NextTuring: Blindfolded
NextTuring: Blindfolded is a unique memory and coding challenge by Newton School of Technology in Bengaluru, offering a ₹20,000 prize pool for solo coders.
- Funding amount
- ₹20,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Newton School of Technology (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (20 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
NextTuring: Blindfolded, organized by Newton School of Technology, is a one-of-a-kind memory and coding challenge that tests focus, recall, and raw coding ability. The competition removes access to problem statements during critical coding phases, pushing participants beyond typical contest limits.
Who Should Apply Open to individual participants who have strong problem-solving skills, exceptional memory, and the ability to perform under pressure. Ideal for students and coders seeking to test both technical skills and mental fortitude.
Tracks / Themes Focuses on core programming, logic building, and efficient execution, with memory and recall as central themes.
Format & Timeline The competition has two phases:
- Phase 1: Online Qualifier (April 18, 2026): A 3-hour screening on Codeforces (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM) to select finalists.
- Phase 2: Offline Finals (April 24, 2026): At Newton School of Technology, Bengaluru, a 3-step challenge:
- The Reveal (10 mins): View the problem statement once and manually note details.
- The Isolation (1 hour): Without laptops, write logic and code on paper. Device usage leads to disqualification.
- The Execution (1 hour): Laptops allowed, but code typed from memory; problem statement stays hidden. Judging: verdict (Accepted/Not Accepted), accuracy (hidden test cases), and submission speed. Languages: C, C++, Java, Python.
Prizes Total cash prize pool of ₹20,000. Winner gets ₹12,000; Runner-Up gets ₹8,000. Finalists also receive refreshments.
Eligibility Open only to individual participants (team size 1).
How to Apply Registration closes April 20, 2026. Participate first in the online qualifier; selected participants then compete in offline finals.
Highlights
- Open to all individual coders; unique memory-based hacking format by Newton School of Technology.
- Total cash prize pool of ₹20,000: ₹12,000 for Winner, ₹8,000 for Runner-Up.
- Offline finals in Bengaluru with a twist: code on paper and then from memory.
- Online qualifier on Codeforces on April 18, 2026; registration closes April 20, 2026.
- Allowed languages: C, C++, Java, Python.
- Finalists receive refreshments during the offline event.
Who can apply
Open to individual participants (team size of 1). Suited for students and coders with strong problem-solving and memory skills. No specific educational or professional background required.
NextTuring: Blindfolded 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 NextTuring: Blindfolded closed on 20 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Total cash prize pool of ₹20,000.
- Winner receives ₹12,000.
- Runner-Up receives ₹8,000.
- Finalists receive refreshments.
About the provider
NextTuring: Blindfolded is offered by Newton School of Technology, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Newton School of Technology as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Participants first compete in an online qualifier on April 18, 2026, on Codeforces (3-hour screening). Based on performance, finalists are selected for the offline finals on April 24, 2026, at Newton School of Technology, Bengaluru. The finals consist of three steps: The Reveal (10 minutes to view problem statement), The Isolation (1 hour to write code on paper without devices), and The Execution (1 hour to type code from memory; problem statement hidden). Judging criteria include verdict (Accepted/Not Accepted), accuracy on hidden test cases, and submission speed.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to NextTuring: Blindfolded, 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
NextTuring: Blindfolded is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹20,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total prize money?
The total cash prize pool is ₹20,000. The Winner receives ₹12,000 and the Runner-Up receives ₹8,000. Finalists also get refreshments.
What is the deadline to register?
Registration closes on April 20, 2026.
Who is eligible to participate?
The competition is open to individual participants only (team size of 1). It suits students and coders with strong problem-solving and memory skills. There are no restrictions on educational background or experience.
What is the competition format?
The competition has two phases. Phase 1 is an online qualifier on Codeforces on April 18, 2026 (3 hours). Phase 2 is an offline final on April 24, 2026, at Newton School of Technology in Bengaluru, consisting of three steps: The Reveal (10 minutes to view the problem statement), The Isolation (1 hour to write code on paper without laptops), and The Execution (1 hour to type code from memory with the problem statement hidden).
What programming languages are allowed?
Allowed languages are C, C++, Java, and Python.
Does the competition take equity or is it a grant?
This is a coding competition with cash prizes. No equity is taken. The prizes are awarded as direct cash rewards.
How are participants judged?
Judging criteria include verdict (Accepted/Not Accepted), accuracy on hidden test cases, and submission speed.
What happens if I use a device during the Isolation phase?
Any device usage during the Isolation phase (when participants write code on paper) leads to immediate disqualification.
Is there a registration fee?
The provided facts do not mention any registration fee, so it is likely free to participate. Check the official registration page for details.
Where can I apply?
You can apply via the Unstop link provided by the organizer: https://unstop.com/hackathons/nextturing-blindfolded-aayam-newton-school-of-technology-bengaluru-karnataka-1667199?lb=RmRUqal2&utm_medium=StartupGrantsIndia&utm_source=competitions&utm_campaign=Nikhilmo94501
How much funding does NextTuring: Blindfolded provide?
NextTuring: Blindfolded provides ₹20,000 (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for NextTuring: Blindfolded?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for NextTuring: Blindfolded, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers NextTuring: Blindfolded?
NextTuring: Blindfolded is offered by Newton School of Technology, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for NextTuring: Blindfolded?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
More funding from Newton School of Technology
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