USAII® Global AI Hackathon 2026
A global online AI hackathon by USAII with a $15,000 prize pool — open to participants worldwide, including India.
- Funding amount
- ₹13.5L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (21 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The USAII® Global AI Hackathon 2026 is an online competition organized by the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII). It invites participants from around the world to build innovative AI solutions addressing real-world challenges. The hackathon features a total prize pool of $15,000 (approximately ₹13,50,000 INR) and encourages creativity, technical skill, and social impact.
This event is open to individuals and teams globally — students, developers, data scientists, AI enthusiasts, and professionals are all welcome. There are no geographic restrictions, and it is beginner-friendly, making it accessible even to those new to hackathons.
The hackathon runs entirely online from June 14 to June 21, 2026. Participants work remotely and submit their projects via the Devpost platform. Judging criteria typically include innovation, technical implementation, impact, and presentation quality.
Highlights
- $15,000 cash prize pool
- Open to individuals & teams globally
- Online hackathon
- Beginner-friendly
Who can apply
Open to individuals and teams from anywhere in the world. No geographic restrictions. Beginner-friendly. No specific team size limitations mentioned.
USAII® Global AI 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 USAII® Global AI Hackathon 2026 closed on 21 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Total cash prize pool of $15,000 (approximately ₹13,50,000 INR).
- Specific rank-wise prize distribution is not detailed in the available data.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Projects are submitted through the Devpost platform. Judging is based on innovation, technical implementation, impact, and presentation quality. The exact selection process beyond these criteria is not specified in the provided facts.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to USAII® Global AI 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
USAII® Global AI Hackathon 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹13.5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The total cash prize pool is $15,000, approximately ₹13,50,000 INR. Specific amounts for each rank are not available in the provided facts.
What is the application deadline?
The registration and submission deadline is June 21, 2026.
Who is eligible to participate?
The hackathon is open to individuals and teams globally — no geographic restrictions. It is beginner-friendly, so students, developers, data scientists, AI enthusiasts, and professionals can all apply.
Is it a team or individual competition?
Both individuals and teams can participate. There is no specific team size mentioned in the available data.
What is the format of the competition?
The hackathon is entirely online, running from June 14 to June 21, 2026. Participants can work remotely and submit their projects via the Devpost platform.
What are the judging criteria?
Judging typically considers innovation, technical implementation, impact, and presentation quality, though the exact criteria are not detailed in the provided facts.
Is there any fee to participate?
No information about a participation fee is provided in the facts. It is likely free to enter, but you should verify on the official Devpost page.
How do I apply?
You register and submit your project through the official Devpost page: https://usaii-global-ai-hackathon-2026.devpost.com/
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a competition with cash prizes, not an equity investment. No equity is taken.
What documents are typically needed?
The available facts do not specify required documents. Typically, hackathons require a project submission through the platform, which may include a description, demo, and code. Check the Devpost page for details.
Is DPIIT recognition required for USAII® Global AI Hackathon 2026?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for USAII® Global AI Hackathon 2026, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to USAII® Global AI Hackathon 2026
Not sure USAII® Global AI Hackathon 2026 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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