HackTheHurdle STBI Hackathon 2026
By Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI)
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Quick Answer
HackTheHurdle is a statewide, tech-led innovation challenge by STBI, designed to scout and accelerate high-impact indigenous technologies across Gujarat through prototyping grants and incubation.
About this grant
HackTheHurdle (HTH) is a premier statewide, tech-led innovation challenge orchestrated by the Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI), operating under the strategic guidance and aegis of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat (DST-GoG). This initiative is meticulously designed to scout, nurture, and accelerate the development of high-impact indigenous technologies throughout Gujarat, aligning with broader national innovation frameworks. HTH serves as a critical funnel for STBI’s Regional Innovation Cells (RICs), actively crowdsourcing a diverse range of technological solutions. It invites students, researchers, and local innovators to directly address pressing regional and industrial problem statements, fostering practical and impactful innovation. The program aims to bridge the gap between ideation and market-ready solutions by providing comprehensive support for development and commercialization.
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.
Grant providers
Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI) is a technology business incubator run by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat (DST-GoG). It sits inside the GIDC industrial estate at Savli, Manjusar, on the outskirts of Vadodara, and works mainly with…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹1.5 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Selected innovators and teams receive milestone-linked grant-in-aid of up to ₹1,50,000/- (₹1.5 Lakhs) for prototyping and development, facilitating crucial early-stage product build-out. Beyond financial support, participants gain entry into a comprehensive 4-month incubation program at STBI, completely free of cost. This includes access to state-of-the-art co-working spaces, advanced laboratories, specialized equipment, and invaluable guidance from domain experts, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and growth. Solutions developed are further enhanced by direct engagement with local industries, ensuring real-world impact and market relevance.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 4 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for HackTheHurdle undergo a rigorous multi-stage selection process. Initially, submitted proposals from innovators, students, researchers, and startups are carefully screened by a panel of domain experts and members from STBI's Regional Innovation Cells. This initial evaluation focuses on the novelty of the idea, its technological feasibility, potential for real-world impact, and alignment with regional and industrial problem statements. Shortlisted teams may then be invited for a virtual or in-person presentation, where they will elaborate on their solutions and demonstrate their understanding of the challenge. A final jury, comprising experts from academia, industry, and government, will make the ultimate selection based on the pitch, team capabilities, and the overall potential of the proposed technology to address identified hurdles.
Application Process
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Review Guidelines
Applicants must download and review the detailed program guidelines to understand the challenge, eligibility, and process.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
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See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
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Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
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Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HackTheHurdle (HTH) program?
HackTheHurdle (HTH) is a statewide, tech-led innovation challenge organized by the Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI) to scout, nurture, and accelerate high-impact indigenous technologies across Gujarat. It aims to crowdsource technological solutions to address regional and industrial problem statements.
Who is eligible to apply for HackTheHurdle?
Eligible applicants include innovators, students, researchers, and startups who are passionate about developing indigenous technological solutions to solve real-world problems in Gujarat.
What kind of financial support is provided?
Selected innovators and teams are eligible for a milestone-linked grant-in-aid of up to ₹1,50,000/- (₹1.5 Lakhs). This grant is specifically intended to support prototyping and development activities during the program.
What kind of non-financial support can participants expect?
Participants will receive a 4-month free incubation program at STBI, access to co-working spaces, advanced laboratories, specialized equipment, and mentorship from domain experts. The program also facilitates engagement with local industries for real-world application.
Do I need to relocate for the program?
Yes, as the program includes a 4-month incubation period at the Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI) facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, physical presence or relocation to the region is required for selected teams to fully leverage the provided infrastructure and mentorship.
What happens after the HackTheHurdle event?
Following the hackathon, selected innovators and teams enter a 4-month incubation program at STBI. This phase focuses on further developing their solutions with continuous mentorship, infrastructure access, and potential for further funding opportunities or market linkages.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
