KONE Elevate'26 — 30-Hour National Hackathon, ₹2.5L Prize Pool
A 30-hour national-level student hackathon in Chennai on 24–25 September 2026, run by Easwari Engineering College with KONE Elevator India, offering cash prizes from a ₹2,50,000 pool. Register by 9 August 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.5L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (9 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
KONE Elevate'26 is a national-level hackathon that runs continuously for 30 hours, hosted in Chennai by Easwari Engineering College together with KONE Elevator India. The college's Department of AI and Data Science is driving the event, which is aimed at students who want to test their technical and analytical abilities against problems drawn from real industry settings.
The format is intense and collaborative. Over 24 and 25 September 2026, teams work on campus against the clock, building solutions to the industry-driven challenges set for the event. Judging looks at the quality of what each team produces and the impact of the solution.
This is a competition rather than a funding scheme, so the upside for participants comes in the form of cash prizes from a ₹2,50,000 pool, certificates for everyone who takes part, and national visibility for the strongest teams.
Entry is deliberately broad: students from any discipline may take part, and no particular branch, degree or specialisation is required. The only structural condition is that you enter as part of a team of 2 to 4 members. Registrations close on 9 August 2026 and are submitted through the official Unstop listing for the event.
Bringing an academic institution and a global elevator and escalator company together gives participants a rare chance to work on problems shaped by industry rather than the classroom.
Highlights
- 30-hour national-level hackathon held on 24–25 September 2026 at Easwari Engineering College, Chennai
- Total cash prize pool of ₹2,50,000, distributed among winning teams
- Certificates for all participants and national recognition for the top teams
- Open to students from any discipline, with no restriction on branch or degree
- Teams must have 2 to 4 members; solo entries are not provided for
- Registration closes on 9 August 2026 through the official Unstop listing
- Organised by the Department of AI and Data Science, Easwari Engineering College, with KONE Elevator India
Who can apply
KONE Elevate'26 is a student hackathon, and eligibility is kept simple.
- Who can enter: students from any discipline. The organisers do not restrict participation to a single branch, degree or specialisation.
- Team size: every entry must be a team of 2 to 4 members. The stated rules do not provide for solo participation.
- Stage or sector limits: none are mentioned. You do not need an existing startup, product or prototype to take part.
- Registration route: entries go through the official Unstop listing, and the last date to register is 9 August 2026.
Because this is a student competition rather than a startup funding programme, the eligibility conditions stated for it revolve around student status and team composition — there is nothing in the programme's rules about company incorporation, DPIIT recognition or MSME registration.
KONE Elevate'26 — 30-Hour National Hackathon, ₹2.5L 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 KONE Elevate'26 — 30-Hour National Hackathon, ₹2.5L Prize Pool closed on 9 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
KONE Elevate'26 is a prize-based competition, and the rewards are awarded to the strongest teams after judging.
- ₹2,50,000 total cash prize pool, distributed among the winning teams.
- Participation certificates for all participants.
- National recognition for the top teams.
The prize money is awarded as a competition reward rather than as an investment, so there is no equity, stake or ownership given up in return for what teams receive. The exact split of the prize pool between first, second and further places is not specified in the information available for the event.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
1. Register a team. Entries are submitted through the official Unstop listing for KONE Elevate'26. Registration closes on 9 August 2026, and each team must have 2 to 4 members.
2. Take part in the 30-hour hackathon. Teams gather at Easwari Engineering College, Chennai on 24 and 25 September 2026 and work through the 30-hour window on the industry-driven challenges set for the event.
3. Judging. Teams are assessed on the quality and impact of the solutions they build during the hackathon.
4. Prizes and recognition. Cash prizes from the ₹2,50,000 pool go to the winning teams, all participants receive certificates, and the top teams earn national recognition.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to KONE Elevate'26 — 30-Hour National Hackathon, ₹2.5L 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.
Who this is best for
KONE Elevate'26 — 30-Hour National Hackathon, ₹2.5L Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2.5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much prize money does KONE Elevate'26 offer?
The hackathon carries a total cash prize pool of ₹2,50,000, which is distributed among the winning teams. The individual prize amounts for each placing are not specified in the available information.
What is the last date to register for KONE Elevate'26?
Registration closes on 9 August 2026. Entries are submitted through the official Unstop listing for the event, so it is worth completing your team's registration well before that date.
Who is eligible to take part in this hackathon?
The event is open to students, and there is no restriction on discipline — participants from any branch, degree or specialisation can join. You must, however, enter as part of a team of 2 to 4 members.
When and where does the hackathon take place?
KONE Elevate'26 runs for 30 hours on 24 and 25 September 2026 at Easwari Engineering College in Chennai. Teams work on campus through that continuous window on the challenges set for the event.
Can I apply on my own, or do I need a team?
You need a team. The stated rules require teams of 2 to 4 members, and there is no provision for individual or solo entries.
Who is organising KONE Elevate'26?
The hackathon is organised by the Department of AI and Data Science at Easwari Engineering College, Chennai, in association with KONE Elevator India. Easwari Engineering College is part of the SRM Group, and KONE is a global name in elevator and escalator solutions.
Does the programme take equity in my idea or team?
No. KONE Elevate'26 is a hackathon competition, so what teams receive is prize money, certificates and recognition — not an investment. As a result, there is no equity, stake or ownership exchanged for the awards.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to enter?
No. Nothing in the eligibility rules refers to DPIIT recognition or MSME registration. Entry is restricted to students, and the only stated conditions are student status and a team of 2 to 4 members.
What do participants get besides the cash prizes?
Every participant receives a certificate. In addition, the top-performing teams gain national recognition from the event, which is run at national level with an industry partner.
How do I apply for KONE Elevate'26?
Applications are made through the official Unstop listing for the hackathon at https://unstop.com/hackathons/kone-elevate26-srm-easwari-engineering-college-srmeec-ramapuram-1719196. Team registration must be completed before the 9 August 2026 closing date.
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