Open Loop — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Open Loop — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
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.