AI Nexus Hackathon 2026, organized by SRM Connects, is a premier innovation-driven competition designed to bring together students, developers, innovators, and AI enthusiasts. Participants will collaborate to build impactful AI-powered solutions addressing real-world challenges, guided by the theme “Code the Future. Build the Impossible.”
Who Should Apply
This hackathon is open to college students and engineering students from across India. Participants can register individually or form teams of 2 to 4 members. Cross-disciplinary teams are highly encouraged to foster diverse perspectives and skill sets. Each participant can be part of only one team.
Format & Timeline
The competition features a multi-stage evaluation process, beginning with online rounds and culminating in an offline Grand Finale Demo Day. The initial selection (Level 0 – Quiz Round) runs from June 1st to June 7th, where teams are shortlisted based on idea innovation, problem-solving approach, feasibility, and relevance to AI/Technology. Following this, selected teams proceed to Level 1 (Technical Screening) from June 9th to June 15th, submitting project architecture, tech stack details, and prototype concepts. The Level 2 (Prototyping Phase) from June 19th to June 28th requires teams to build and submit working prototypes or MVPs, with mentorship potentially provided. The Grand Finale – Offline Demo Day is scheduled for July 18th, 2026, where finalists will present their projects to judges and industry experts, evaluated on innovation, technical complexity, user experience, impact, scalability, and presentation quality.
Prizes
The total cash prize pool for AI Nexus is ₹22,000. The 1st prize winner will receive ₹10,000 along with an internship opportunity. The 2nd prize is ₹7,000, and the 3rd prize is ₹5,000. Participation certificates will be provided to all teams that successfully complete the competition.
Eligibility
Open to college and engineering students. Teams must consist of 2 to 4 members. Projects must be original and developed during the hackathon period. Plagiarism or unethical behavior will lead to immediate disqualification.
How to Apply
Registration for AI Nexus closes on June 7th, 2026. Participants must complete the registration form with full name, email address, phone number, college/organization name, year of study, team name, and team member details. Ensure stable internet connectivity for online rounds.
