Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students
36-hour national hackathon for undergraduate students with ₹60,000 in prizes across 10 domains.
- Funding amount
- ₹60,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- 20 Aug 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Specathon 2026 is a 36-hour, on-campus hackathon organised by GRADIENT CLUB, the technical club of the Department of CSE (AI & ML) at St. Peter’s Engineering College, Medchal, Telangana. It brings together undergraduate students from across India to collaborate intensively for two days, turning bright ideas into working prototypes.
The event covers ten tracks – Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Agriculture, Waste Management, Blockchain, Auto Tech, IoT, Open Innovation, and Low Poverty – so students from a wide range of academic backgrounds can find a challenge that fits their skills. Judging focuses on innovation, technical implementation, usability, impact, and clarity of the final presentation.
The hackathon will be held on September 11–12, 2026, at St. Peter’s Engineering College. Day 1 features an inauguration, dedicated project-building time, and three review sessions: idea, progress, and functionality. On Day 2, participants continue building, attend a fourth review, make final presentations to the judges, and winners are announced at the closing ceremony at 5 PM. Teams are shortlisted based on an abstract submitted during registration.
The top three take home cash prizes from a total pool of ₹60,000, and every participant receives a certificate.
Highlights
- 36-hour hackathon on 11–12 Sep 2026 at St. Peter’s Engineering College, Medchal, Telangana
- Total cash prizes of ₹60,000 (₹30k / ₹20k / ₹10k)
- Open to undergraduate students from any recognised institution in India
- Teams of 2–4 members; interdisciplinary teams welcome
- 10 tracks covering AI, cybersecurity, data science, agriculture, blockchain, IoT, and more
- Register by 20 Aug 2026; selected teams pay ₹400/member
Who can apply
The competition is open to all undergraduate students enrolled in a recognised institution anywhere in India. Teams must have 2–4 members – interdisciplinary teams are encouraged – and each student can belong to only one team. If a team is shortlisted, each member must pay ₹400 to cover accommodation and food for the two-day event.
Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students 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
Applications for Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students are open and the current deadline is 20 Aug 2026. Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
Cash prizes totaling ₹60,000 are awarded to the top three teams:
- Winner (1st place): ₹30,000
- First Runner-Up (2nd place): ₹20,000
- Second Runner-Up (3rd place): ₹10,000
Every participant, regardless of placement, receives a participation certificate. The prize pool is not a grant or equity investment – it rewards the most innovative and well-executed projects presented at the hackathon.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Registration & Shortlisting – Teams apply online by August 20, 2026 and must submit an abstract for evaluation. Shortlisted teams are notified by August 23, 2026.
Day 1 – Building & Reviews – The hackathon begins with an inaugural session, followed by project development. Teams present their work in three review sessions: idea, progress, and functionality.
Day 2 – Final Reviews & Presentations – Participants continue enhancing their projects, undergo a fourth review, and top teams present to the judges. Winners are announced at the closing ceremony at 5 PM.
Judging criteria – Projects are assessed on innovation, technical implementation, usability, impact, and presentation clarity.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students, 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
Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹60,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the prize money for Specathon 2026?
A total of ₹60,000 is distributed: the winner receives ₹30,000, the first runner-up ₹20,000, and the second runner-up ₹10,000.
When is the application deadline?
Registration closes on August 20, 2026.
Who can participate in Specathon 2026?
The hackathon is open to all undergraduate students from recognised institutions across India. Teams must be of 2–4 members; each person can join only one team.
Are teams required to pay any fee?
Yes, shortlisted teams must pay ₹400 per member. This covers accommodation and food during the event days.
What topics or tracks can I work on?
There are ten tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science, Agriculture, Waste Management, Blockchain, Auto Tech, IoT, Open Innovation, and Low Poverty.
Where will the hackathon take place?
It will be held on campus at St. Peter’s Engineering College, Medchal, Telangana on September 11–12, 2026.
How is the selection done?
On registration, teams are required to submit an abstract. Based on these abstracts, a shortlist is drawn up, and shortlisted teams are notified by August 23, 2026.
What judging criteria are used?
Teams are judged on innovation, technical implementation, usability, impact, and clarity of the final presentation.
Does Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students take equity?
No. Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students?
Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
How do I apply for Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students
Not sure Specathon 2026 – ₹60,000 Hackathon for UG Students 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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