BugBash
By Newton School of Technology
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Quick Answer
A 24-hour national hackathon by Newton School of Technology focused on AI, problem-solving, and debugging, offering a ₹65,000 prize pool.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹65,000
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Newton School of Technology
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 24 April 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Newton School of Technology. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
BugBash 2026 is a high-intensity 24-hour national hackathon organised by Newton School of Technology in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This innovation sprint focuses on problem-solving, debugging, and building impactful tech solutions, with a strong emphasis on AI and practical implementation. It challenges participants not just to build, but to break, fix, and improve systems under pressure.
Who Should Apply Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, both solo participants and teams of up to 4 members. Cross-college teams are allowed, encouraging diverse collaboration.
Tracks / Themes Participants can choose from two distinct tracks:
- Track 1 — Build an AI Agent: Design and develop an autonomous AI system capable of identifying, analyzing, and solving real-world workflow problems independently.
- Track 2 — Build Something Using AI: Create a functional product where AI plays a central role in solving a defined problem or improving an existing system. Official problem statements will be revealed at the start of the hackathon.
Format & Timeline The hackathon runs continuously for 24 hours, commencing at 12:00 PM on April 25th, 2026, and concluding at 1:00 PM on April 26th, 2026. The event includes an opening ceremony and problem statement reveal, three mini-challenges (debugging / rapid build rounds) during the event, a final submission window before Hour 23, and final judging and a closing ceremony at Hour 24.
Prizes A total cash prize pool of ₹65,000 is available, distributed among the top winners. The 1st Prize winner receives ₹40,000, winner certificates, and exclusive goodies. The 2nd Prize winner receives ₹25,000, certificates, and goodies. Runner-ups will receive goodies and certificates. All finalists will receive certificates and may be considered for networking or internship opportunities (subject to availability). Additional awards include Best Debugging Solution, Best Innovation, Best Social Impact, and Mini-Challenge Champion.
Eligibility Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Teams can consist of 1 to 4 members (solo participants are allowed). Each participant can be part of only one team. A valid college ID or government ID is mandatory for registration.
How to Apply Registration requires a valid college or government ID and confirmation. Participants are strongly advised to review the official rulebook before the event. The registration deadline is April 24, 2026.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
StartX is the student entrepreneurship programme run by Newton School of Technology (NST), a brand owned by Incanus Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a private limited company. It gives enrolled NST students mentorship, infrastructure support, workshops and a route to grant funding for a…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹65,000
What You Get
- Cash prizes: ₹40,000 for 1st place, ₹25,000 for 2nd place (total ₹65,000 prize pool).
- Certificates for winners, runner-ups, and all participants.
- Goodies for winners and runner-ups.
- Potential networking and internship opportunities.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
