VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon
An 18-hour hackathon hosted by IIT ISM Dhanbad for students at recognised Indian universities, with a ₹25,000 cash prize pool and registration closing 6 August 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹25,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (6 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
VentureX is a competitive hackathon organised by the Indian Institute of Technology, Indian School of Mines (IIT ISM), Dhanbad. It is built around one deliberately tough rule: teams are not told their challenge in advance. The judging panel hands over a problem statement drawn from the real world at the moment the hackathon begins.
From there, teams have 18 hours to unpack the problem, design a solution that could actually work, turn it into an implementation plan or business model, and assemble a presentation that makes the case clearly. Speed, teamwork and sound judgement matter as much as raw ideas.
The event runs over three rounds — an online quiz that screens entrants, the 18-hour hackathon, and a final pitch in front of judges followed by questions. A cash prize pool of ₹25,000 is shared among the top three teams.
VentureX is aimed at student entrepreneurs, innovators and aspiring business leaders who want hands-on experience of solving problems against a clock, along with feedback from industry experts and mentors. Entries are registered on Unstop, and the registration window closes on 6 August 2026.
Highlights
- 18-hour hackathon organised by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
- Cash prize pool of ₹25,000: ₹12,000 for the winner, ₹8,000 and ₹5,000 for the runners-up
- Open to students at any recognised university in India
- Teams must have 2 to 5 members
- Three rounds: online quiz, 18-hour hackathon and final pitch with judge Q&A
- Register on Unstop — deadline 6 August 2026
Who can apply
VentureX is limited to students. To take part you must be enrolled at a recognised university in India and compete as part of a team.
- Team size: 2 to 5 members
- Student status: current enrolment at any recognised Indian university
- Registration: completed through Unstop before the 6 August 2026 deadline — this step is mandatory
Eligibility rests on your student status and your team composition rather than on a registered company, a funding stage or a particular sector. Teams are formed before entry, and every member is expected to contribute across the analysis, solution-building and presentation work that the format demands.
VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon 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 VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon closed on 6 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
VentureX is a prize competition rather than a grant, loan or investment scheme. What successful teams receive is cash prize money, split as follows:
- Winner: ₹12,000
- First runner-up: ₹8,000
- Second runner-up: ₹5,000
- Total cash prize pool: ₹25,000
Alongside the money, every participating team works inside a structured, high-pressure environment: solving a real problem, building a business or implementation strategy, and pitching to a judging panel. Teams also get feedback from industry experts and mentors during the competition. The competition is structured so that teams are not giving up ownership of their ideas to enter.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
VentureX is decided over three successive rounds, with each one narrowing the field.
Round 1 — Online quiz (screening). Entrants sit an online aptitude and business quiz that tests analytical thinking, problem-solving ability and entrepreneurial knowledge. The strongest performers move forward to the next stage.
Round 2 — Business and innovation hackathon. A real-world problem statement is issued at the start of the hackathon. Over 18 hours, teams analyse it, develop an innovative and practical solution, shape a business or implementation strategy, and prepare their final presentation.
Round 3 — Final presentation. Teams pitch before a panel of judges and then face a Q&A session. Judges assess innovation, feasibility, scalability, business viability, presentation skills, the problem-solving approach and overall impact.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon, 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
VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹25,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is VentureX?
VentureX is an 18-hour hackathon-style competition organised by the Indian Institute of Technology, Indian School of Mines (IIT ISM), Dhanbad. Student teams receive a real-world problem statement at the start of the event and must analyse it, build a practical solution and prepare a full presentation within the time limit. It is run across three rounds, opening with an online screening quiz.
How much money can a team win?
The total cash prize pool is ₹25,000. The winning team takes home ₹12,000, the first runner-up receives ₹8,000 and the second runner-up gets ₹5,000.
Who is eligible to take part in VentureX?
Any student currently enrolled at a recognised university in India can enter, as long as they compete in a team of the required size. Eligibility is based on your student status rather than on your startup's stage, entity type or industry.
Can students from universities other than IIT ISM Dhanbad apply?
Yes. The competition is open to students enrolled in any recognised university in India, not only students of the host institute.
What team size does VentureX allow?
Teams must consist of between 2 and 5 members. Every participant must be a student at a recognised Indian university.
Where do I register and what is the deadline?
Registration is done through the official VentureX page on Unstop. The deadline is 6 August 2026, and signing up before that date is mandatory if you want to compete.
How many rounds does the competition have?
There are three. Round one is an online aptitude and business quiz that screens entrants on analytical thinking, problem-solving and entrepreneurial knowledge. Round two is the 18-hour business and innovation hackathon. Round three is the final presentation, where teams pitch and then answer questions from the judges.
What actually happens during the 18-hour hackathon?
The judging panel releases a real-world problem statement as the hackathon begins. Teams then have 18 hours to study the problem, develop an innovative and workable answer, build out the business or implementation strategy behind it, and prepare the presentation they will deliver in the final round.
On what criteria are the winners chosen?
The judging panel scores teams on innovation, feasibility, scalability, business viability, presentation skills, their approach to solving the problem, and the overall impact of the proposed solution. The final presentation is followed by a Q&A session with the judges.
Does VentureX take equity in my idea?
VentureX is structured as a competition and its rewards are cash prizes, so teams are not handing over ownership of their ideas or projects in order to take part.
What do participants get out of it beyond the prize money?
All teams spend a concentrated block of time solving a genuine problem, building a strategy and pitching it. The competition also includes feedback from industry experts and mentors, which gives student entrepreneurs a chance to test their thinking against real-world judgement.
Is DPIIT recognition required for VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
How do I apply for VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon
Not sure VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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