XPRIZE Build with Gemini Hackathon 2026 — ₹18.4Cr AI Prize Pool — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about XPRIZE Build with Gemini Hackathon 2026 — ₹18.4Cr AI Prize Pool — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much prize money does the XPRIZE Build with Gemini Hackathon 2026 offer?
The competition carries a total cash pool of $2,000,000, which comes to roughly ₹18,40,00,000. The single largest award is $500,000 for the top entry. The organisers have also said that further prizes may be announced, so the final distribution across ranks and tracks may be broader than the headline figure suggests.
Who is eligible to enter this hackathon?
The contest is open to participants worldwide with no geographic restriction, and Indian teams are explicitly eligible. The stated audience covers developers, engineers, students and entrepreneurs, and both solo entrants and teams are welcome to take part.
What is the deadline, and when does the competition run?
The submission window opens on May 19, 2026 and closes on August 18, 2026. That final date is the deadline for getting your project in, so build time and submission time both need to fit inside that window.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. Because this is a global competition rather than an India-specific government or institutional scheme, no DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or Indian entity requirement is mentioned. Entrants compete on the same terms regardless of where they are registered, or whether they are registered at all.
Can I apply on my own, or do I need a team?
Both routes are open. Solo participants and teams are equally welcome, so you can enter alone with your own build or put together a group. The organisers list developers, engineers, students and entrepreneurs as the intended participants.
What kind of project am I expected to build?
You are asked to build solutions that address real-world problems using Google's Gemini AI platform. The competition is a global challenge in AI-powered application development rather than a business-plan contest. The specific tracks and judging criteria will be set out on the official competition page, so check there before finalising your idea.
Does the competition take equity in my startup?
No equity or ownership stake is mentioned in the programme terms. This is a cash prize competition rather than an investment deal, so any winnings are non-dilutive and you retain full ownership of your company and product.
How and where do I submit my entry?
Registration and project submission both happen on Devpost through the official competition link, and everything must be in before the August 18, 2026 deadline. The application link for Indian participants is listed on StartupFunds.in alongside the programme details.
Is there any restriction on which Indian state or city I am based in?
No state or city restriction is mentioned. The eligibility rules work at the country level in the sense that entry is open globally, so Indian teams from anywhere in the country are eligible as long as they meet the submission deadline and build on Google's Gemini platform.
Are there other costs or support benefits attached to entering?
The programme details mention only the cash prize pool. There is no reference to an entry fee, and equally no mention of equity investment, mentorship, workspace or other non-cash support being provided to entrants or winners — the benefit on offer is the prize money itself.
How do I apply for XPRIZE Build with Gemini Hackathon 2026 — ₹18.4Cr AI Prize Pool?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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