GBT AI Ignite 2026
By Go Beyond Tickets
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
India's premier AI innovation hackathon with ₹1.75 Lakh+ in cash & AI credits, mentorship, and national recognition.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1.75L
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Go Beyond Tickets
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 3 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Go Beyond Tickets. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
GBT AI Ignite 2026 is India's premier AI innovation hackathon organised by GoBeyondTickets (GBT). The hackathon invites students, developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and AI enthusiasts to build impactful AI solutions that solve real-world challenges. Whether you are an experienced developer or building your first AI product, this hackathon provides a platform to innovate, collaborate, and showcase your skills before industry experts.
Who Should Apply Open to all — students, developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and AI enthusiasts. Cross-college and cross-disciplinary teams are allowed. Individual participation is also welcome.
Tracks / Themes Participants can choose from ten problem statements: AI Agents & Autonomous Systems, Healthcare & Medical AI, AI for Education, Smart Cities & Urban Innovation, FinTech & Financial Inclusion, ClimateTech & Sustainability, Future of Work & Productivity, Cybersecurity using AI, Future of Entertainment & Live Experiences, and Open Innovation (AI).
Format & Timeline The competition is structured in three rounds:
- Round 1 — Idea Submission: Submit your idea along with a short presentation.
- Round 2 — MVP Submission: Build and submit a working prototype with source code and demo video.
- Round 3 — Grand Finale (in September, dates and venue to be finalised): Top shortlisted teams present live before an industry jury.
Judging criteria: Innovation (30%), Technical Implementation (25%), Practical Impact (20%), User Experience (15%), and Presentation (10%).
Prizes Total prize pool of ₹1.75 Lakh+ in cash and AI/cloud credits:
- Winner: ₹50,000 Cash + ₹50,000 AI & Cloud Credits
- First Runner-Up: ₹25,000 Cash + ₹25,000 AI & Cloud Credits
- Second Runner-Up: ₹10,000 Cash + ₹15,000 AI & Cloud Credits
Special awards include Best AI Innovation, Best UI/UX, Best Social Impact Solution, Best Women-Led Team, Best First-Year Team, and Community Choice Award.
Eligibility Open to all. Teams of 1–5 members. Individual participation allowed. Cross-college and cross-disciplinary teams are permitted.
About the Organiser GoBeyondTickets (GBT) is an Indian platform that organises innovation challenges and hackathons to foster tech talent and entrepreneurship. This hackathon is part of their initiative to promote AI innovation among Indian builders.
How to Apply Registration is open on Unstop. A nominal registration fee applies: Solo ₹149, Team of 2 ₹129 per participant, Team of 3–5 ₹109 per participant. Registration deadline is August 3, 2026.
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
Organizer
Go Beyond Tickets
Prizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹1.75L
What You Get
This is a competition prize pool, not a grant or loan: top teams share ₹1.75 Lakh+ in cash and AI/cloud credits. The winner receives ₹50,000 cash + ₹50,000 AI & Cloud credits; the first runner-up gets ₹25,000 cash + ₹25,000 credits; and the second runner-up gets ₹10,000 cash + ₹15,000 credits. Beyond the top three, special awards recognise Best AI Innovation, Best UI/UX, Best Social Impact Solution, Best Women-Led Team, Best First-Year Team, and Community Choice Award. Shortlisted teams present live before an industry jury, giving founders a platform to showcase their AI product to experts.
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.
