Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University
Hack Helix is a flagship hackathon by Thapar University's Helix society, offering a ₹1.2L prize pool for teams of 3-6 building innovative solutions in Punjab.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.2L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (16 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Hack Helix is the flagship hackathon organized by Helix, a technical society of Thapar University (TU) in Patiala, Punjab. This high-intensity, time-bound competition is designed to bring together innovative minds to build impactful solutions for real-world problems. Participants get a platform to experiment, innovate, and transform ideas into tangible solutions while honing their problem-solving and development skills.
Open to students and innovators passionate about technology, the hackathon emphasizes innovation, technical excellence, and teamwork. Teams collaborate to ideate, design, and develop practical solutions across diverse domains, focusing on building functional prototypes.
The event is held offline at Thapar University in Patiala, running from April 1st to April 16th, 2026. Participants receive mentorship support and a structured evaluation process. A total cash prize pool of ₹1,20,000 is distributed among top teams and special categories, with certificates awarded to winners.
Highlights
- Total prize pool of ₹1,20,000
- Winner prize: ₹50,000
- First Runner Up: ₹30,000
- Second Runner Up: ₹20,000
- Special prizes: Best First Year Hack and Best All Girls Hack (₹10,000 each)
- Offline event at Thapar University, Patiala, from April 1-16, 2026
Who can apply
Open to teams of 3 to 6 members. Participants are encouraged to form diverse teams to leverage varied skill sets.
Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University 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 Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University closed on 16 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Cash prizes totaling ₹1,20,000 are distributed as follows: Winner: ₹50,000, First Runner Up: ₹30,000, Second Runner Up: ₹20,000, Best First Year Hack: ₹10,000, and Best All Girls Hack: ₹10,000.
Winners also receive certificates.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University, 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 Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.2L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prize money for Hack Helix?
The total cash prize pool is ₹1,20,000, distributed as ₹50,000 for the winner, ₹30,000 for the first runner-up, ₹20,000 for the second runner-up, and ₹10,000 each for the Best First Year Hack and Best All Girls Hack categories.
When is the application deadline?
The registration deadline is April 16, 2026.
Who can apply to Hack Helix?
The hackathon is open to teams of 3 to 6 members. There are no specific restrictions on who can join, so students and innovators from any background can participate.
Is the hackathon online or offline?
Hack Helix is an offline competition held at Thapar University in Patiala, Punjab.
What is the format of the event?
Teams will collaborate to ideate, design, and develop practical solutions, focusing on building functional prototypes. The event runs from April 1st to April 16th, 2026, and includes mentorship support and a structured evaluation process.
Does Hack Helix take equity?
No, Hack Helix is a competition with cash prizes; it does not take any equity.
What documents are needed to apply?
The application is done through the Unstop platform; typically, no additional documents are required at the application stage, but you may need to provide team details.
How do we apply for Hack Helix?
Interested teams can register through the official Unstop platform using the application link provided. The deadline is April 16, 2026.
How much funding does Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University provide?
Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University provides ₹1.2L (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
How do I apply for Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University
Not sure Hack Helix 2026 — ₹1.2L Prize Pool Hackathon at Thapar University is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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