The Social Hackathon 2026
A national-level 24-hour innovation challenge by CMRIT Bangalore, focusing on societal problems with a ₹50,000 prize pool and internship opportunities.
- Funding amount
- ₹50,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- CMR Institute of Technology (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (26 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Social Hackathon 2026 is the 5th edition of a national-level innovation challenge hosted by CMR Institute of Technology (CMRIT), Bangalore. Established in 2019, this 24-hour hackathon brings together innovators, developers, and changemakers to create impactful solutions for real-world societal problems. It spans both software and hardware domains and offers learning, networking, and career opportunities.
Who Should Apply This hackathon is ideal for students, developers, and innovators across India who are passionate about social impact. Teams of 1 to 4 members can participate.
Tracks / Themes Participants work on solutions in these domains: Smart Cities & Infrastructure, Education & Digital Empowerment, Health & Inclusivity, Agriculture & Animal Welfare, Climate Tech & Sustainability, and Student Innovation & Social Good.
Format & Timeline Round 1 is an online idea submission – teams submit a PPT by the deadline. Round 2 is a 24-hour on-campus hackathon at CMRIT for shortlisted teams. Projects are judged separately in hardware and software categories. Food, accommodation, snacks, and Wi-Fi are provided during the offline round.
Prizes The total cash prize pool is ₹50,000 for top teams. Participants also get chances for internships with partner organizations, national-level exposure, expert mentorship, and hands-on problem-solving experience.
How to Apply Teams register and submit their idea in PPT format by April 26, 2026. Shortlisted teams pay a final round fee of ₹750 per team. More details are on the official event page.
Highlights
- National-level 24-hour hackathon hosted by CMRIT Bangalore, now in its 5th edition.
- Total prize pool of ₹50,000 for winning teams.
- Participants get a chance at internships with partner organizations.
- Open to teams of 1-4 members from anywhere in India.
- Tracks include Smart Cities, Education, Health, Agriculture, Climate Tech, and Social Good.
- Round 1 is online idea submission; Round 2 is an on-campus 24-hour buildathon with free food & accommodation.
Who can apply
Open to innovators, developers, and changemakers from anywhere in India. Teams must have 1 to 4 members. There is no restriction on age, institution, or background. All participants are expected to build solutions that show real-world applicability and social impact.
The Social Hackathon 2026 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 The Social Hackathon 2026 closed on 26 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Cash prize pool of ₹50,000 for top-performing teams.
- Opportunity to secure internships with partner organizations.
- National-level exposure and expert mentorship from industry professionals.
- Food, accommodation, snacks, and Wi-Fi provided during the offline round.
About the provider
The Social Hackathon 2026 is offered by CMR Institute of Technology, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by CMR Institute of Technology 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
The hackathon follows a two-round format. Round 1 involves online idea submission – teams submit a presentation (PPT) covering their proposed solution. Submissions are reviewed and shortlisted. In Round 2, shortlisted teams participate in a 24-hour on-campus hackathon at CMRIT, where they build and present their projects. Projects are evaluated separately for hardware and software categories. Evaluation criteria include creativity, feasibility, real-world applicability, and social impact.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to The Social Hackathon 2026, 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
The Social Hackathon 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total prize money for The Social Hackathon 2026?
The total cash prize pool is ₹50,000, distributed among the top-performing teams.
What is the deadline to apply for the hackathon?
Teams must register and submit their idea in PPT format by April 26, 2026.
Who can participate in the hackathon?
The hackathon is open to innovators, developers, and changemakers from anywhere in India. Teams of 1 to 4 members are allowed.
Are there any specific themes or tracks for the hackathon?
Yes, participants can work on solutions under these domains: Smart Cities & Infrastructure, Education & Digital Empowerment, Health & Inclusivity, Agriculture & Animal Welfare, Climate Tech & Sustainability, and Student Innovation & Social Good.
What is the format of the hackathon?
It has two rounds. Round 1 is an online idea submission (PPT). Shortlisted teams proceed to Round 2, a 24-hour on-campus hackathon at CMRIT in Bangalore. Projects are evaluated separately in hardware and software categories.
Is there any fee to participate?
Shortlisted teams must pay a final round fee of ₹750 per team. There is no mention of a fee for the first round.
Will food and accommodation be provided during the offline round?
Yes, food, accommodation, snacks, and Wi-Fi are provided to participants during the offline hackathon round.
Can I participate as a solo participant?
Yes, teams can consist of 1 to 4 members, so solo participation is allowed.
What kind of solutions are expected?
Solutions should address real-world societal problems and demonstrate real-world applicability and impact. They can be software or hardware based.
Are internships guaranteed for all participants?
Internship opportunities are available with partner organizations, but they are not guaranteed for all – they are a chance for top performers.
How much funding does The Social Hackathon 2026 provide?
The Social Hackathon 2026 provides ₹50,000 (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Does The Social Hackathon 2026 take equity?
No. The Social Hackathon 2026 is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for The Social Hackathon 2026?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for The Social Hackathon 2026, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for The Social Hackathon 2026?
The Social Hackathon 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers The Social Hackathon 2026?
The Social Hackathon 2026 is offered by CMR Institute of Technology, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for The Social Hackathon 2026?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to The Social Hackathon 2026
Not sure The Social Hackathon 2026 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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