West Hacks
West Hacks is an online social entrepreneurship hackathon offering a $175 cash prize, open to global participants.
- Funding amount
- ₹15,750 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (1 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
West Hacks is an online hackathon organised by a social entrepreneurship club, inviting participants worldwide to build solutions with social impact. It provides a platform for individuals and teams to develop projects addressing real-world challenges through entrepreneurial thinking. The event is beginner-friendly, welcoming students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about social impact, regardless of prior experience. Participants can work on projects within the broad theme of social entrepreneurship, with specific areas of interest including Education and Fintech. The hackathon runs virtually from May 1st to June 1st, 2026, giving participants a full month to conceptualise, build, and refine their projects remotely. The winning team receives a cash prize of $175 (approximately ₹15,750 INR). Registration is open until June 1st, 2026 on the official Devpost page.
Highlights
- $175 cash prize for the winning team
- Social entrepreneurship theme with Education and Fintech sub-tracks
- Beginner-friendly and open to global participants
- Month-long virtual event: May 1 - June 1, 2026
- Flexible online format allows remote participation
Who can apply
West Hacks is open to individuals and teams from anywhere in the world. There are no specific age, stage, or experience restrictions—the event is designed to be beginner-friendly. Anyone interested in social entrepreneurship, including students and aspiring entrepreneurs, is welcome to participate. Teams are allowed, and participants can work on projects individually or in groups.
West Hacks 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 West Hacks closed on 1 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Cash prize of $175 (approximately ₹15,750 INR) for the winning team.
- Opportunity to develop and showcase a social impact project.
- Networking and learning experience in a virtual hackathon format.
How to apply
- 1Registration
- 2Project submission
- 3Judging
- 4Decision
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process involves the following stages:
- Registration: Participants sign up via the official Devpost page.
- Project submission: Teams or individuals submit their completed projects before the deadline.
- Judging: Submitted projects are evaluated by judges based on criteria such as social impact, innovation, and feasibility.
- Decision: Winners are announced after the judging period.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to West Hacks, 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
West Hacks is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹15,750. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The winning team receives a cash prize of $175 (approximately ₹15,750 INR).
What is the application deadline?
Registration closes on June 1st, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
The hackathon is open to global participants of all ages and backgrounds, including beginners. Individuals and teams are welcome.
Is there an entry fee to participate?
No entry fee mentioned. Registration is free via Devpost.
What are the focus themes?
The hackathon focuses on social entrepreneurship, with specific tracks in Education and Fintech.
Do I need prior hackathon experience?
No, the event is beginner-friendly and welcomes participants with no prior experience.
How long does the hackathon last?
The hackathon runs for one month, from May 1st to June 1st, 2026.
Can I participate as a team?
Yes, both individuals and teams are allowed to participate.
How are winners selected?
Projects are judged based on criteria such as social impact, innovation, and feasibility. The exact judging process is detailed on the Devpost page.
How do I apply?
You can register through the official West Hacks Devpost page at https://westhacks.devpost.com/.
Does West Hacks take equity?
No. West Hacks is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for West Hacks?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for West Hacks, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to West Hacks
Not sure West Hacks 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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