IEEE HackSynapse 2026 — 36-Hour Hackathon with ₹1.5L+ Prizes — Frequently Asked Questions

It is a national-level student hackathon hosted at Madhav Institute of Technology & Science (MITS) in Gwalior. The event is organised by the IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) Student Branch Chapter and the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) Student Branch Chapter at MITS, in collaboration with HackIndia. It combines an online idea-submission round with a 36-hour offline build sprint for the teams that make the cut.

The total reward pool is worth more than ₹1.5 lakh, spread across cash prizes, sponsor rewards, goodies and exclusive benefits. Winning teams receive cash prizes along with goodies, certificates and nationwide recognition. Certificates are also given to all finalists and to every participant who completes the hackathon.

The hackathon is open to undergraduate students enrolled at any recognised college or university. Students from all engineering branches and related disciplines can take part, including Computer Applications, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Electronics, Design and Business. International students studying at a recognised institution are eligible too, as long as they have a valid college ID.

Teams must have 3 to 4 members. Inter-college teams are explicitly allowed, so your teammates do not have to be from the same institution. Every member needs to carry a valid college ID.

Registration runs from 15 July 2026 to 23 August 2026, and Round 1 materials must be submitted by that closing date. Shortlisted teams are notified on 27 August 2026, and they have until 2 September 2026 to complete offline registration and pay the participation fee.

Round 1 costs nothing to enter. Teams that are shortlisted for the offline round pay ₹1,100 per team — a single fee covering the whole team, not a per-participant charge.

Round 1 asks for a problem-statement presentation prepared with the official template, a 1.5–2 minute pitch video describing your idea, and optionally a link to your GitHub repository. Everything is submitted through the HackIndia platform. Shortlisting is based on innovation, feasibility, technical approach, clarity and potential impact.

There are three tracks: Artificial Intelligence (machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision and similar techniques), Web3 & Blockchain (decentralised applications, smart contracts and blockchain-based systems), and Open Innovation, where you can address any real-world problem using modern technology such as AI or Web3.

No. IEEE HackSynapse 2026 is a competition, not an investor or accelerator, so there is no equity or ownership stake involved. Teams simply compete for cash prizes, sponsor rewards, goodies, certificates and recognition.

Yes. Accommodation is provided for the qualifying teams that travel to MITS Gwalior for the offline 36-hour finale.

Registration happens online on the HackIndia platform, which is linked from the event's Unstop page. Complete your team registration there and upload your Round 1 materials before 23 August 2026.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for IEEE HackSynapse 2026 — 36-Hour Hackathon with ₹1.5L+ Prizes, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

IEEE HackSynapse 2026 — 36-Hour Hackathon with ₹1.5L+ Prizes is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

IEEE HackSynapse 2026 — 36-Hour Hackathon with ₹1.5L+ Prizes is offered by Madhav Institute of Technology & Science, a startup incubator. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.