HackAmerica
Global online hackathon with $575 prize pool, focused on design and social good. Runs Apr 11 - May 23, 2026 on Devpost.
- Funding amount
- ₹51,750 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (23 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
HackAmerica is an online hackathon hosted on Devpost that invites participants from around the world to build solutions centered on design and social good. The event is beginner-friendly and welcomes students, developers, designers, and entrepreneurs whether they work solo or in teams. Key themes include Design – projects demonstrating innovative design principles – and Social Good – addressing pressing social challenges through technology.
The hackathon runs entirely virtually from April 11 to May 23, 2026, allowing remote participation from anywhere. Submissions must be made via the Devpost platform by the deadline. A cash prize pool of $575 (approximately ₹51,750) is awarded to the top-performing projects; specific prize distribution details are not provided.
Highlights
- $575 (₹51,750) cash prize pool
- Design and social good themes
- Fully virtual, global participation
- Beginner-friendly – no experience needed
- Runs Apr 11 – May 23, 2026 on Devpost
Who can apply
Open to global participants. No restrictions on location, age, or team size. Suitable for individuals and teams, including students, developers, designers, and entrepreneurs. Beginner-friendly – no prior experience required. No specific entity type, DPIIT, or MSME registration needed.
HackAmerica 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 HackAmerica closed on 23 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
A $575 cash prize pool (approximately ₹51,750) is awarded to the top-performing projects. Specific amounts per winner are not disclosed.
How to apply
- 1Registration
- 2Project submission
- 3Judging
- 4Decision
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are evaluated through the following stages: Registration (no specific duration) → Project submission (no specific duration) → Judging → Decision. Submissions are judged on creativity, technical execution, and alignment with design and social good themes. Final decisions are announced after the judging phase.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to HackAmerica, 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
HackAmerica is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹51,750. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is HackAmerica?
HackAmerica is an online hackathon hosted on Devpost that focuses on design and social good. Participants build projects and compete for a cash prize pool of $575.
How much funding is offered?
The total cash prize pool is $575 (approximately ₹51,750). The distribution among winners is not specified.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for registration and project submission is May 23, 2026.
Who can apply?
The hackathon is open to global participants, including students, developers, designers, and entrepreneurs. It is beginner-friendly, so no prior hackathon experience is required.
Do I need to register as a company or have DPIIT/MSME registration?
No. There are no entity-type, DPIIT, or MSME requirements. Individuals and informal teams can apply.
What themes or tracks are available?
The key themes are Design and Social Good. Projects should demonstrate innovative design or address social challenges through technology.
Is HackAmerica an in-person or online event?
It is a fully virtual event. You can participate from anywhere.
What documents or materials are needed to apply?
Applications are submitted through the Devpost platform. Typically, you will need to provide a project description, upload a demo or prototype, and possibly include a video or images. Exact requirements are detailed on the Devpost page.
How are winners selected?
After registration and project submission, entries are judged. The judging criteria are not explicitly stated, but likely consider creativity, technical execution, and alignment with the design and social good themes.
Where do I apply?
You can register and submit your project on the official Devpost page: https://hackamerica.devpost.com/
Does HackAmerica take equity?
No. HackAmerica is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
How do I apply for HackAmerica?
Applications go through 4 stages, starting with Registration. Apply through the official application link on this page.
Alternatives to HackAmerica
Not sure HackAmerica 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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