Open Source Hackathon
A nationwide open-source coding challenge for Indian students and professionals with a ₹20,000 prize pool.
- Funding amount
- ₹20,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (5 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Open Source Hackathon 2026, organized by IIT Bombay and powered by Unstop, is a nationwide coding challenge that invites developers to contribute to real-world open-source projects. Participants collaborate with peers from across India, enhance their practical skills, and compete for a prize pool of ₹20,000.
The hackathon is open to all students and professionals in India. You need an active GitHub account and basic knowledge of Git and software development workflows. Only individual participation is allowed, and multiple registrations by the same person are not permitted.
The competition has two rounds. In Round 1 (Screening), all registered participants are evaluated based on their GitHub profile, technical background, and registration responses. Shortlisted candidates proceed to Round 2 (Open Source Contribution), where they receive repository access via email, are assigned repositories and tasks, and must submit contributions through GitHub Pull Requests following standard practices and repository guidelines.
Evaluation criteria include code quality, innovation, impact, documentation, readability, successful PR merges, and adherence to project guidelines. Prizes are awarded to the top three contributors, and all eligible participants receive certificates. Top performers get Certificates of Excellence, and outstanding contributors may receive additional recognition.
Highlights
- Prize pool of ₹20,000
- Open to all students and professionals in India
- Individual participation only
- Participation certificates for all eligible contributors
- Focus on open-source contributions via GitHub
Who can apply
The hackathon is open to all students and professionals across India. Only individual participation is allowed (no teams). You must have an active GitHub account and basic knowledge of Git and GitHub workflows. Multiple registrations by the same participant are not permitted.
Open Source Hackathon 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 Source Hackathon closed on 5 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Cash prizes: ₹10,000 for 1st place, ₹6,000 for 2nd, and ₹4,000 for 3rd, from a total prize pool of ₹20,000.
- All eligible participants receive participation certificates.
- Top performers receive Certificates of Excellence.
- Outstanding contributors may receive additional recognition.
About the provider
Open Source Hackathon is offered by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay 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
Round 1: Screening Round — All registered participants undergo an initial screening based on their GitHub profile, technical background, and registration responses. Selected participants proceed to the main round.
Round 2: Open Source Contribution Round — Shortlisted participants receive repository access via email. They are assigned repositories and issues/tasks, and must submit contributions through GitHub Pull Requests following standard practices and repository guidelines.
Evaluation is based on code quality, innovation, impact, documentation, readability, successful PR merges, and adherence to project guidelines.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Open Source Hackathon, 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 Source Hackathon 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
How much funding is offered?
The total prize pool is ₹20,000. The winner receives ₹10,000, the runner-up gets ₹6,000, and the third-place winner gets ₹4,000.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to register is July 5, 2026.
Who is eligible to participate?
The hackathon is open to all students and professionals across India. Only individual participation is allowed – no teams. You must have an active GitHub account and basic knowledge of Git and software development workflows. Multiple registrations by the same person are not permitted.
What is the industry or sector focus?
The hackathon is open to all industries. Participants contribute to open-source projects from various domains.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not required.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a competition with cash prizes, not an equity investment. No equity is taken.
What documents are needed to apply?
You need to register on Unstop with your details. Your GitHub profile will be reviewed during screening. No other specific documents are mentioned.
How and where do I apply?
Register on Unstop before the deadline. Complete your registration, qualify through the screening round, and you will receive repository details via email.
Who offers Open Source Hackathon?
Open Source Hackathon is offered by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for Open Source Hackathon?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to Open Source Hackathon
Not sure Open Source Hackathon 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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