Ideathon 3.0 at MANIT Bhopal — ₹10,000 Prize Pool — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Ideathon 3.0 at MANIT Bhopal — ₹10,000 Prize Pool — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ideathon 3.0 about?
It is a two-stage ideathon run by Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal. Participants are asked to envision humanity's future around a rotating Kerr black hole and to design scientifically grounded solutions covering interstellar travel, infrastructure development, system stabilisation and large-scale energy extraction through the Penrose Process.
How much can a team win at Ideathon 3.0?
The total prize pool is ₹10,000, divided across three places. The winner takes ₹5,000 in cash, the first runner up receives ₹3,000, and the second runner up gets ₹2,000. Each of the three also receives goodies from the organisers. Teams that do not finish in the top three are not offered a cash prize.
What is the deadline for submitting an entry?
Round 1 proposals must be submitted through Unstop by 17 August 2026. The shortlisted teams are then announced on 18 August 2026, and the final round takes place on 22 August 2026.
Who is eligible to participate?
The competition is open to students, working professionals and space enthusiasts. Teams can have anywhere between 1 and 4 members, and inter-college as well as inter-specialisation teams are allowed. Every team has to designate one member as the Team Leader.
Can I enter Ideathon 3.0 on my own, without a team?
Yes. Team sizes range from 1 to 4 members, so a solo participant is permitted. If you do enter alone, you would simply be the Team Leader of a one-person team.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. Ideathon 3.0 is an open competition rather than a government funding scheme, so there is no DPIIT recognition requirement, no MSME/Udyam registration condition and no restriction on the type of entity or institution a participant belongs to.
Does the organiser take equity or expect the prize money to be repaid?
No. This is a competition with cash prizes, so the money is not a loan and does not need to be returned. The organisers also do not take any equity or stake in participating teams.
What exactly goes into the Round 1 submission?
You upload a technical proposal in PDF format through Unstop. The proposal can be a maximum of 30 pages, and the solution overview within it must not exceed 2000 words. The official Rulebook and Problem Statement set out the formatting guidelines and the criteria used to evaluate entries.
Is there an in-person round, and where is it held?
Yes. Teams that clear the online round present their solutions in person at MANIT, Bhopal on 22 August 2026. The winners are decided from that presentation round.
How and where do I apply?
Registration and proposal submission both happen on Unstop at https://unstop.com/competitions/ideathon--1709177. Make sure the submission is completed before 17 August 2026 and that you have reviewed the official Rulebook and Problem Statement first.
How do I apply for Ideathon 3.0 at MANIT Bhopal — ₹10,000 Prize Pool?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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