The eligibility stated for the challenge is simply that you are a student, with no restriction on which country you are studying in. It is aimed at learners rather than registered companies or professional teams.
How many people can be on a team?
A team may have as many as eight members. You can enter with fewer, and since the whole event is virtual, your teammates do not need to be in the same place — remote collaboration is the norm.
What is the deadline, and how long does the challenge run?
The build period starts on July 11, 2026 and finishes on September 21, 2026, which works out to a ten-week hacking window. Registration also closes on September 21, 2026, so that date is the hard cut-off for both signing up and submitting.
Does the programme take equity in my project?
No equity arrangement is part of this programme. GIBC V2 is a student competition with no cash prize and non-cash awards only — there is no investment being made and therefore no stake being taken. It is not a dilutive funding programme in any sense.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to enter?
No. GIBC V2 is open to students globally and its criteria do not mention DPIIT recognition, MSME status, or any particular business entity type. Those registrations are relevant to Indian startup funding schemes, not to this challenge.
What kinds of projects suit this challenge?
The organisers highlight DevOps, machine learning/AI and social good as the natural fit. Illustrative examples of the work involved include a custom LLM kept within a 50-million-parameter limit, a data pipeline for a medical or fintech setting, or a novel hardware or software prototype. If your idea uses technology to solve a real-world problem, it is in scope.
How are entries judged, and by whom?
A panel of 10–15 industry professionals and expert judges reviews the submissions. They assess innovation, technical execution and impact — originality of the idea, quality of the engineering, and the difference the project could make. The five non-cash prizes go to the projects that score best on that basis.
How and where do I apply?
Registration happens through the official Devpost page for the challenge at https://gibc-v2.devpost.com/. Everything is handled online, and you need to complete your registration before the September 21, 2026 deadline.
What happens after submissions close?
Judging takes place after the September 21, 2026 close, and the results are announced at a virtual closing award ceremony on September 28, 2026. Throughout the ten-week build, participants can also use the official GIBC V2 Discord community to network with other teams and follow announcements.
Who is eligible to apply for GIBC V2 — Global Student Hackathon for Builders Worldwide?
GIBC V2 — Global Student Hackathon for Builders Worldwide is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
How do I apply for GIBC V2 — Global Student Hackathon for Builders Worldwide?
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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