Hack[AI]thon 2.0

Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 2026 is a national-level Artificial Intelligence hackathon organised by Sphere Hive in collaboration with VRIF VTU Belagavi. It invites students, innovators, and aspiring AI practitioners from across India to compete in a unique Data-Centric AI Challenge.

Unlike typical AI competitions that focus on changing model architectures, this event pushes participants to boost AI performance by improving dataset quality through intelligent data analysis, strategic labeling, and identifying high-impact samples. Teams will work with the 3LC.ai platform to explore embeddings, find edge cases, optimise training data, and enhance overall model performance.

The hackathon follows a two-stage structure — an online selection round followed by a 24-hour offline grand finale hosted at VRIF VTU Belagavi.

This competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from recognised institutions across India, from any academic discipline. Prior AI or ML knowledge is useful but not required.

Hackathon format and timeline

• Round 1 (Online Selection): A virtual screening check that tests problem-solving, data analysis, and strategic thinking around Data-Centric AI.
• Round 2 (Offline Grand Finale): A 24-hour hacking session at VRIF VTU Belagavi on 8–9 August 2026. Teams receive a real-world AI challenge focused on image classification and dataset improvement.

Prizes and benefits Total cash prize pool of ₹35,000. Additional benefits include participation certificates, mentorship from industry professionals, networking opportunities, sponsored goodies, and hands-on exposure to modern Data-Centric AI workflows.

Eligibility Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from Indian institutions. Teams must consist of 2–4 members. Inter-college and inter-disciplinary teams are allowed. A valid college ID is mandatory.

How to apply Submission deadline is 30 June 2026. Apply via the official Unstop page linked to this directory.

• ₹35,000 total prize pool
• Open to Indian undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Two rounds: online selection followed by 24-hour offline finals in Belagavi
• Focus on Data-Centric AI — improving datasets, not model architecture
• Mentorship from industry professionals and networking opportunities

Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled at recognised institutions in India. Students from any academic discipline may apply. The competition uses team-based participation — each team must have between 2 and 4 members, and inter-college or interdisciplinary teams are allowed. All participants must present a valid college ID during registration and verification.

There is no requirement for DPIIT registration, MSME certification, company incorporation, or prior AI/ML experience (though some background is beneficial).

Hack[AI]thon 2.0 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Hack[AI]thon 2.0 closed on 30 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Total cash prize pool of ₹35,000.
• Certificates of participation for all competitors.
• Mentorship from industry professionals during the hackathon.
• Networking opportunities with peers, organisers, and mentors.
• Sponsored goodies and exposure to modern Data-Centric AI workflows.

The funding provided is a cash prize; no equity is taken and no grants or loans are offered — this is strictly a competition.

The hackathon has two stages:

• Round 1 (Online Selection): A virtual screening challenge that evaluates problem-solving, data analysis, and strategic thinking specific to Data-Centric AI. Participants complete this round remotely.
• Round 2 (Offline Grand Finale): Teams that clear the online round are invited to a 24-hour onsite hackathon at VRIF VTU Belagavi on 8–9 August 2026. Here they tackle a real-world AI challenge involving image classification and dataset improvement. The final winners are determined based on performance during this offline round.

Further details about specific evaluation criteria within each round (beyond general problem-solving and model improvement) are not provided by the program.

Before you apply to Hack[AI]thon 2.0, 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.

Hack[AI]thon 2.0 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹35,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.