LUMA Hackathon!
An online, beginner-friendly hackathon by joinluma with a $300 cash prize.
- Funding amount
- ₹27,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (26 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The LUMA Hackathon is a fully online, open-ended competition run by joinluma. Its goal is to spark creativity and give builders a platform to showcase what they can make. The event is intentionally beginner-friendly, so whether you are a student who has never joined a hackathon or a seasoned developer, you are welcome. You can sign up as an individual or as part of a team — there are no restrictions on team size.
This hackathon does not tie you to a single track. Although projects connected to Machine Learning and AI are especially encouraged, you are free to build anything you find interesting. The only hard requirement is that you submit your project by the deadline.
The competition runs entirely online from April 5, 2026, to April 26, 2026. That gives you just over three weeks to conceive, build, and submit your project. All registration and submissions happen through the official Devpost platform.
The top project will receive a cash prize of $300 (approximately ₹27,000) as recognition for outstanding innovation and execution.
Highlights
- Fully online and beginner-friendly; open to a global audience.
- Cash prize of $300 (₹27,000) for the winning project.
- Open-ended theme, with a special encouragement for AI/ML solutions.
- You can participate solo or as a team — no size limits.
- Three-week building period: April 5 to April 26, 2026.
Who can apply
The hackathon is open to participants around the world. There are no age limits or experience-level restrictions. Students, developers, designers, and anyone with an interest in technology or problem-solving can apply. Both individual participants and teams are allowed; there is no minimum or maximum team size. You may register and submit your project via the Devpost portal before April 26, 2026.
LUMA Hackathon! 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 LUMA Hackathon! closed on 26 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The winning entry receives a cash prize of $300. This is a one-time prize for the top project.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
All projects are submitted online through Devpost by April 26, 2026. Judges evaluate the entries based on innovation, execution, and overall impact. Since this is an open-ended hackathon, there is no single theme; projects focusing on machine learning or AI may receive special consideration. The winning project is selected by the organizers and announced after the submission deadline.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to LUMA Hackathon!, 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
LUMA Hackathon! is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹27,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered in the LUMA Hackathon?
A cash prize of $300 (about ₹27,000) is awarded to the winning project.
What is the application deadline for the LUMA Hackathon?
The deadline for registration and project submission is April 26, 2026.
Who can apply? Are there any eligibility restrictions?
The hackathon is open to participants globally, of any age and skill level. Both individuals and teams are welcome, with no team size limits.
What kind of projects can I submit?
The hackathon is open-ended, so any creative or innovative project qualifies. However, projects built around Machine Learning and AI are especially encouraged.
Is the LUMA Hackathon online or in-person?
It is a fully virtual event that runs from April 5 to April 26, 2026. All activities take place online through the Devpost platform.
Does the program take equity in my project?
No, this is a competition with a cash prize. No equity or ownership stake is taken by the organizers.
What documents are needed to apply?
You need to register and submit your project via the Devpost portal. Specific documentation requirements (like a video demo or pitch deck) are not mentioned, so you likely need to upload a description and any supporting files the platform requires.
How do I apply for the LUMA Hackathon?
Visit the official application URL on Devpost: https://luma.devpost.com/ — register and submit your project before April 26, 2026.
Can I participate as a team, and is there a maximum number of members?
Yes, teams are allowed, and there are no team-size restrictions specified. You may also compete solo.
How are winners selected?
Judges evaluate submissions based on criteria like innovation, execution, and relevance. AI/ML-related projects may receive additional attention.
Is DPIIT recognition required for LUMA Hackathon!?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for LUMA Hackathon!, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to LUMA Hackathon!
Not sure LUMA Hackathon! 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.