IKIGAI 2026 — National Hackathon in Indore with ₹1,03,000 Prize Pool
A two-round national hackathon hosted in Indore by Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research, carrying a prize pool of ₹1,03,000 across six technology tracks. Open to college students and those who have recently graduated.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.0L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (1 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
IKIGAI 2026 is a national hackathon hosted in Indore by Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research. It is a competition rather than an investment programme: teams compete for a combined prize pool of ₹1,03,000, along with certificates and recognition for the strongest entries.
The event is aimed at students and fresh graduates who want to build technology-driven solutions. Developers, designers and problem-solvers from any academic discipline are welcome, and teams do not have to come from the same college or the same specialisation.
Projects may be built in any of six tracks:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Computer Vision
- Agricultural Technology & Smart Farming
- Sports Analytics using AI & Machine Learning
- Web & Mobile Applications
- Emerging Technologies and Innovation
The competition runs over two rounds. Round 1 is an online idea submission, where teams send their proposed solution, the technology stack they plan to use, the problem statement and an overview of the project; industry experts screen these entries. Shortlisted teams then come to Indore for a 36-hour offline Grand Finale from 21 to 23 August 2026, building and presenting their solutions before a judging panel. Registration closes on 1 August 2026.
Highlights
- National hackathon run by Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research, Indore.
- Total prize pool of ₹1,03,000, plus certificates and recognition for top teams.
- Registration closes 1 August 2026; applications go through the official Unstop page.
- Two rounds — an online idea submission followed by a 36-hour offline Grand Finale in Indore from 21–23 August 2026.
- Teams of 2–4 members, with at least one female participant required in every team.
- Six build tracks covering AI & ML, Computer Vision, Agritech, Sports Analytics, Web & Mobile, and Emerging Technologies.
Who can apply
Participation is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, diploma holders, and people who have recently graduated, as long as they come from recognised institutions. There is no restriction on academic discipline — applicants from any stream or specialisation may take part.
Teams must have 2 to 4 members. Every team needs at least one female participant, and an individual can join only one team. Inter-college and inter-specialisation teams are allowed, so members are free to bring together people from different campuses and courses.
IKIGAI 2026 — National Hackathon in Indore with ₹1,03,000 Prize Pool 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 IKIGAI 2026 — National Hackathon in Indore with ₹1,03,000 Prize Pool closed on 1 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
IKIGAI 2026 is a prize competition, not a grant, loan or equity investment. Winning and top-performing teams share a total prize pool of ₹1,03,000.
Beyond the cash prizes, the best teams receive certificates and public recognition for their work, plus the chance to network with other participants, mentors and the industry experts who screen and judge the entries.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Assessment happens across two rounds.
- Round 1 — Online idea submission: Teams submit their problem statement, proposed solution, chosen technology stack and a project overview. Industry experts screen the entries and decide which teams move ahead.
- Round 2 — Grand Finale, 21–23 August 2026, Indore: Shortlisted teams build their solution on site during a 36-hour offline hackathon and present it to a panel of judges.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to IKIGAI 2026 — National Hackathon in Indore with ₹1,03,000 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.
Who this is best for
IKIGAI 2026 — National Hackathon in Indore with ₹1,03,000 Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.0L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is IKIGAI 2026?
It is a hackathon held at the national level by Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research, Indore. Teams form up, pick a problem, build a technology solution and compete for a shared prize pool of ₹1,03,000. The competition is spread across an online first round and an offline Grand Finale in Indore.
How much can a team win at IKIGAI 2026?
The total prize pool is ₹1,03,000, distributed among the top-performing teams. Winners and other high-ranking teams also receive certificates and recognition, along with networking opportunities with fellow participants and the industry experts involved in the event.
What is the application deadline for IKIGAI 2026?
Registration closes on 1 August 2026. Teams should complete their entry on the official Unstop page before that date, since the shortlisting for the Grand Finale is based on Round 1 submissions.
Who is eligible to take part?
Undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma students, as well as recent graduates from recognised institutions, can participate. Participants from every academic discipline are welcome — the hackathon is not limited to engineering or computer science students.
What are the team size and composition rules?
A team must have between 2 and 4 members, and at least one member must be female. A person can be part of only one team. Teams may be inter-college and inter-specialisation, so members do not need to be from the same institution or course.
Which tracks or themes can we build in?
There are six tracks to choose from: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Agricultural Technology & Smart Farming, Sports Analytics using AI & Machine Learning, Web & Mobile Applications, and Emerging Technologies and Innovation. A team can pick whichever track fits its idea.
Is this a grant or an equity investment?
Neither. IKIGAI 2026 is a prize competition — teams compete for a cash prize pool of ₹1,03,000 and certificates. No equity or stake in participants' projects is involved.
Is DPIIT recognition or MSME registration required to apply?
No. The eligibility rules for this hackathon do not require DPIIT recognition or MSME registration. It is open to students and recent graduates from recognised institutions, with no startup-registration conditions attached.
What do we need to submit in Round 1?
Round 1 is an online idea submission. Teams provide their problem statement, the solution they propose, the technology stack they intend to work with, and an overview of the project. Industry experts then screen these submissions to decide who advances.
How and where do we apply?
Applications are made through the official Unstop page for IKIGAI 2026, hosted by Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research, Indore. Registration must be completed by 1 August 2026 to be considered for the Grand Finale.
How do I apply for IKIGAI 2026 — National Hackathon in Indore with ₹1,03,000 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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