Hack the Arts
An open-ended online hackathon at the intersection of art and technology — ₹93,000 prize pool.
- Funding amount
- ₹90,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- 1 Aug 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Hack the Arts is an online hackathon organised by the Hack the Arts team that challenges participants to create projects where art meets technology. The theme is intentionally open-ended, encouraging submissions in any medium — generative art, interactive installations, digital tools for artists, and more.
Who Should Apply Open to individuals and teams from anywhere in the world. Beginners are welcome; no prior hackathon experience is required. Designers, developers, artists, and anyone curious about creative technology can participate.
Format & Timeline The hackathon runs from July 1 to August 1, 2026, giving participants a full month to build. All submissions are made online via Devpost. Judging focuses on creativity, technical execution, design quality, and relevance to the arts theme.
Prizes Total prize pool is ₹93,000. Exact distribution across ranks is not specified.
How to Apply Register through the official Devpost page. The deadline for submission is August 1, 2026.
Highlights
- ₹93,000 prize pool
- Open to individuals & teams globally
- Online, month-long build period (July 1 – August 1, 2026)
- Intersection of art and technology – open-ended theme
- Beginner-friendly – no experience required
Who can apply
The hackathon is open to participants globally — there are no geographic restrictions. Both individuals and teams can apply. There is no minimum age mentioned. No prior hackathon experience is required. The event is beginner-friendly and welcomes anyone interested in art and technology, regardless of background or skill level.
Hack the Arts 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 Hack the Arts are open and the current deadline is 1 Aug 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
Total prize pool of ₹93,000. Exact prize distribution across ranks is not specified. No equity or any form of funding is provided; this is a competition with cash prizes.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Hack the Arts, 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 the Arts is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹90,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The total prize pool is ₹93,000. Exact distribution across ranks is not specified.
What is the application deadline?
The submission deadline is August 1, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
The hackathon is open to participants globally, with no geographic restrictions. Individuals and teams can apply. No prior hackathon experience is required, and the event is beginner-friendly.
Are there any restrictions on industry, state, or entity type?
No, there are no restrictions. The hackathon is open to anyone worldwide, regardless of industry, state, or entity type.
Does the program take equity or require repayment?
No, this is a competition with a prize pool. No equity is taken, and the prizes are not loans — there is no repayment required.
What documents are needed to apply?
The application is submitted via Devpost, but specific documents are not listed. Typically, hackathons require a project description, demo video, and source code link.
How do I apply?
Register through the official Devpost page: https://hackthearts.devpost.com/
Can beginners participate?
Yes, the event is beginner-friendly and no prior hackathon experience is needed.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Hack the Arts?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Hack the Arts, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to Hack the Arts
Not sure Hack the Arts is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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