Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool
A 24-hour hackathon run by D'Code, the NSUT Delhi coding club, where student teams of 3–4 build working prototypes and compete for a total cash pool of ₹22,000.
- Funding amount
- ₹22,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (12 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Hack-4-Crown is a 24-hour hackathon staged at Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), Delhi. It is organised by D'Code, the NSUT coding club, and runs as one of the events under Oblivion'26, the university's annual techno-cultural festival.
The premise is straightforward: student teams spend 24 continuous hours turning an idea into a working prototype that addresses a real-world problem. Entrants build from scratch during the event window, and the format suits people who learn best by shipping something under time pressure.
Entry works in two steps. Teams first put their idea forward in Round 1, and the shortlisted ones are invited to the 24-hour build. Shortlisted teams also receive mentorship from industry experts and experienced professionals, who help them sharpen their concept and work through technical roadblocks.
Three teams take home cash: ₹10,000 for the winner, ₹7,000 for the first runner-up and ₹5,000 for the second runner-up — a total prize pool of ₹22,000. Registration closes on August 12, 2026, and applications go through the official Unstop listing for the event.
Highlights
- 24-hour hackathon at NSUT Delhi, run by the campus coding club D'Code as part of Oblivion'26
- Total prize pool of ₹22,000 — ₹10,000 / ₹7,000 / ₹5,000 for the top three teams
- Teams of 3–4 members; solo registrants can be matched into a team at registration
- Open to students enrolled with any educational institution in India, with no regional bar
- Registration closes on August 12, 2026, via the official Unstop page
- Shortlisted teams receive mentorship from industry experts during the build
Who can apply
Hack-4-Crown is built for students rather than companies, working professionals or independent founders.
- Team size: teams must have 3 to 4 members. Solo entrants who would like to join a team can be matched with others during registration.
- Who qualifies: anyone currently enrolled with an educational institution. Undergraduate and postgraduate students are the natural fit for the event.
- Geography: there is no location bar beyond India, so students from any part of the country can take part.
- Team changes: once registration is complete, the line-up is frozen and member changes are not allowed.
- Originality: every project must be original and must follow the idea the team submitted in Round 1.
Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 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
The most recent application window for Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool closed on 12 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Rewards at Hack-4-Crown come as cash prizes rather than grants or investment:
- Winner — ₹10,000
- First runner-up — ₹7,000
- Second runner-up — ₹5,000
Together these make up a ₹22,000 prize pool, which is the total cash on offer at the event.
Beyond the money, shortlisted teams get mentoring from industry experts and experienced professionals during the hackathon — useful for refining an idea, getting unstuck on a technical problem and walking away with something solid for a student portfolio.
Nothing here is a loan or an equity stake; the top three teams simply receive prize money.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Assessment happens across two broad steps.
- Round 1 — idea submission: teams put their concept forward at the time of registration. Only the shortlisted ideas move ahead.
- The 24-hour build: shortlisted teams develop their prototype at NSUT Delhi, with mentorship from industry experts and experienced professionals available through the event.
- Final judging: projects are scored on innovation, technical excellence, teamwork, adaptability, effective time management, impactful problem-solving and scalability.
A few ground rules shape the evaluation. Everything submitted has to be original and must match the idea from Round 1, and pre-built or previously developed projects are not allowed. Teams may use open-source code, third-party tools and standard APIs as long as they acknowledge what they used and respect the relevant licences. Plagiarism or copied code leads to immediate disqualification, and the judges' decision is final and binding.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 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
Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹22,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hack-4-Crown?
It is a 24-hour hackathon held at Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) in Delhi. D'Code, the NSUT coding club, organises it as part of Oblivion'26, the institute's annual techno-cultural fest. Teams use the 24 hours to build a working prototype that tackles a real-world problem.
How much can a team win at Hack-4-Crown?
The cash pool totals ₹22,000 and is shared by the top three teams. The winner receives ₹10,000, the first runner-up gets ₹7,000 and the second runner-up takes ₹5,000.
When does registration close?
The last date to register is August 12, 2026. Since the hackathon itself runs for 24 hours, teams should be ready to commit a full day and night to building their prototype.
Who is eligible to take part?
Hack-4-Crown is open to students currently enrolled with an educational institution, and undergraduate and postgraduate students are the natural fit. There is no geographic restriction beyond India, so students from anywhere in the country can apply.
What size should a team be, and can I apply on my own?
Teams must have 3 or 4 members. If you are applying on your own and would like to be placed with a team, the organisers can match you with other participants during registration. Once registration is complete, however, no changes to team members are permitted.
Is mentorship provided during the hackathon?
Yes. Shortlisted teams are mentored by industry experts and experienced professionals throughout the event, which helps them refine their idea and get past technical challenges as they build.
How are the projects judged?
Judges weigh innovation, technical excellence, teamwork, adaptability, effective time management, impactful problem-solving and scalability. The judges' decision is final and binding.
Can we use open-source libraries, frameworks or APIs?
Yes. Teams may use open-source resources, third-party tools and APIs, provided they properly acknowledge what they have used and comply with the relevant licences. Plagiarism or copied code results in immediate disqualification.
Can we submit a project we built before the event?
No. Every project must be original and must be developed from the idea the team submitted in Round 1. Submitting a pre-built or previously developed project leads to disqualification, so the prototype has to come together during the event itself.
How do I apply?
Applications are made through the official Unstop page for Hack-4-Crown, part of Oblivion'26 at NSUT. Registration closes on August 12, 2026.
What is the application deadline for Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool?
The application deadline for Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool is Closed (12 Aug 2026). Deadlines can be revised, so reconfirm on the official source before applying.
Does Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool take equity?
No. Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool
Not sure Hack-4-Crown — 24-Hour Hackathon at NSUT Delhi, ₹22,000 Prize Pool is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.