Zero2One Hackathon by E-Cell — ₹50,000+ Prize Pool

Zero2One Hackathon is a build-and-pitch competition run by E-Cell for people who want to take a raw idea and turn it into something demoable. Rather than a routine coding sprint, the event is framed around the "Zero to One" leap — starting from a blank concept and ending with a working product placed in front of judges.

The event is dated 14 October 2026 and is described by the organisers as a one-day hackathon. Participants work on their own ideas through a 24-hour hacking block aimed at a functional MVP, and then present the outcome startup-style to a panel of judges. Real-world problem statements are supplied as working material.

Entry is open to students, early-stage founders and independent innovators from anywhere in India, and you can take part either as a team or on your own. Registration closes on 29 September 2026, and applications are accepted through the official Internshala competition page.

• One-day hackathon organised by E-Cell, dated 14 October 2026
• ₹50,000+ total prize pool for winning teams
• Open to students, early-stage founders and innovators based in India
• Individual entries and teams are both welcome, with no fixed team size
• Registration closes 29 September 2026 via the official Internshala page
• Winners get mentorship, certificates and a "Breakthrough Founders" newsletter feature

Zero2One Hackathon is open to participants based in India.

• Who it is for: students, early-stage founders and innovators — the organisers do not restrict entry to any one of these groups.
• Team size: flexible. You may register individually or as a team, and no specific team size is prescribed.
• Sector: no industry restriction is mentioned, and real-world problem statements are provided at the event.
• Geography: India-based participants only.
• Other requirements: neither DPIIT recognition nor MSME/Udyam registration is needed, and no incorporation, funding-stage or founder-experience criteria apply.

Because this is an open hackathon rather than an investor programme, the bar is simply being able to register, build and pitch.

Zero2One Hackathon by E-Cell — ₹50,000+ Prize Pool is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Applications for Zero2One Hackathon by E-Cell — ₹50,000+ Prize Pool are open and the current deadline is Closes in 13d (29 Sept 2026). Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.

• ₹50,000+ total prize pool, shared among the winning teams.
• A structured build-and-pitch format: a 24-hour hacking block to turn an idea into a functional MVP, followed by a startup-style pitch to judges.
• Mentorship from industry leaders, offered to winners.
• Seed networking opportunities with the wider startup community.
• Certificates: participation certificates, plus merit certificates for top squads.
• Recognition: winning teams are featured as "Breakthrough Founders" in the community newsletter.
• A curated launchpad environment in the Main Auditorium, complete with real-world problem statements and networking sessions with innovators and potential co-founders.

Zero2One is not an investor-style due diligence process — entrants are assessed on what they build and how they pitch it.

• Register first. Entries are accepted until 29 September 2026 through the official Internshala competition page.
• Build during the event. Participants work on their ideas through a 24-hour hacking block, with the goal of finishing with a functional MVP.
• Pitch to the panel. Participants present their work startup-style to a panel of judges.
• Prizes and recognition. Winning entries take a share of the ₹50,000+ prize pool, and top squads receive merit certificates.

Before you apply to Zero2One Hackathon by E-Cell — ₹50,000+ Prize Pool, 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.