Hack Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata
UEM Kolkata's 30-hour open-innovation hackathon for college students across India. Teams of 1–3, free entry, ₹60,000 in total cash prizes, registrations close 25 August 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹60,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (25 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Hack Synthesis 3.0 is a student hackathon hosted on campus by the University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata (UEM Kolkata). It runs as a single 30-hour on-site sprint, giving every team one uninterrupted stretch to design, build and demo a working solution.
The theme is intentionally wide open — Open Innovation. No problem statements are handed out, so each team chooses the issue it wants to tackle and shapes its own product around it. Entries are collected through the official Unstop portal, and there is no registration fee to take part.
The event is built for college students from anywhere in India, competing in squads of one to three members. A total prize pool of ₹60,000 is shared across the three best-performing teams. The registration window shuts on August 25, 2026.
Highlights
- 30-hour on-site hackathon hosted by UEM Kolkata
- Open Innovation theme — teams choose their own problem, no fixed problem statements
- Open to college students across India, in teams of 1 to 3 members
- Free registration, no entry fee
- ₹60,000 total prize pool: ₹30,000 winner, ₹20,000 first runner-up, ₹10,000 second runner-up
- Apply via Unstop with a self-designed presentation by August 25, 2026
Who can apply
-
Student status: the hackathon is open to college students across India. Anyone currently enrolled in a college programme can register.
-
Team size: you can enter alone or as part of a group of up to three people. Teams must have 1 to 3 members.
-
Location: there is no state or region restriction — students from any part of the country are welcome, though the hackathon itself is held on site at UEM Kolkata.
-
Cost: registration is free. No entry fee is charged.
-
Company or registration requirements: none are mentioned. You do not need a registered startup, DPIIT recognition or MSME status to take part — eligibility rests on being a college student.
Hack Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata 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 Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata closed on 25 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The rewards at Hack Synthesis 3.0 are cash prizes, awarded to the top three teams after judging:
- Winner — ₹30,000
- First Runner Up — ₹20,000
- Second Runner Up — ₹10,000
The combined prize pool is ₹60,000. Teams keep their own projects, and there is no entry fee to compete for these prizes.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Step 1 — Submit your entry. Register through the official Unstop portal and upload a presentation. No template is provided, so you are free to design the deck your own way, but it should cover your team details, the problem statement you have chosen, your proposed solution, the tech stack, an architecture diagram, the features that set your idea apart, and the future scope.
Step 2 — Shortlisting. Entries are reviewed from the submitted presentations, and selected teams are invited to take part in the on-site event.
Step 3 — Build at the hackathon. Shortlisted teams build their projects during the 30-hour on-site hackathon at UEM Kolkata.
Step 4 — Judging. Projects are assessed on problem clarity, solution quality, tech stack, architecture, unique features and future scope. The judges' decision is final.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Hack Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata, 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 Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹60,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much prize money does Hack Synthesis 3.0 offer?
The hackathon carries a total cash prize pool of ₹60,000. The winning team receives ₹30,000, the first runner-up gets ₹20,000 and the second runner-up takes home ₹10,000.
Who is eligible to participate?
The event is open to college students from anywhere in India. You need to be a student to enter — there is no requirement for a registered company, DPIIT recognition or MSME registration.
Can I participate alone, or do I need a team?
You can go either way. Teams may have as few as one member and as many as three, so a solo entry is perfectly valid.
Is there a registration fee?
No. Registration is free, and there is no charge to take part in the hackathon.
What is the deadline to register?
The registration deadline is August 25, 2026. Entries submitted through the official Unstop portal after that date will not be considered.
What is the theme, and do I have to pick a given problem statement?
The theme is Open Innovation. No problem statements are assigned, so your team is free to identify a problem of your own choosing and build a solution for it.
Where and when does the hackathon take place?
The event is held on site at the University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata, and runs for 30 hours. Shortlisted teams build their projects during that window.
What do I need to submit with my application?
You need to upload a presentation through the official Unstop portal. No template is supplied, but the deck should cover your team information, the problem statement, your solution, the tech stack, an architecture diagram, the unique features of your idea and its future scope.
How are the projects judged?
Submissions are evaluated on problem clarity, solution quality, tech stack, architecture, unique features and future scope. The decision of the judges is final.
How do I apply?
Applications go through the official Unstop portal at https://unstop.com/hackathons/hack-synthesis-30-2026-university-of-engineering-and-management-kolkata-1710631, where you register and upload your presentation before the August 25, 2026 deadline.
Does Hack Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata take equity?
No. Hack Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Hack Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Hack Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to Hack Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata
Not sure Hack Synthesis 3.0 — ₹60,000 Prize Pool at UEM Kolkata 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.