BuildX Hackathon 2026
By T-Hub
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Quick Answer
Participate in a 36-hour non-stop hackathon by AIC T-Hub and Crescent Institute to win cash prizes, receive prototyping support, incubation opportunities, and mentorship.
- Funding amount
- ₹15,000 – ₹50,000
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- T-Hub
- Application deadline
- 19d — 1 Nov 2026
- Location
- Tamil Nadu
About this competition
The BuildX Hackathon 2026, a collaborative initiative by AIC T-Hub and Crescent Innovation Incubation Council (supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog), is designed to foster innovation and problem-solving among university students, early-stage startups, and individual innovators. This intensive 36-hour non-stop hackathon/ideathon challenges participants to develop solutions across critical sectors like Aerospace & Defence, Banking & FinTech, Mobility & Automotive, and Climate & Urban Sustainability.
Hosted at the B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute in Chennai, this event provides a dynamic platform for participants to apply their engineering, AI, ML, and robotics skills to real-world problem statements. Beyond the competition, the hackathon emphasizes practical application, collaborative learning, and networking with peers and industry experts. It aims to identify promising ideas and prototypes, offering significant support for their further development and potential commercialization through incubation.
Participants will engage in a high-energy environment, pushing the boundaries of technology to create impactful solutions. The program is structured to not only reward winning innovations but also to provide a robust pathway for the top teams to evolve their projects into sustainable ventures with access to advanced lab infrastructure and ongoing mentorship from seasoned professionals.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
T-Hub is a startup hub in Hyderabad, Telangana, run by T-Hub Foundation. It was set up in 2015 as a not-for-profit, and it began as a public–private partnership between the Government of Telangana, IIIT Hyderabad, the Indian School of Business (ISB) and NALSAR University of Law.…
Learn moreCo-organizer
B. S Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & TechnologyChennai · Tamil Nadu · India
Crescent Innovation and Incubation Council (CIIC) is the technology business incubator of B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, a university on GST Road in Vandalur, Chennai. The university has been running since 1984, and CIIC works from its campus…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- ₹15,000 – ₹50,000
What You Get
Winning teams will receive cash prizes totaling ₹90,000, distributed as: ₹50,000 for the 1st prize, ₹25,000 for the 2nd prize, and ₹15,000 for the 3rd prize. Beyond the financial awards, the top three teams will gain crucial prototyping support to further develop their solutions. Participants will also benefit from access to AIC T-Hub's advanced labs and a vibrant ecosystem, enabling them to test and refine their ideas. All attendees will receive certificates of participation, alongside unparalleled networking opportunities with industry leaders and fellow innovators. Mentorship will be provided to guide teams through their development process. Crucially, winning teams will get post-hackathon support, with selected startups receiving dedicated incubation support to transform their hackathon projects into viable businesses. Food and accommodation support for the 2-day event are also included.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Duration
- 2 days
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the BuildX Hackathon involves an initial screening of the submitted idea briefs and team/startup profiles. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee comprising representatives from Crescent Innovation Incubation Council and AIC T-Hub, evaluating the originality, feasibility, and potential impact of the proposed solutions. Shortlisted teams will be invited to participate in the 36-hour hackathon, where they will develop their prototypes. At the conclusion of the hacking period, teams will present their solutions and pitch to a jury panel of experts. The jury will evaluate the technical implementation, innovation, market potential, and presentation quality to determine the winners for the cash prizes and further support opportunities.
Application Process
- 1
Register & Pay Fee
Complete online registration and pay the required team participation fee.
You - 2
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BuildX Hackathon 2026?
The BuildX Hackathon 2026 is a 36-hour non-stop hackathon/ideathon organized by AIC T-Hub and Crescent Innovation Incubation Council. It challenges participants to develop innovative solutions across various problem statements using engineering, AI, ML, and robotics.
Who is eligible to participate?
The hackathon is open to university students (UG/PG), early-stage startups, and individual innovators who have a prototype or MVP. Teams of 2-4 members are preferred, but individual applications are also accepted.
What are the key problem statements for the hackathon?
Problem statements are focused on Aerospace & Defence (e.g., predictive maintenance), Banking & FinTech (e.g., payment fraud detection), Mobility & Automotive (e.g., road safety), and Climate & Urban Sustainability (e.g., street-level air quality).
What kind of prizes and support can winners expect?
Winners can receive cash prizes of ₹50,000 (1st), ₹25,000 (2nd), and ₹15,000 (3rd). Additionally, top teams get prototyping support, access to AIC T-Hub labs, networking, mentorship, post-hackathon support, and potential incubation for selected startups.
Is there a registration fee for the hackathon?
Yes, there is a participation fee of ₹1,200 per team, which includes GST. This fee covers food for two days and accommodation support during the event.
Where will the BuildX Hackathon be held?
The hackathon will be physically held at the B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, located on GST Road, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600048.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
