Idiap Create Challenge 2026
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Quick Answer
Nine-day in-person AI hackathon in Martigny, Switzerland, with up to CHF 10,000 (about ₹11.5 lakh) for the best project. The 2026 edition is closed; it runs yearly in late August.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Idiap Research Institute
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Eligible stage
- Idea
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 14 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Idiap Research Institute. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The Idiap Create Challenge 2026 is closed, and it is an in-person event in Martigny, Switzerland. Project submissions ran from 15 April to 14 June 2026 and the nine-day hackathon took place from 20 to 28 August 2026. The official page says registrations for 2026 are closed and gives no date for the next edition, though it asks visitors to check back for the next challenge.
The Idiap Create Challenge (ICC) is run by the Idiap Research Institute in Martigny, with the support of The Ark. It is not India-only: national and international applicants are welcome, so Indian teams could apply, but they must travel to Switzerland.
What the program offers
The AI for Society Innovation Award is worth up to CHF 10,000 (about ₹11.5 lakh), with support from the IdeArk incubator to turn the prototype into a startup. A People's Choice Award is worth CHF 500 (about ₹57,500). Prize money is sent to the winning team's bank account at the end of the challenge. All participants get access to Idiap researchers and R&D engineers for coaching during the nine days, which include hacking time, mentoring, pitch preparation, startup talks, networking and social activities.
Taking part is free for selected teams. Idiap reimburses hotel costs up to CHF 65 a night for participants living more than 100 km away, and some meals up to CHF 20 each, with receipts. Travel to Martigny and any Swiss visa are your own responsibility, though Idiap can issue an invitation letter.
Who can apply
Anyone over 18 can apply, in teams of up to three people. The project must develop technology in the field of artificial intelligence and be a new idea: it must not have been developed or substantially worked on before the challenge, with no existing prototype. An incorporated startup may apply only if it is not currently incubated, accelerated or formally supported elsewhere, and the project is a new initiative rather than an existing product or an improvement of one. Basic AI knowledge is assumed. Everyone is expected on site in Martigny, including for the opening and closing ceremonies, and should bring a laptop. The 2026 theme was the creative and cultural industries: AI prototypes for performing arts, film and TV, news and other cultural sectors. This suits students, researchers and small teams who can build quickly; it does not suit companies wanting funding for an existing product.
How to apply
Form a team of up to three, or join the participant pool to find teammates. Submit a project proposal on the official template, a one-page CV for each member and a short video presenting the project through the ICC website.
How applications are judged and what happens next
A committee of AI and business-development experts selects projects on their potential to become a prototype during the challenge, market potential and fit with Idiap's AI themes. For 2026 the page said selections were announced between 1 and 30 June. At the end, a jury chaired by a representative of The Ark judges team, innovation and technical quality, market potential, value for society, business viability, pitch and prototype functionality, and decides prizes by majority vote. Teams pitch their prototype at the closing ceremony.
About Idiap
The Idiap Research Institute is a research institute in Martigny, Switzerland, working in artificial intelligence. The challenge draws on its researchers and engineers.
Things to check before you apply
- This is a live, in-person event; you cannot join remotely.
- You pay for travel and any visa. A practical tip: start the Swiss visa process as soon as you are selected, and ask Idiap for the invitation letter.
- Swiss franc prizes paid abroad may have tax and FEMA implications; Indian winners should check with an adviser.
- The challenge has run annually around late August, but no 2027 date is announced.
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
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
The AI for Society Innovation Award is worth up to CHF 10,000 (about ₹11.5 lakh) and comes with the chance of support from the IdeArk incubator to turn the prototype into a startup. The People's Choice Award is CHF 500 (about ₹57,500). The jury decides how the cash is split among winning teams and may change the number or size of prizes. Prize money is sent to the winning team's bank account at the end of the challenge. Selected teams take part free; hotel costs up to CHF 65 a night (for those living more than 100 km away) and some meals up to CHF 20 each are reimbursed, but travel and visa costs are not.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
A committee of AI and business-development experts selects projects on prototype potential, market potential and fit with Idiap's AI themes. At the end, a jury chaired by a representative of The Ark judges team, innovation and technical quality, market potential, value for society, business viability, pitch and prototype functionality, and decides the prizes by majority vote.
Application Process
- 1
Submit project
Send the proposal, team CVs and a short video through the ICC website.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Idiap Create Challenge 2026 still open?
No. Submissions closed on 14 June 2026 and the hackathon ran from 20 to 28 August 2026. The official page gives no date for the next edition.
Can teams from India apply?
Yes. Anyone over 18 can apply, and national and international candidates are welcome. Selected teams must travel to Martigny at their own cost and arrange any Swiss visa.
Is the event in person?
Yes. The nine-day challenge takes place at Idiap in Martigny, Switzerland, and all team members are expected on site, including for the opening and closing ceremonies.
How much can we win?
The AI for Society Innovation Award is worth up to CHF 10,000 (about ₹11.5 lakh), and the People's Choice Award is CHF 500.
What does it cost to take part?
It is free for selected teams. Idiap reimburses hotel costs up to CHF 65 a night for those living more than 100 km away, and some meals up to CHF 20 each, with receipts. Travel is not covered.
Can an existing startup apply?
Only if it is not incubated, accelerated or formally supported elsewhere, and the project is a brand-new initiative rather than an existing product or an improvement of one.
How big can a team be?
Up to three people. People without a team can join the participant pool to find teammates.
What do I need to submit?
A project proposal on the official template, a one-page CV per member and a short video presenting the project.
How are teams chosen and judged?
A committee of experts selects projects on prototype and market potential and fit with AI themes. A jury then judges the final prototypes and pitches and decides prizes by majority vote.
Will there be a 2027 edition?
The official page gives no date but suggests checking back for the next challenge. The 2026 edition was the 15th and the event has run yearly around late August.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
