LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500
An online beginner-friendly hackathon by LUMA to pitch ideas and win up to $500.
- Funding amount
- ₹45,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (16 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The LUMA Hackathon is an online competition that invites innovators to turn their ideas into projects and pitch them for a chance to win cash prizes. Organized by LUMA, this event is designed to be beginner-friendly and foster creativity and problem-solving. Participants can work in teams or individually on any innovative idea, with a dedicated track for Machine Learning and AI projects. The hackathon runs virtually from April 11 to May 16, 2026, culminating in a final submission and judging. The total prize pool is up to $500, intended to help winners further develop their solutions. The global audience is welcome, including participants from India, and there are no broad age or experience restrictions, making it accessible to everyone from students to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Highlights
- Online hackathon from April 11 to May 16, 2026
- Total prize pool up to $500 (about ₹45,000)
- Beginner-friendly and open to all globally, including India
- Open-ended track, plus a Machine Learning/AI track
- No restrictions on age or experience
- Registration and submissions via Devpost
- Team or individual participation allowed
Who can apply
Open to everyone globally, including Indian participants. No specific age or experience requirements—beginners are encouraged. Individuals and teams of any background (students, developers, entrepreneurs) may apply. The hackathon is beginner-friendly.
LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500 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: Pitch your idea, win up to $500 closed on 16 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Cash prizes are awarded, with a total prize pool of up to $500 (approximately ₹45,000). The funds are meant to support winning teams in advancing their innovative solutions.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Projects are judged after the final submission on May 16, 2026. The evaluation criteria are not detailed, but pitches are likely assessed on innovation, feasibility, and impact. Exact judging process not specified in the provided information.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500, 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: Pitch your idea, win up to $500 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹45,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the LUMA Hackathon?
It is an online, beginner-friendly competition by LUMA where participants develop an innovative idea into a project and pitch it to win cash prizes. The hackathon offers open-ended and Machine Learning/AI tracks.
How much prize money can I win?
The total prize pool is up to $500 (approximately ₹45,000). The exact distribution among winners is not specified, but the funds are intended to support continued development of the winning solutions.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for submission is May 16, 2026. The hackathon runs from April 11, 2026 to that date.
Who can participate in the hackathon?
The hackathon is open to everyone interested, including beginners, students, developers, and entrepreneurs. There are no specific age or experience restrictions. Both individuals and teams can participate, and global participation is welcome including from India.
Is the hackathon held online or in-person?
It is completely virtual. All development and pitching are done remotely. Participants from anywhere in the world, including India, can join.
What kind of projects can I submit?
You can submit any innovative idea in the open-ended track. Additionally, there is a dedicated track for projects that leverage Machine Learning or AI to solve problems or create novel applications.
Do I need prior programming or hackathon experience?
No, the hackathon is beginner-friendly. Anyone willing to learn and innovate can participate.
How do I register and submit my project?
Registration and project submission are done through the official Devpost page at https://luma-hackathon-500.devpost.com/. You need to create an account on Devpost and follow the instructions on that page.
Is the cash prize taxable?
The information provided does not specify tax implications. Winners should consult a tax professional regarding any tax obligations on prize money.
Does LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500 take equity?
No. LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500 is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500?
LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
How do I apply for LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500
Not sure LUMA Hackathon: Pitch your idea, win up to $500 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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