Mastering Up International Hackathon 2026 — ₹92,000 Prize Pool
An online hackathon from Mastering Up for students, researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs tackling UN SDG and global science challenges, with a ₹92,000 prize pool. Register by 28 November 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹92,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- 28 Nov 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Mastering Up hosts this international hackathon as a competition that runs completely online. It is aimed at people who want to work on problems connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to wider global science questions, and it is open to entrants from any country.
The event itself spans three days, from 5 December to 7 December 2026. Everyone who wants to take part has to be signed up before the entry window shuts on 28 November 2026.
Winners share a cash prize pool worth ₹92,000 in total. Since the organisers have not released a rank-wise split, the exact sum that goes to each winning entry has not been made public. There is no physical venue and no travel involved — the whole thing is run remotely.
Registration for the competition is handled through its listing on Internshala.
Highlights
- Fully virtual international hackathon running 5–7 December 2026
- Cash prize pool of ₹92,000 shared among the winners
- Registration closes on 28 November 2026
- Open worldwide to students, researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs
- Built around the UN Sustainable Development Goals and global science challenges
- Hosted by Mastering Up; entries are made through its Internshala listing
Who can apply
The hackathon is open to three broad groups of people, wherever they happen to be based:
- Students — anyone currently studying.
- Researchers — people working in research or academic roles.
- Early-stage entrepreneurs — founders who are still at the beginning of building something.
There is no geographic restriction. Entrants from any country can take part, which fits the fully remote format of the event.
The organisers have not listed any sector restriction, industry filter or minimum stage of business. No team-size limit has been announced either, so you can enter alone or as part of a group. Nothing in the stated criteria calls for DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or an incorporated company.
Mastering Up International Hackathon 2026 — ₹92,000 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
Applications for Mastering Up International Hackathon 2026 — ₹92,000 Prize Pool are open and the current deadline is 28 Nov 2026. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
This is a competition rather than a grant, a loan or an equity deal, and the reward on offer is a cash prize.
- Total prize pool: ₹92,000, shared among the winning entries.
- The organisers have not published a breakdown by rank, so how the amount is divided between the top entry and the other winners is not known.
- No other benefits — such as mentorship, incubation support or cloud credits — are described in the programme details.
Because the reward is a prize, there is nothing to repay and no ownership stake to give up.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Mastering Up International Hackathon 2026 — ₹92,000 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
Mastering Up International Hackathon 2026 — ₹92,000 Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹92,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much prize money does the Mastering Up International Hackathon offer?
The advertised prize pool is ₹92,000 in total, shared among the winning entries. The organisers have not released a breakdown by rank, so the exact amount that goes to each winner has not been announced. It is a one-off cash prize rather than a recurring grant or a monthly stipend.
What is the deadline to register?
You need to be registered by 28 November 2026. Once that date passes, the entry window closes and the hackathon itself takes place from 5 to 7 December 2026.
When and where does the hackathon take place?
It runs across three days, from 5 December to 7 December 2026, and it is entirely virtual. Everything happens online, so there is no venue to travel to and no physical attendance requirement.
Who is eligible to apply?
The hackathon is open to students, researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs anywhere in the world. No geographic restriction and no sector restriction is listed, so applicants from any country and any field of work can register.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration?
No. The eligibility criteria make no mention of DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or any similar certification. The programme is pitched at students, researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs, so formal incorporation or government registration is not part of the stated requirements.
Can I take part as a team, and is there a team size limit?
You can enter on your own or as part of a group. The organisers have not specified either a minimum or a maximum team size, so no fixed limit has been announced.
Does the hackathon take equity in my startup or idea?
No. This is a competition with a cash prize rather than an equity investment, so winning does not involve handing over a stake in your venture.
What kind of ideas should I work on?
Projects should address the UN Sustainable Development Goals and global science challenges, which is the theme the hackathon is built around. No specific industries, sub-themes or problem statements are listed beyond that.
How do I apply?
Registration is done through the competition's listing on Internshala at https://internshala.com/competitions/mastering-up-international-hackathon-on-sdgs-global-science-2026/. Complete your registration there before 28 November 2026.
Can international participants apply?
Yes. The programme is described as open to students, researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs globally, with no geographic restrictions, and the virtual format makes cross-border participation straightforward.
Alternatives to Mastering Up International Hackathon 2026 — ₹92,000 Prize Pool
Not sure Mastering Up International Hackathon 2026 — ₹92,000 Prize Pool 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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