SquidHack 2026 — 24-Hour Hackathon, ₹1.1L Prize Pool, Indore
SquidHack 2026 is a 24-hour hackathon-style challenge hosted by SAGE University, Indore for UG, PG and Dual Degree students across India, with a ₹1,10,000 prize pool shared across six categories and first-round registration closing on July 15, 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.1L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
SquidHack 2026 is a 24-hour build-and-pitch challenge hosted by SAGE University in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Student teams from colleges across the country pick a problem, build a working prototype on campus during the event, and then present it to a judging panel.
Prize money worth ₹1,10,000 is shared between six award categories. The competition runs in three rounds — an online idea submission, an offline grand finale, and a final demo round.
Entries can be built in any of these domains:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Web Development
- Mobile Applications
- Cybersecurity
- FinTech
- HealthTech
- EdTech
- Sustainability & Smart Cities
- Open Innovation
Students from every branch and specialisation are welcome, and team members do not have to come from the same institution. Registering for the first round costs ₹100 per team on Unstop, and the last date to register is July 15, 2026.
Highlights
- 24-hour hackathon-style challenge held on campus at SAGE University, Indore
- Total cash prize pool of ₹1,10,000 split across six award categories
- Winner takes ₹50,000, 1st Runner Up ₹25,000 and 2nd Runner Up ₹15,000
- Open to UG, PG and Dual Degree students across India, in teams of 1 to 4 members
- At least one female member is mandatory in every team
- Register on Unstop at ₹100 per team by July 15, 2026; shortlisted teams pay ₹1,500 per team for the offline finale
Who can apply
Entry is aimed at students rather than companies or founders, so there is no incorporation, DPIIT recognition or MSME registration requirement attached to this programme.
- Student status: UG, PG or Dual Degree students enrolled at a recognised Indian university or institution.
- Proof of enrolment: a valid college ID is required.
- Team size: 1 to 4 members.
- Team composition: at least one female member is mandatory in every team.
- Cross-college teams: allowed, so members may come from different institutions.
- Disciplines: students from any branch or specialisation may take part.
If you meet the student, college ID and team composition conditions, you are eligible to submit an idea in Round 1 — no prior startup, funding or business registration is involved.
SquidHack 2026 — 24-Hour Hackathon, ₹1.1L Prize Pool, Indore 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 SquidHack 2026 — 24-Hour Hackathon, ₹1.1L Prize Pool, Indore closed on 15 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Support at SquidHack 2026 comes in the form of cash prize money from a competition, not as an investment — teams do not give up any stake and nothing needs to be repaid.
The award pool totals ₹1,10,000 and is divided into six categories:
- Winner: ₹50,000
- 1st Runner Up: ₹25,000
- 2nd Runner Up: ₹15,000
- Most Innovative Idea: ₹10,000
- Best Women Led Team: ₹5,000
- Best Social Impact Project: ₹5,000
Beyond the prize money, teams that reach the finale get on-site mentoring while they build, plus the chance to demonstrate a working prototype before a judging panel at SAGE University, Indore.
Participation itself carries two separate charges: ₹100 per team to enter Round 1, and ₹1,500 per team for the offline finale, payable by teams that clear the idea round.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Entries are assessed across three rounds.
Round 1 — Registration and idea submission
Teams register on Unstop by paying ₹100 per team and upload a Problem Statement PPT covering the problem, the proposed solution and the expected impact. Teams choose their own problem statement, and no specific PPT format is prescribed. Submissions must be in before the July 15, 2026 deadline.
Round 2 — Grand finale (offline)
Shortlisted teams complete final round registration at ₹1,500 per team and must be physically present at SAGE University, Indore. Problem statements are released two days before the event, and teams pick from the available list — each statement has a limited number of slots. Everything must be built from scratch on site; pre-built projects are not permitted. Mentors are available throughout.
Round 3 — Final presentation and demo
Each team presents its working prototype to a judging panel. Scores are decided on:
- Innovation & Creativity — 30%
- Technical Implementation — 25%
- Problem Relevance — 20%
- User Experience & Design — 10%
- Scalability & Impact — 15%
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to SquidHack 2026 — 24-Hour Hackathon, ₹1.1L Prize Pool, Indore, 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
SquidHack 2026 — 24-Hour Hackathon, ₹1.1L Prize Pool, Indore is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.1L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is SquidHack 2026?
It is a hackathon-style event that runs for 24 hours at SAGE University, Indore. Student teams from across India first submit an idea online, then shortlisted teams build their project on campus during the event and present a working prototype to judges. The prize pool is ₹1,10,000 across six categories, and the first-round deadline is July 15, 2026.
How much prize money is on offer and how is it split?
The total cash pool is ₹1,10,000, divided into six awards: ₹50,000 for the Winner, ₹25,000 for the 1st Runner Up, ₹15,000 for the 2nd Runner Up, ₹10,000 for the Most Innovative Idea, ₹5,000 for the Best Women Led Team and ₹5,000 for the Best Social Impact Project.
Who is eligible to participate?
Any UG, PG or Dual Degree student enrolled at a recognised Indian university or institution can take part, provided they hold a valid college ID. Teams may have 1 to 4 members, members can come from different colleges, and students from any branch or specialisation are allowed. Every team must include at least one female member.
What is the registration deadline for SquidHack 2026?
The first round closes on July 15, 2026. You need to register on Unstop and submit your Problem Statement PPT before that date to be considered for the grand finale.
Is there a fee to take part?
Yes, there are two separate charges. Round 1 registration costs ₹100 per team. Teams that are shortlisted for the offline grand finale pay a further ₹1,500 per team to confirm their final round slot.
Do we need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. SquidHack 2026 is a student competition and does not list DPIIT recognition or MSME registration among its requirements. What matters is enrolment as a UG, PG or Dual Degree student, a valid college ID, and a team of 1 to 4 members that includes at least one female member.
Can we bring a project that is already built?
No. Teams have to build their project from scratch during the hackathon itself, and pre-built projects are not permitted. Mentors are available on site to help teams work through technical hurdles.
Do we get to choose our own problem statement?
In Round 1, yes — you select your own problem statement and decide your own PPT format, covering the problem, your proposed solution and the expected impact. For the offline finale, the organisers publish the problem statements two days before the event and teams choose from that list; each statement has a limited number of slots.
How will our project be evaluated?
The judging panel scores the final presentation and demo on five weighted criteria: Innovation & Creativity (30%), Technical Implementation (25%), Problem Relevance (20%), User Experience & Design (10%) and Scalability & Impact (15%).
How and where do we apply for SquidHack 2026?
Register through the SquidHack listing on Unstop at https://unstop.com/hackathons/squidhack-sage-university-sageu-indore-madhya-pradesh-1703351, pay the ₹100 per team registration fee, and upload your Problem Statement PPT before the July 15, 2026 deadline.
Does SquidHack 2026 — 24-Hour Hackathon, ₹1.1L Prize Pool, Indore take equity?
No. SquidHack 2026 — 24-Hour Hackathon, ₹1.1L Prize Pool, Indore is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
How do I apply for SquidHack 2026 — 24-Hour Hackathon, ₹1.1L Prize Pool, Indore?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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