hackathon
Catalyst - Solo AI Hackathon
Sunday, 18 October 2026 — 15 November 2026
by Makers Need More (MnM)
aisoftware-developmentinnovationhackathonaisoloonline
hackathon
18 Oct — 15 Nov
Online
Prize Pool
₹15,000
Registration Deadline
14 Nov 2026
Team Size
1 – 1 members
About
Catalyst 2026 is a solo-participation AI hackathon organised by Makers Need More (MnM), designed for students, developers, and AI enthusiasts who want to turn ideas into working solutions. Unlike team-based hackathons, Catalyst asks each participant to build independently — bringing an idea to life using AI tools, creative problem-solving, and modern development technologies, and then presenting the result to judges and the wider community.
Who Should Apply The event is open to anyone interested in AI, software development, and innovation — students, working developers, beginners experimenting with AI for the first time, and experienced builders already shipping intelligent applications. No prior hackathon experience is required; the only prerequisite stated is having an idea and the willingness to build it.
Format & Timeline Catalyst is a completely online hackathon with individual (solo) participation. The registration window runs from 7 October to 14 November 2026. The main event takes place on 15 November 2026 as a 7-hour online coding session, after which participants showcase their projects. Because the format is solo, there is no team formation or team-size flexibility — one participant, one idea, one build.
Prizes The headline prize is ₹15,000 in cash for the winners, with a total stated prize pool of ₹15,000. All participants receive certificates, and finalists get an opportunity to work with the core team behind MnM — a route into the organising community rather than just a cash reward. Participation is free of charge.
Eligibility Open to individual participants only (team size of exactly 1). Students, developers, beginners, and AI enthusiasts are all explicitly welcomed. No geographic restriction is stated, and the event is hosted on Unstop, an India-based competition platform.
About the Organiser Makers Need More (MnM) is the community behind Catalyst, and the event is positioned as a way for builders to engage with MnM's core team — finalists are offered the chance to work directly with them.
How to Apply Registration is handled through the Unstop listing, with the registration period closing on 14 November 2026. A WhatsApp channel is also shared for updates and community coordination. Interested participants are encouraged to register early and use the lead-up time to plan what they want to build.
Eligibility
Open to individual participants only (team size of 1) — students, developers, beginners, and AI enthusiasts. No geographic restriction stated.
Prizes
Winners
₹15,000
Finalists
Opportunity to work with the core team behind MnM
Participation
Certificate
hackathon
18 Oct — 15 Nov
Online
Prize Pool
₹15,000
Registration Deadline
14 Nov 2026
Team Size
1 – 1 members
