InnoGenesis 2026: ₹5L National Hackathon in Vijayawada
A 24-hour national-level hackathon by Dr. RVR NRI Institute of Technology, Vijayawada, on 7–8 August 2026 — open to Indian college students in teams of 2–4, with up to ₹5,00,000 in cash prizes and a prototype exhibition.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (23 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
InnoGenesis 2026 is a national-level hackathon organised by Dr. RVR NRI Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vijayawada. The whole competition is compressed into 24 hours on 7–8 August 2026, giving student teams from across India a single overnight window to design, code and demo something that actually works.
Two formats run at the same event. Track 1 is the 24-hour hackathon itself, where teams receive their problem statements on the day and build against them. Track 2 is the Prototype Exhibition and Demo Sessions, aimed at participants who already have an idea or a working model and want to present it.
The technology spread is deliberately broad. Hackathon problems can cover Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Agentic AI, Robotics, IoT, Healthcare, Sustainability, Smart Energy and Open Innovation. The exhibition side focuses on Hardware Innovations, AI-Based Solutions and Healthcare Innovations.
The prize pool is up to ₹5,00,000 in cash, and every participant receives a certificate. Teams also get access to mentorship, time with industry professionals, accommodation, and food and refreshments through the event.
Highlights
- 24-hour national-level hackathon on 7–8 August 2026 at Dr. RVR NRI Institute of Technology, Vijayawada
- Open to Indian college and university students; teams of 2–4, with solo entrants able to team up on-site
- Cash prizes of up to ₹5,00,000, plus certificates for every participant
- Two tracks: a 24-hour hackathon and a Prototype Exhibition & Demo Sessions
- Registration costs ₹500 per participant and closes on 23 July 2026 via Unstop
- Includes mentorship, industry networking, accommodation, and food and refreshments
Who can apply
InnoGenesis 2026 is built for students. It is open to Indian college and university students — no restriction on which institution you study at is mentioned.
- Team size: 2 to 4 members.
- Solo applicants: individual participants are allowed to register and can form a team on-site at the venue.
- Registration fee: ₹500 per participant.
There is no requirement to be an incorporated company, and the program is not aimed at working founders — it is a student hackathon.
InnoGenesis 2026: ₹5L National Hackathon in Vijayawada 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 InnoGenesis 2026: ₹5L National Hackathon in Vijayawada closed on 23 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The rewards at InnoGenesis 2026 are cash prizes and event support rather than an investment or a grant.
- Cash prizes of up to ₹5,00,000 in total, awarded through the competition.
- Certificates for all participants, not just the winning teams.
- Mentorship opportunities during the event.
- Networking with industry professionals.
- Accommodation provided for participants.
- Food and refreshments through the 24-hour run.
The prize money is a competition award, so it is not repaid and does not involve giving up a share of your idea or team.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
InnoGenesis 2026 follows an event-day, build-and-judge format rather than a multi-round application screen.
- Register in advance. Teams sign up through the Unstop listing before the registration deadline of 23 July 2026, paying the ₹500 per-participant registration fee.
- Attend in person. The hackathon runs for 24 continuous hours on 7–8 August 2026 at the Dr. RVR NRI Institute of Technology campus in Vijayawada.
- Receive your problem statement. Problem statements are handed to teams on the day of the event, covering the listed technology areas.
- Build a working prototype. Teams spend the 24 hours developing their solution, while the Prototype Exhibition and Demo Sessions run alongside.
- Judging. Evaluation takes place at the end of the 24-hour period, after which prizes and certificates are awarded.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to InnoGenesis 2026: ₹5L National Hackathon in Vijayawada, 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
InnoGenesis 2026: ₹5L National Hackathon in Vijayawada is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is InnoGenesis 2026?
It is a national-level hackathon organised by Dr. RVR NRI Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vijayawada. The event runs for 24 hours on 7–8 August 2026 and combines a standard hackathon with a prototype exhibition and demo session for students who already have models or ideas to show.
How much prize money is on offer?
The cash prizes total up to ₹5,00,000. On top of the prize money, every participant receives a certificate, and the organisers also provide mentorship opportunities, networking with industry professionals, accommodation, and food and refreshments.
Who is eligible to take part?
The hackathon is open to Indian college and university students. There is no mention of a restriction by institution, course or year of study, so any enrolled student in India can apply as part of a team.
Can I apply alone, or do I need a team?
You can register as an individual. Teams are made up of 2 to 4 members, and solo participants are allowed to form a team on-site once they reach the venue. If you already have teammates, register together as a team of up to four.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. Registration costs ₹500 per participant, so each member of your team pays that amount individually.
What is the application deadline?
Registration closes on 23 July 2026. Since the hackathon itself takes place on 7–8 August 2026, you need to complete your Unstop registration before that July cut-off to secure a place.
What are the tracks or themes I can build for?
There are two tracks. Track 1 is the 24-hour hackathon, where problem statements are given to teams on the event day and can span Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Agentic AI, Robotics, IoT, Healthcare, Sustainability, Smart Energy and Open Innovation. Track 2 is the Prototype Exhibition and Demo Sessions, covering Hardware Innovations, AI-Based Solutions and Healthcare Innovations.
How are teams judged?
Teams build a working prototype during the 24-hour window, and judging takes place at the end of that period. The Prototype Exhibition and Demo Sessions run alongside the hackathon, so exhibition entries are assessed as part of the same event.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to participate?
No. DPIIT or MSME registration is not part of the eligibility criteria here — this is a student hackathon, and entry is limited to Indian college and university students in teams of 2 to 4.
Does the programme take equity in my idea or team?
No. InnoGenesis 2026 is a competition with cash prizes, not an investment programme, so there is no equity stake taken and nothing to repay.
How do I apply?
Registration is handled through the Unstop listing for InnoGenesis 2026. Head there, complete your team registration and pay the ₹500 per-participant fee before 23 July 2026.
Alternatives to InnoGenesis 2026: ₹5L National Hackathon in Vijayawada
Not sure InnoGenesis 2026: ₹5L National Hackathon in Vijayawada is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.