The Social Hackathon 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about The Social Hackathon 2026 — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
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.