HackArena 2.0 – Online Zonals
Online qualifying round for HackArena 2.0, focusing on Generative and Agentic AI, for Indian undergraduate and postgraduate students, with selected teams advancing to the Delhi Grand Finale.
- Funding amount
- ₹21L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- IIIT Delhi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (8 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
HackArena 2.0 Online Zonals is the virtual qualifying stage of Ignite Room's flagship hackathon, organized by IIIT Delhi. This online competition gives students a platform to build innovative solutions in Generative and Agentic AI. Teams compete to earn a spot at the 24-hour Grand Finale in Delhi, where finalists from across India gather.
The hackathon is open to Indian undergraduate and postgraduate students. You must register as a team of 2–4 members. Individual registrations are not allowed, and no student can be part of multiple teams or different qualifying rounds.
The theme is Generative & Agentic AI, covering Generative AI models, AI agents, autonomous workflows, and intelligent systems. Participants are expected to create solutions that address real-world problems.
The competition has two online rounds:
- Round 1: Online Idea Submission (deadline June 9th) – Submit a PPT or PDF with your problem statement, proposed solution, technology stack, implementation approach, expected impact, and future scope. Submissions are judged on innovation, clarity, technical feasibility, and impact potential.
- Round 2: Final Online Judging Round (June 13th–14th) – Shortlisted teams get a 10-minute virtual slot to present a prototype, progress, or working demo. Top teams advance to the Grand Finale.
The total prize pool for HackArena 2.0 is ₹20,00,000. The top 3 teams at the Grand Finale each receive ₹1,00,000. Participants in the offline zonal round get a Certificate of Participation, and the top 10–12 teams selected for the Grand Finale receive a Certificate of Appreciation.
Registration closes on June 8th, 2026. Apply on the official Unstop page. All team members must register during the application process, and you may be asked to present a valid college ID.
Highlights
- Up to ₹20,00,000 total prize pool for HackArena 2.0
- ₹1,00,000 cash prize for each of the top 3 teams at Grand Finale
- Open to Indian undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Theme: Generative & Agentic AI
- Two online rounds: idea submission on June 9th, final judging on June 13-14
- Registration closes June 8, 2026
Who can apply
Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students in India. Teams must consist of 2–4 members. Individual participants are not allowed. No team member may be part of multiple teams or different qualifying rounds. A valid college ID may be required for verification.
HackArena 2.0 – Online 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 – Online Zonals closed on 8 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Total prize pool of ₹20,00,000 for HackArena 2.0.
- Each of the top 3 teams at the Grand Finale receives a cash prize of ₹1,00,000.
- Participants in the offline zonal round receive Certificates of Participation.
- The top 10–12 shortlisted teams for the Grand Finale receive Certificates of Appreciation.
About the provider
HackArena 2.0 – Online Zonals is offered by IIIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIIT Delhi as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process consists of two rounds:
- Round 1: Online Idea Submission – Teams submit a PPT/PDF presenting their solution. Submissions are evaluated on innovation, clarity, technical feasibility, and potential impact. This round closes on June 9th.
- Round 2: Final Online Judging Round – Shortlisted teams present a prototype or demo in a 10-minute virtual slot to a panel of judges. This round takes place on June 13th and 14th. Top teams from this round qualify for the HackArena 2.0 Grand Finale in Delhi.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to HackArena 2.0 – Online 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 – Online Zonals is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹21L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total prize pool for HackArena 2.0?
The total prize pool for HackArena 2.0 is ₹20,00,000.
How much cash prize do the top 3 teams receive?
Each of the top 3 teams at the Grand Finale receives a cash prize of ₹1,00,000.
What is the application deadline?
Registration closes on June 8th, 2026. Teams must also submit their Round 1 idea presentation by June 9th.
Who can apply?
HackArena 2.0 Online Zonals is open to Indian undergraduate and postgraduate students. Teams must have 2 to 4 members. Individual registrations are not allowed.
What is the theme or focus area?
The core theme is Generative & Agentic AI, including Generative AI models, AI agents, autonomous workflows, and intelligent systems.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a competition with cash prizes and certificates. No equity is taken from participants.
What documents are required to apply?
You may be asked to present a valid college ID card during verification. For Round 1, teams must submit a PPT or PDF presentation describing their solution.
How do I apply?
You can apply via the official Unstop page linked on the HackArena 2.0 website. Register your team of 2–4 members before June 8th, 2026.
What certificates are awarded?
Participants in the offline zonal round receive Certificates of Participation. The top 10–12 shortlisted teams for the Grand Finale receive Certificates of Appreciation.
Can I be part of multiple teams?
No, members cannot be part of multiple teams or different HackArena qualifying rounds.
Is DPIIT recognition required for HackArena 2.0 – Online Zonals?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for HackArena 2.0 – Online Zonals, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers HackArena 2.0 – Online Zonals?
HackArena 2.0 – Online Zonals is offered by IIIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to HackArena 2.0 – Online Zonals
Not sure HackArena 2.0 – Online Zonals is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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