Open Loop
A national-level offline hackathon for Indian undergraduate students to build tech solutions, with a cash prize pool of ₹30,000 and additional rewards.
- Funding amount
- ₹30,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Yenepoya School of Engineering and Technology (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (20 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Open Loop is a national-level offline hackathon organised by Yenepoya School of Engineering & Technology (YenTech). The competition is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and practical problem-solving among India's brightest undergraduate students. Participants compete in a two-stage format to develop technology-driven solutions for real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience and industry exposure.
The Preliminary Round serves as a screening phase where submissions are judged on technical feasibility, innovation, impact, and presentation quality. Shortlisted teams advance to the Final Round, an intensive 24-hour on-site hackathon. Problem statements are provided at the start of the final round, challenging teams to build a working prototype and present it to a panel of experts.
All tools and technologies are permitted. AI usage is allowed if properly documented and justified. A strict plagiarism policy is enforced. Registration closes on April 20, 2026, and the event is hosted on the Unstop platform.
Highlights
- Cash pool of ₹30,000: ₹15,000 for 1st, ₹10,000 for 2nd, ₹5,000 for 3rd.
- Open to all undergraduate students across India; teams of 2–4.
- Two-stage format: Preliminary screening plus a 24-hour offline hackathon.
- All tools and AI allowed (AI usage must be documented).
- All participants receive perks and goodies worth over ₹70,000.
- Registration deadline: April 20, 2026.
Who can apply
Open exclusively to undergraduate (UG) students enrolled in colleges across India. Teams must consist of 2 to 4 members. Inter-college and inter-specialization teams are allowed. There are no restrictions on tools or technologies, but AI use must be documented and justified. All participants must adhere to a strict plagiarism policy.
Open Loop 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 Open Loop 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 ₹30,000: ₹15,000 for 1st place, ₹10,000 for 2nd place, and ₹5,000 for 3rd place.
- Goodies and swags for the top three teams.
- All offline participants receive perks, goodies worth over ₹70,000, and participation certificates.
- Valuable networking opportunities with industry peers and experts.
About the provider
Open Loop is offered by Yenepoya School of Engineering and Technology, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Yenepoya School of Engineering and 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
Submissions are evaluated in two stages:
- Preliminary Round (Screening): Teams submit their initial ideas or proposals. Evaluation criteria include technical feasibility, innovation, impact, and presentation quality.
- Final Round (24-hour Offline Hackathon): Shortlisted teams participate in an on-site hackathon where problem statements are provided at the start. Teams must develop a working prototype and present it to a jury. Judging is based on the quality of the prototype, innovation, and overall solution.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Open Loop, 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
Open Loop is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹30,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered in this hackathon?
The total cash prize pool is ₹30,000, distributed as ₹15,000 for first place, ₹10,000 for second place, and ₹5,000 for third place. Additionally, winners receive goodies and swags, and all offline participants get perks worth over ₹70,000.
What is the application deadline?
Registration for Open Loop closes on April 20, 2026. You must apply via the official Unstop platform before this date.
Who is eligible to participate?
The hackathon is exclusively for undergraduate (UG) students enrolled in any college in India. Teams must have 2 to 4 members. Inter-college and inter-specialization teams are welcome.
Does the hackathon take any equity or stake in my project?
No. Open Loop is a competition with cash prizes and rewards. It does not take any equity or ownership of your project.
What are the stages of the competition?
The competition has two stages: a Preliminary Round where submissions are screened based on technical feasibility, innovation, impact, and presentation; and a Final Round which is a 24-hour offline hackathon where teams build a working prototype and present it to judges.
Is AI usage allowed?
Yes, AI usage is allowed, but it must be properly documented and justified. A strict plagiarism policy also applies.
What documents are needed to apply?
The registration is done through the Unstop platform. Typically, you will need to provide team details and a project proposal. Specific document requirements are not listed, but you may need to submit a description of your idea during the preliminary round.
How do I apply?
Register your team on the official Unstop platform for Open Loop. The registration deadline is April 20, 2026.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No. DPIIT or MSME registration is not required for this hackathon. It is open to all undergraduate students.
What kind of rewards do participants receive?
Top three teams get cash prizes and goodies. All offline participants receive perks, goodies worth over ₹70,000, participation certificates, and valuable networking opportunities.
Who offers Open Loop?
Open Loop is offered by Yenepoya School of Engineering and Technology, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Open Loop
Not sure Open Loop is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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