VentureX — IIT ISM Dhanbad's ₹25,000 Student Hackathon — Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

Yes. The competition is open to students enrolled in any recognised university in India, not only students of the host institute.

Teams must consist of between 2 and 5 members. Every participant must be a student at a recognised Indian university.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.