HackOcean — National Frontend Hackathon with ₹1.5L+ Prize Pool

HackOcean is a completely online, national-level frontend hackathon aimed at Indian students and developers who want to prove their product thinking, interface design and coding ability in a competitive setting. It is run by the Digital Learning Group (DLG) together with Madhav Institute of Technology & Science (MITS), Gwalior.

Instead of a single sprint, the contest is split into two judged rounds. The opening round tests how clearly a team understands a problem, plans its approach, sketches a wireframe and presents its ideas. Only the top 50 teams progress from there. The finale hands shortlisted teams a set of three frontend briefs and gives them 12 hours to choose one and build a full frontend solution, submitted as a GitHub repository plus a live deployed URL.

The three finale problem statements are:

• ABYSS — a landing page for a fictional deep-sea exploration company that sells premium submarine adventures.
• REEF — a landing page for a fictional ocean conservation organisation.
• DeepSea Guardian — an intelligent platform for monitoring deep-sea ecosystems using AI, IoT and satellite data.

AI-powered development tools are permitted and even encouraged, provided they are used responsibly. Entries can be solo or in teams of up to four. Everyone who takes part receives a digital participation certificate along with sponsor rewards, and the combined estimated value of the prize pool comes to more than ₹1.5 lakhs. Registrations close on 22 July 2026.

• National-level, fully online frontend hackathon run by DLG in collaboration with MITS, Gwalior.
• Two rounds: a PPT screening round, then a 12-hour build finale for the top 50 teams.
• Combined estimated prize pool of over ₹1.5 lakhs, with the winner taking ₹3,000 cash plus memberships, AI interview credits and a certificate.
• Open to Indian students and developers — teams of 1 to 4, solo entries allowed.
• Registration fee: ₹49 solo, ₹89 duo, ₹139 trio, ₹179 squad.
• AI tools are fully allowed; the finale requires a GitHub repository and a live deployed URL.

HackOcean is open to Indian students and developers, with no restriction on institution, stream, graduation year, city or state. Frontend enthusiasts who are not currently studying are equally welcome.

• Team size: 1 to 4 members. You can register alone if you prefer.
• Originals only: all code must be written during hackathon hours, and copying an existing website leads to disqualification.
• AI tools: fully allowed, as long as they are used responsibly.
• Entry fee: a nominal charge applies — ₹49 for a solo entry, ₹89 for a duo, ₹139 for a trio and ₹179 for a squad.

There is no requirement for a registered company, DPIIT recognition or MSME status; the only entry condition is being an Indian student or developer who registers before the deadline.

HackOcean — National Frontend Hackathon with ₹1.5L+ Prize Pool is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for HackOcean — National Frontend Hackathon with ₹1.5L+ Prize Pool closed on 22 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

HackOcean pays out cash prizes along with memberships, credits and certificates. The combined estimated worth of the prize pool is over ₹1.5 lakhs.

• Winner: ₹3,000 in cash, plus CodeCrafters VIP Memberships, Interview Buddy AI interview credits and a digital certificate.
• First Runner-Up: ₹2,000 in cash, plus the same memberships, AI interview credits and digital certificate.
• Second Runner-Up: ₹1,000 in cash, plus the same memberships, AI interview credits and digital certificate.
• Top 5 Teams: a free 1-year .XYZ domain and a digital certificate.
• Every participant: a digital participation certificate and sponsor rewards.

Because this is a competition rather than an investment programme, the rewards are prizes and perks — no equity or ownership stake in your team is taken in exchange for them.

Assessment happens across two stages, each with a different focus.

Round 1 — Ignition (PPT Submission) You submit a presentation that covers your understanding of the problem, your proposed solution approach, a UI/UX wireframe and the creativity behind your idea. Judges review these submissions and the top 50 teams advance to the finale.

Round 2 — Deep Ocean (Grand Finale) Shortlisted teams receive three frontend problem statements, pick one, and build a complete frontend solution within a 12-hour window. Each submission must include a GitHub repository and a live deployed URL.

Across the two rounds, entries are judged on problem-solving ability, product thinking, UI/UX design, presentation skills and frontend development expertise.

Before you apply to HackOcean — National Frontend Hackathon with ₹1.5L+ 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.

HackOcean — National Frontend Hackathon with ₹1.5L+ Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.6L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.