YouCam API Skin AI & Apparel VTO Hackathon — ₹5.5L Prize Pool — Frequently Asked Questions

The total prize pool is $6,000, which works out to roughly ₹5,52,000. The programme is listed as offering up to ₹5.5L. That amount is distributed across the winning submissions, so an individual winner's share depends on the final breakdown, which is not published. Alongside the cash, API credits or mentoring opportunities may be offered.

The submission deadline is 17 August 2026. The hackathon itself opens on 6 July 2026, giving participants a build window of just over six weeks. All work has to be submitted through Devpost before that closing date.

Participation is open globally, with no geographic restrictions — you can take part from any country. The organisers welcome developers, data scientists, AR/VR enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Individuals can enter on their own, and teams of any size are allowed.

No. This is a competition with cash prizes, not an investment, so no equity is taken in your work and there is nothing to repay. The awards are effectively non-dilutive prize money, and the possible extras come in the form of API credits or mentoring rather than a stake.

There are two themes. Skin AI covers applications that analyse skin conditions, recommend products or create personalised skincare routines. Apparel VTO covers virtual try-on experiences for clothing and accessories built with the YouCam API. You choose one of these areas for your submission.

No. Neither DPIIT recognition nor MSME registration is listed as a requirement, and there is no condition around business registration, company type or legal structure. The eligibility rules cover individuals and teams only.

You can enter solo. Teams of any size are also permitted, so you can work by yourself or assemble a group. A registered company is not required — the hackathon is aimed at developers, data scientists, AR/VR enthusiasts and entrepreneurs as individuals or as groups.

Registration and project submission both happen on the official Devpost page for the hackathon at youcam-api.devpost.com. You register there and upload your finished project, making sure it is in before the 17 August 2026 deadline.

Submissions are assessed on four things: creativity, technical implementation, usability, and potential impact. In practice that means an original idea, a well-built use of the YouCam API, an app that is genuinely usable, and a solution with real relevance to the beauty or fashion retail sectors.

It is fully virtual and runs from 6 July to 17 August 2026. Participants work remotely from wherever they are, with no venue, no travel and no in-person attendance required. The only place your project needs to appear is the Devpost submission page.