Hack4Humanity
Hack4Humanity 2026 is a global hybrid hackathon by IEEE JCTS Pune, challenging innovators to build solutions for humanitarian issues across Quantum Computing, Cyber Security, and AI for Societal Good, with a ₹75,000 prize pool.
- Funding amount
- ₹75,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Hack4Humanity 2026 is a global hybrid hackathon organised by the IEEE JCTS Pune Section in partnership with IEEE SIGHT Pune Section, IEEE Young Professionals Pune, and BRAIN. It calls upon students, researchers, developers, innovators, and professionals worldwide to develop solutions using emerging technologies to tackle real-world humanitarian challenges.
The competition spans three thematic tracks: Quantum Computing, Cyber Security, and AI for Societal Good. Participants may either pick from the provided problem statements or propose their own innovative problem within these tracks, keeping in mind that solutions need to be practical, scalable, ethical, and impactful.
The format includes two rounds. Round 1 is an Online Qualification, lasting about 30 days for submissions. Teams must upload a solution document, a pitch video, a GitHub repository link, and a team declaration. Judges then shortlist the top 10 teams per track to move to the second round. Round 2 is an Offline Grand Finale held in Pune, India — a one-day in-person event where finalists build and demonstrate their prototypes before a panel of judges, mentors and industry experts.
Key dates: Registration ends 15 June 2026; Round 1 submissions close 15 July 2026; Round 1 results announced 25 July 2026; the Grand Finale takes place in Pune on 8 August 2026.
A total cash prize pool of ₹75,000 will be shared among the top teams across the three tracks. Besides cash awards, winners receive participation and winner certificates, mentorship, networking with experts, global exposure, and recognition.
Registration fees apply: ₹250 per team for IEEE / BRAIN members; ₹750 per team for regular or non-IEEE member teams. Teams must consist of 2–4 members, and inter-college, inter-specialisation, and cross-domain teams are strongly encouraged. Registration is on Unstop.
Highlights
- ₹75,000 priority prize pool across three impact tracks
- Open to 2–4 member teams from any country or background
- Hybrid format: online qualification + offline finale in Pune
- Three breakthrough themes: Quantum, Cybersecurity, AI for Good
- Flexible entry: choose a supplied problem or propose your own
- Mentorship, certification, networking & global recognition offered
Who can apply
The hackathon is open globally to students, researchers, developers, innovators, and professionals of any educational background or experience level. Applicants must register in teams of 2–4 members. Inter-college, inter-specialisation, and cross-domain teams are highly encouraged. There is no restriction on nationality, institution, or profession.
Separate registration fees apply: ₹250 per team for IEEE / BRAIN Members and ₹750 per team for Regular (non-IEEE) Teams.
Hack4Humanity 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 Hack4Humanity closed on 15 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Cash prize pool of ₹75,000: distributed among top teams across the three tracks (₹25,000 for each track winner, other prizes shared among runners-up).
- All participants receive certificates — for winners (winner certificates) and for all who complete (participation certificates).
- Mentorship opportunities from judges and industry veterans during the offline finale.
- Networking access with industry experts and fellow innovators.
- Global exposure and recognition through IEEE platforms and BRAIN networks.
- Awards and recognition at the finale plus possible follow-up openings.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Round 1 – Online Qualification Over approximately 30 days, teams submit a solution document, a pitch video, a GitHub repository (with their code/prototype), and a signed team declaration. Submissions are evaluated by the respective track experts. The top 10 teams from each track are shortlisted to advance.
Round 2 – Offline Grand Finale The shortlisted teams (top 10 per track) join a one-day in-person event in Pune, India. They build their final working prototype on-site, demonstrate it, and get evaluated by a panel comprising judges, mentors, and industry experts. Final winners are selected based on creativity, feasibility, scalability, ethical considerations, and societal impact.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Hack4Humanity, 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
Hack4Humanity is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹75,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding (cash) is awarded in Hack4Humanity?
The total cash prize pool is ₹75,000. The exact distribution includes ₹25,000 for the first-place team in each of the three tracks (Quantum Computing, Cyber Security, AI for Societal Good). Additional cash prizes may be awarded for runners-up within the prize pool, but specific amounts for sub-winners are not detailed in the announcement.
What is the deadline to register for Hack4Humanity 2026?
The registration deadline is 15 June 2026. Late registrations are not accepted. Make sure you and your team have completed the online registration on the official hackathon portal (Unstop) by that date.
Can students from any country apply? Are there any location restrictions?
Yes, participation is completely global — undergraduate students, postgraduate students, researchers, developers, innovators and professionals from any country can apply. The only regional requirement is for the 30 selected finalists to physically attend the offline Grand Finale in Pune, India on 8 August 2026.
What are the three tracks of the hackathon?
The three tracks are Quantum Computing, Cyber Security, and AI for Societal Good. You pick one track for your team’s submission. There is no restriction on proposing an original idea vs. using a provided problem statement — both are allowed, as long as the solution fits the chosen track.
Does the competition take equity or own our idea?
No. Hack4Humanity is a non-dilutive competition — the organisers do not take equity, ownership, or any controlling stake in your intellectual property. The only rewards offered are cash prizes, certificates, mentorship, and networking connections.
What documents do I need to submit for Round 1?
For the online qualification round, each team must upload the following: a short solution document outlining the problem and approach, a pitch video (format/duration not specified, but typically 2–5 minutes), a link to a GitHub repository containing your early code or concept prototype, and a team declaration form. Ensure all team members’ details are correct before submission.
How do I apply to Hack4Humanity 2026?
Registration is done exclusively through the Unstop platform. Locate the official Hack4Humanity page, create or log into your Unstop account, and form your team of 2–4 members. Pay the applicable registration fee:* ₹250 per team if you are an IEEE or BRAIN member; or ₹750 per team for non-member / regular teams.* Complete payment and fill in the team detail fields before 15 June 2026.
When is the Grand Finale and what happens there?
The Grand Finale takes place offline in Pune, India, on 8 August 2026. Only 30 teams (shortlisted from online round, 10 per track) will be invited. It is a one-day event: finalists continue building their prototype on-site, then present and demonstrate it to a jury of judges, mentors and industry experts. Winners are announced at the conclusion of the event.
Is there any DPIIT or MSME registration requirement?
No. The competition does not ask for DPIIT recognition (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) or MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) status. Whether you are forming a college project team, a garage start-up or already a registered entity, you can participate without any government-registration prerequisite.
Who is eligible to apply for Hack4Humanity?
Hack4Humanity is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Alternatives to Hack4Humanity
Not sure Hack4Humanity 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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