Hack[AI]thon 2.0 at VRIF VTU Belagavi
By Sphere Hive
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Quick Answer
Hack[AI]thon 2.0 by Sphere Hive with VRIF VTU Belagavi — a national Data-Centric AI hackathon for students, ₹35,000 prize pool, offline finale in Belagavi.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹35,000
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Sphere Hive
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 30 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Sphere Hive. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
Hack[AI]Thon 2.0 2026 is a national-level Artificial Intelligence hackathon organized by Sphere Hive in collaboration with VRIF VTU Belagavi. The event brings together students, innovators, and aspiring AI practitioners from across India to compete in a unique Data-Centric AI Challenge.
Unlike traditional AI competitions that focus on modifying model architectures, participants will improve AI performance by enhancing dataset quality through intelligent data analysis, strategic labeling, and identification of high-impact samples. Teams will utilize the 3LC.ai platform to analyze embeddings, discover edge cases, optimize training data, and improve overall model performance.
The hackathon follows a two-stage competition format, beginning with an online selection round and culminating in a 24-hour offline grand finale hosted at VRIF VTU Belagavi.
Who Should Apply Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from recognized institutions across India. Students from all academic disciplines are eligible. Prior AI/ML experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
Format & Timeline Round 1 (Online Selection): Virtual screening challenge evaluating problem-solving, data analysis, and strategic thinking in Data-Centric AI. Round 2 (Offline Grand Finale): 24-hour hacking session at VRIF VTU Belagavi on 8–9 August 2026. Teams receive a real-world AI challenge focused on image classification and dataset improvement.
Prizes Total cash prize pool of ₹35,000. Additional benefits include certificates for all participants, mentorship from industry professionals, networking opportunities, sponsored goodies, and exposure to modern Data-Centric AI workflows.
Eligibility Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from Indian institutions. Teams of 2–4 members. Inter-college and inter-disciplinary teams are permitted. Valid college ID required.
How to Apply Registration deadline is 30 June 2026. Apply via the official Unstop page linked above.
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.
Organizers
Organizer
Sphere Hive
Prizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹35,000
What You Get
- Cash prize pool of ₹35,000.
- Certificates for all participants.
- Mentorship from industry professionals.
- Networking opportunities.
- Sponsored goodies and exposure to modern Data-Centric AI workflows.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
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.







