SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 by AIC T-Hub Foundation

The SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 is a dynamic 24-hour event meticulously organized by the AIC T-Hub Foundation, in collaboration with the Shetty Institute of Technology (SIT) located in Kalaburagi, Karnataka. This hackathon serves as a crucial platform for both students and early-stage startup teams, enabling them to conceptualize and develop innovative technology solutions. Participants are given the opportunity to present their creations to a panel of seasoned industry experts, potentially earning a direct entry into the extensive T-Hub startup ecosystem.

Participants will vie for a substantial prize pool totaling ₹1 lakh. Beyond the monetary reward, the top three teams will gain invaluable access to T-Hub's cutting-edge prototyping laboratories, receive expert mentorship from industry leaders, and benefit from dedicated Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development support. The hackathon places a strong emphasis on fostering innovation in key technological domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and various cross-sector technology applications, positioning itself as a gateway to India's premier startup ecosystem.

This initiative is strategically designed to bridge the existing gap between academic ingenuity and the practical demands of market-ready product development. It particularly aims to empower founders and student teams hailing from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, who might otherwise face limited access to a top-tier incubator network and the resources it offers.

• 24-hour innovation hackathon by AIC T-Hub Foundation.
• Prize pool of up to ₹1 lakh.
• Focus on AI, robotics, and cross-sector technology.
• Open to students and early-stage startup teams.
• In-person event at Kalaburagi, Karnataka.
• Top teams gain T-Hub ecosystem access and MVP support.

The SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 is open to both students and early-stage startup teams.

Participants are required to attend the event in-person at the Shetty Institute of Technology, situated in Kalaburagi, Karnataka.

The hackathon specifically targets solutions and innovations within focus areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and broader cross-sector technology innovation.

Specific requirements regarding team size have not been publicly disclosed.

SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 by AIC T-Hub Foundation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 by AIC T-Hub Foundation closed on 17 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

The hackathon offers a competitive prize pool of up to ₹1 lakh for successful participants.

Beyond the financial award, the top three teams will receive:

• Access to T-Hub's advanced prototyping labs.
• Mentorship from experienced industry experts.
• Dedicated support for Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development.
• Entry into the broader T-Hub startup ecosystem.

SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 by AIC T-Hub Foundation is offered by T-Hub, a government body. As a government-backed competition, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process for the SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 involves several key stages:

Firstly, interested teams must register online via the T-Hub events portal. This registration must be completed by the deadline of April 17, 2026.

Following the registration period, selected teams will receive an invitation to participate in the 24-hour in-person hackathon sprint. This intensive development period is scheduled to take place from April 21 to April 22, 2026.

During the hackathon, teams will actively build and refine their technology solutions. They will then have the opportunity to present their developed solutions to a distinguished panel comprising industry experts and mentors.

Finally, based on their performance and the innovation demonstrated, the top three teams will be identified. These teams will be awarded prizes, receive MVP development support, and gain access to the T-Hub ecosystem.

Before you apply to SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 by AIC T-Hub Foundation, 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.

SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 by AIC T-Hub Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.