About this competition

GatewayHacks 2026 is an online hackathon organised by GatewayGS, a community-driven initiative that brings together developers, designers, and innovators from around the world. The competition challenges participants to build software and AI-powered solutions that address real-world problems, with a strong emphasis on social good and accessibility for beginners.

Who Should Apply This hackathon is open to anyone with an interest in software development, machine learning, or AI — from first-time hackers to experienced builders. The event is explicitly beginner-friendly, making it an ideal entry point for students and early-career developers looking to gain hands-on experience and build a portfolio.

Tracks / Themes The hackathon focuses on two primary themes: Software and AI. Within these, participants are encouraged to create projects that have a positive social impact, leveraging technology to solve problems in areas such as education, healthcare, sustainability, and community welfare.

Format & Timeline GatewayHacks 2026 is a fully virtual event, running from September 1 to October 2, 2026. This extended timeline allows participants to work at their own pace, with submissions due by October 2. The hackathon is judged on creativity, technical execution, and impact, with winners announced shortly after the submission deadline.

Prizes The total prize pool is $11,685 (approximately ₹10,75,020), distributed across multiple winning projects. Prizes are awarded for overall excellence as well as category-specific achievements, encouraging a wide range of innovative solutions.

Eligibility The hackathon is open to participants from all countries, with no geographic restrictions. Teams can be of any size, though solo participants are also welcome. There are no age or experience requirements, making it accessible to students, professionals, and hobbyists alike.

About the Organiser GatewayGS is a global community of tech enthusiasts dedicated to fostering innovation through hackathons and collaborative projects. They have a track record of organising inclusive, beginner-friendly events that provide a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills.

How to Apply Registration is free and open until October 2, 2026. Interested participants can sign up through the official Devpost page linked above. All submissions must be made through the same platform before the deadline.

Prizes & Awards

Amount: Up to ₹10.8 Lakhs

What You Get

Total prize pool of $11,685 in cash. Listed prizes: GatewayHacks Best Overall — $2,100 in cash; 2nd Place — $2,050 in cash; 3rd Place — $2,035 in cash; 4th Place — $2,000 in cash; Best No-Code AI App built with Momen — $2,000 in cash; and 100 winners of $15 in cash through the '100 Free .xyz Domains To Build' prize. Winners of the top Momen-related prizes also receive Momen credits, and several prizes include AOPS coupons, as listed on the Devpost page.

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.