Hackathon (Hardware and Software) - Nirmith'26

Nirmith 2026 is a hardware and software hackathon organised by the IoTronics Club of Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bangalore. It is a national-level, execution-focused competition where undergraduate students from across India build and demonstrate real-world solutions under time constraints. The event is divided into two tracks—Hardware and Software—each with its own themes. Teams of 3–4 members from any discipline can participate. The competition starts with a free online screening round in which teams submit a presentation outlining their project idea, problem statement, and implementation approach. Shortlisted teams then advance to a 14-hour on-campus finale at NMIT where they develop working prototypes and present them before a panel of judges. During the finale, organisers provide meals, refreshments, high-speed internet, and workspace. A total cash prize pool of ₹1,00,000 is split equally between the two tracks: Hardware Track and Software Track. There is no registration fee for the preliminary round; only teams invited to the finale pay a Hospitality & Facilities Fee of ₹400 per team.

• Open to all undergraduate students (1st–4th year) across India, any branch or discipline.
• Two tracks: Hardware (themes include Healthcare & Assistive Technology, Environment & Sustainability, Smart Mobility, IoT for Smart Cities, Open Hardware Innovation) and Software (themes: AI/ML, Sustainability, Healthcare & Wellness, Fintech and Web3, Open Innovation).
• Free online screening round; only shortlisted teams pay ₹400 per team for the on-campus finale.
• Total cash prize pool of ₹1,00,000: each track awards ₹25,000 (Winner), ₹15,000 (Runner Up), ₹10,000 (Second Runner Up).
• 14-hour on-campus finale at NMIT Bangalore with meals, refreshments, high-speed internet, and workspace provided.

The hackathon is open to all undergraduate students (1st to 4th year) across India, regardless of branch or discipline. Teams must consist of 3 to 4 members. Inter-college and inter-specialisation teams are welcome. Each team can register for only one track—Hardware Track or Software Track. Pre-built projects are not allowed; all development must occur during the hackathon.

Hackathon (Hardware and Software) - Nirmith'26 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Hackathon (Hardware and Software) - Nirmith'26 closed on 23 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Cash prizes totalling ₹1,00,000 across both tracks.
• Hardware Track: Winner – ₹25,000; Runner Up – ₹15,000; Second Runner Up – ₹10,000.
• Software Track: Winner – ₹25,000; Runner Up – ₹15,000; Second Runner Up – ₹10,000.
• Shortlisted teams attending the on-campus finale receive meals, refreshments, high-speed internet, and workspace.

Hackathon (Hardware and Software) - Nirmith'26 is offered by NMIT Bangalore, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by NMIT Bangalore as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The hackathon follows a two-stage selection process: First, a free online screening round where teams submit a presentation detailing their project idea, problem statement, and implementation plan. Submissions are evaluated on clarity, feasibility, and innovation. Shortlisted teams are then invited to the 14-hour on-campus finale at NMIT Bangalore, where they develop working prototypes and present their solutions to a judging panel.

Before you apply to Hackathon (Hardware and Software) - Nirmith'26, 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.

Hackathon (Hardware and Software) - Nirmith'26 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.