HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals
Bangalore Zonal Round of HackArena 2.0, an in-person hackathon for students, with cash prizes up to ₹1.1L and chance to qualify for the Grand Finale in Delhi.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.1L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
HackArena 2.0 – Bangalore Zonal Round is a qualifying stage of the flagship hackathon organised by Ignite Room at Polaris School of Technology. This 8-hour in-person event brings together student developers, designers, and innovators from the Bangalore region to build AI-powered solutions. Teams of 2-4 members must first submit a preliminary PPT to qualify. Participants can choose between two tracks: using trae.ai or mozilla.ai (the mozilla.ai track provides a specific problem statement from organisers). The top 10-12 teams advance to the 24-hour Grand Finale in Delhi on June 27-28, where the top three teams share a ₹1,00,000 cash prize. Additionally, the best mozilla.ai project at the Bangalore Zonals wins ₹13,500.
Highlights
- 8-hour in-person hackathon at Polaris School of Technology, Bangalore.
- Two tracks: trae.ai and mozilla.ai (with a specific problem statement).
- Top 10-12 teams qualify for the 24-hour Grand Finale in Delhi.
- ₹13,500 cash prize for best mozilla.ai project at zonal level.
- Grand Finale top 3 teams share ₹1,00,000.
- Open to student teams of 2-4; preliminary PPT required.
Who can apply
This hackathon is open to student developers, designers, and innovators from Bangalore and surrounding tech hubs. Teams must consist of 2 to 4 members. All teams must complete a preliminary PPT submission round to qualify. Participants can register for only one zonal round across India; entering multiple zones leads to disqualification.
HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals 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 HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals closed on 15 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Cash prize of ₹13,500 for the top team in the mozilla.ai track at the Bangalore Zonals.
- Top 10-12 teams from the Bangalore Zonals are shortlisted for the Grand Finale in Delhi (June 27-28).
- The top 3 teams at the Grand Finale share a cash prize of ₹1,00,000.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals, 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
HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.1L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered at the Bangalore Zonals?
The top team in the mozilla.ai track receives a cash prize of ₹13,500. Additionally, the top 10-12 teams advance to the Grand Finale where the top three teams share ₹1,00,000.
What is the application deadline?
Registration closes on May 15, 2026. A preliminary PPT submission is required as part of the application.
Who is eligible to apply?
Student developers, designers, and innovators from Bangalore and nearby tech hubs. Teams must have 2-4 members. A preliminary PPT is mandatory. Participants can only register for one zonal round.
Is this a grant or equity-based program?
This is a competition (hackathon) with cash prizes. No equity is taken.
What is the format of the hackathon?
It is an 8-hour in-person hackathon at Polaris School of Technology, Bangalore. Teams develop prototypes based on AI tracks using trae.ai or mozilla.ai.
How are teams evaluated?
Evaluation is based on innovation, technical implementation, feasibility, and overall impact by a panel of judges and mentors.
What is the Grand Finale and how do I qualify?
The Grand Finale is a 24-hour hackathon in Delhi on June 27-28. The top 10-12 teams from the Bangalore Zonals qualify to participate.
Where do I apply?
Applications are through Unstop at the URL provided by the organisers.
Can I participate in multiple zonal rounds?
No. Participants are allowed to register for only one zonal round across India. Violation leads to disqualification.
Is DPIIT recognition required for HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
How do I apply for HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals
Not sure HackArena 2.0 : Bangalore Zonals is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.