Vibe-a-thon
A national-level intercollege hackathon by NMIT for engineering students to build AI-powered solutions, offering a total prize pool of ₹1.30 Lakh.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.3L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- NMIT Bangalore (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (2 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Vibe-a-thon is a national-level intercollege hackathon designed for engineering students across India. Organized by Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Yelahanka, this competition challenges participants to use AI tools in building innovative solutions. The event focuses on creative ideas and effective problem-solving rather than strict coding syntax. It offers a platform to work on real-world challenges and develop impactful projects.
The hackathon is open exclusively to current engineering students. Teams must have 2 to 4 members, and cross-college teams are allowed.
Participants can choose from five tracks:
- Healthcare and MedTech: innovations for diagnostics, patient care, and health management.
- FinTech and Financial Inclusion: solutions for banking, investments, digital payments, and expanding financial access.
- Sustainability and Climate Tech: projects on environmental issues, renewable energy, and sustainable practices.
- AI and Automation: applications of AI and automation in various fields.
- Open Innovation: solutions for any pressing problem not covered above.
The competition has three rounds: an online qualifying Round 0, followed by offline Rounds 1 and 2 (Final). Only teams that qualify proceed. The inauguration is on April 25, 2026, from 1–2:30 PM IST. For offline rounds, participants must bring their own laptops and peripherals.
A total prize pool of ₹1,30,000 is distributed among winners. This includes prizes for the top three teams and for the best project in each track.
Registrations: The fee is ₹250 per team, applicable after qualifying Round 0. The final deadline is May 2, 2026.
Highlights
- National‑level intercollege hackathon for engineering students
- Total prize pool of ₹1,30,000
- Tracks include Healthcare, FinTech, Sustainability, AI, and Open Innovation
- Cross‑college teams of 2–4 members allowed
- Registration fee of ₹250 per team after qualifying Round 0
- Final deadline: May 2, 2026
Who can apply
The hackathon is open exclusively to students currently pursuing an engineering degree. Each team must consist of 2 to 4 members. Cross-college teams are permitted.
Vibe-a-thon 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 Vibe-a-thon closed on 2 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
A total cash prize pool of ₹1,30,000 is distributed among the winners:
- 1st Place: ₹40,000
- 2nd Place: ₹25,000
- 3rd Place: ₹15,000
- Track‑wise winners (five tracks): ₹10,000 each
About the provider
Vibe-a-thon is offered by NMIT Bangalore, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by NMIT Bangalore 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 competition has three rounds:
- Round 0 (Online Qualifying): Teams submit their initial ideas online. Only qualifying teams proceed.
- Round 1 (Offline): Qualifying teams present their projects at NMIT. Participants must bring their own laptops.
- Round 2 – Final (Offline): Shortlisted teams compete in the final round. Winners are selected based on creativity, problem-solving, and technical implementation.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Vibe-a-thon, 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
Vibe-a-thon is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.3L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total prize money?
The total cash prize pool is ₹1,30,000, distributed as ₹40,000 for 1st place, ₹25,000 for 2nd, ₹15,000 for 3rd, and ₹10,000 for each track winner.
Who can participate?
Only students currently pursuing an engineering degree are eligible. Teams must have 2–4 members, and cross‑college teams are allowed.
What are the themes or tracks?
The tracks are Healthcare and MedTech, FinTech and Financial Inclusion, Sustainability and Climate Tech, AI and Automation, and Open Innovation.
What is the application deadline?
The final registration deadline is May 2, 2026.
How do I apply?
There is a registration fee of ₹250 per team, payable after qualifying Round 0. Apply through the official Unstop link provided by NMIT.
What is the hackathon format?
It has three rounds: Round 0 (online qualifying), Round 1 (offline), and Round 2 (offline final). Participants must bring their own laptops.
When is the event held?
The inauguration is on April 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM IST. Offline rounds take place after the online qualifying.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, after qualifying Round 0, each team must pay ₹250.
Can I participate if I am not from NMIT?
Yes, the hackathon is open to all engineering students across India, and cross‑college teams are allowed.
What documents or materials do I need?
Participants must bring their own laptops and necessary peripherals. No equipment is provided by the organizers.
How much funding does Vibe-a-thon provide?
Vibe-a-thon provides ₹1.3L (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Does Vibe-a-thon take equity?
No. Vibe-a-thon is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Vibe-a-thon?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Vibe-a-thon, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for Vibe-a-thon?
Vibe-a-thon is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers Vibe-a-thon?
Vibe-a-thon is offered by NMIT Bangalore, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from NMIT Bangalore
NMIT Bangalore runs 2 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to Vibe-a-thon
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