Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 — AI Hackathon with a ₹35,000 Prize Pool
Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 is an AI hackathon organised by Sphere Hive at VRIF VTU Belagavi, open to all with a ₹35,000 cash prize pool. The online data audit is due by July 25, 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹35,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (25 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 is a competition built around artificial intelligence, put together by Sphere Hive and held at VRIF VTU Belagavi. It is a contest rather than a funding scheme: what entrants compete for is cash, with a total prize purse of ₹35,000.
The event runs from June 15, 2026 to July 25, 2026. One mandatory element of the competition is a data audit carried out online, and every participant has to complete it by the closing date of July 25, 2026.
Entry is deliberately wide open. Students, professional developers and AI enthusiasts are all invited, and you may register either as an individual or in a team — the organisers have not fixed a team size. Because the format is a hackathon, what counts is your ability to build and demonstrate AI work inside the event window, not company paperwork or funding history.
To take part, register on the competition page for the event on Internshala, where the latest details on rounds and judging are also published.
Highlights
- AI-focused hackathon run by Sphere Hive at VRIF VTU Belagavi
- Total cash prize pool of ₹35,000
- Open to all — students, developers and AI enthusiasts, entering solo or as a team
- Event window runs from June 15 to July 25, 2026
- The online data audit must be completed by July 25, 2026
- Registration is through the competition page on Internshala
Who can apply
There are no stated restrictions on who can enter Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 — it is described as open to all.
- Students are welcome to take part.
- Developers and other working tech professionals can register.
- AI enthusiasts are invited as well, with no formal background in the field demanded.
You may enter on your own or as part of a team, and the details do not specify a minimum or maximum team size.
Nothing in the criteria points to a particular industry, home state or type of entity, and there is no requirement to hold DPIIT or MSME recognition.
Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 — AI Hackathon with a ₹35,000 Prize Pool 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[AI]Thon 2.0 — AI Hackathon with a ₹35,000 Prize Pool closed on 25 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The reward here is a cash prize, not a grant, loan or investment.
- The total cash prize pool stands at ₹35,000.
- Money is paid out as cash prizes to the winners, so nothing has to be repaid and no revenue share applies.
- Because this is a contest rather than a funding round, no equity stake is taken in whatever you build.
The event details do not mention any other support, such as mentorship, incubation or cloud credits.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 — AI Hackathon with a ₹35,000 Prize Pool, 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[AI]Thon 2.0 — AI Hackathon with a ₹35,000 Prize Pool 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.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is Hack[AI]Thon 2.0?
It is a hackathon focused on artificial intelligence, organised by Sphere Hive and hosted at VRIF VTU Belagavi. Competitors here are chasing a cash prize rather than funding or an investment, so the event is about building and demonstrating AI work.
How much prize money is on offer?
The competition carries a total cash prize pool of ₹35,000, shared among the winners.
What is the deadline to complete the requirements?
The online data audit has to be completed by July 25, 2026. That date is also the last day of the event itself.
What are the event dates?
The hackathon runs from June 15, 2026 to July 25, 2026.
Who is eligible to participate?
The competition is open to all. Students, developers and AI enthusiasts can all take part, and there is no bar on any particular background.
Can I join alone, or do I have to be in a team?
Both routes are allowed — you can register as an individual or as part of a team. The organisers have not specified any particular team size.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
No. This is a hackathon open to all, and no DPIIT or MSME registration is required. There is also no restriction based on industry, home state or entity type.
Does the programme take equity in what I build?
No. Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 is a competition that awards cash prizes, not an equity investment, so no stake is taken in your project or company.
What is the online data audit, and is it compulsory?
The online data audit is a required part of the competition, and it must be finished before the July 25, 2026 deadline. The official event page carries further details on the rounds and on how entries are judged.
How do I register?
Registration happens through the official Internshala competition page for Hack[AI]Thon 2.0, at https://internshala.com/competitions/hackaithon-2-0/.
How do I apply for Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 — AI Hackathon with a ₹35,000 Prize Pool?
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[AI]Thon 2.0 — AI Hackathon with a ₹35,000 Prize Pool
Not sure Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 — AI Hackathon with a ₹35,000 Prize Pool is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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