Nebius x NVIDIA Global AI Hackathon 2026
By Nebius
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Quick Answer
A global online hackathon challenging individuals, teams, and organizations to build working AI systems using Nebius AI Cloud and NVIDIA open-source models for a share of $50,000+ in cash and prizes.
- Funding amount
- ₹9,200 – ₹21.3 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Nebius
- Application deadline
- 19d — 30 Oct 2026
- Location
- International
About this competition
The Nebius x NVIDIA Global AI Hackathon 2026 is an international online competition designed to foster innovation in artificial intelligence. Participants are invited to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI systems using Nebius Token Factory or Nebius AI Cloud, while leveraging at least one NVIDIA open-source model such as Nemotron. This hackathon provides a unique opportunity for individuals, teams, and organizations worldwide to showcase their technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities within a supportive open-infrastructure environment.
The program is structured around several key tracks, including Coding and Agentic Engineering, Best Apps and Agents, Personal AI, and Physical AI, encouraging a diverse range of applications and solutions. Beyond the substantial cash prizes, the hackathon offers participants the chance to gain practical experience with leading AI technologies, receive valuable feedback from industry experts, and potentially join the Nebius Builder Program for additional credits and resources. It serves as a launchpad for innovative ideas and a platform for collaboration within the global AI community.
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
NVIDIA is an American multinational technology company founded in 1993 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Originally known for its graphics processing units (GPUs), NVIDIA has become the dominant platform company in artificial intelligence, powering the compute…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- ₹9,200 – ₹21.3 Lakhs
What You Get
- Cash Prizes: Participants can win substantial cash prizes, including a Grand Prize of ₹18,40,000 (US$20,000), a 2nd prize of ₹9,20,000 (US$10,000), and a 3rd prize of ₹5,52,000 (US$6,000). Additional cash awards include ₹2,76,000 (US$3,000) for Best Use of Tavily, ₹46,000 (US$500) for City Winner Awards (not in India), and ₹9,200 (US$100) for Most Valuable Feedback awards. The total prize pool exceeds ₹46,00,000 (US$50,000).
- Hardware: Four track winners will each receive an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, a powerful edge AI platform for building embedded AI applications.
- Software Credits: Entrants are eligible to join the Nebius Builder Program, which provides credits for Nebius Token Factory, Tavily, and Nebius Academy, offering access to advanced tools and learning resources.
- Networking: Opportunities for networking are available, particularly through IRL Builders & Brews events in various cities globally.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Duration
- 2 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo an initial screening to ensure all submission requirements are met. Eligible projects will then proceed to the judging phase, which will take place between December 1 and December 15, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of expert judges, including engineers from NVIDIA and Nebius, as well as staff from Tavily. Each project will be scored equally across four key criteria: Technological Implementation, Design, Potential Impact, and Quality of the Idea. The judges will assess the novelty, functionality, feasibility, and overall impact of the AI systems developed. The winners will be selected based on these evaluations and announced on or around January 11, 2027.
Application Process
- 1
Register
Register for the hackathon on the Devpost platform to gain access to resources and updates.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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
Who can participate in the hackathon?
The hackathon is open to individuals above the age of majority in their country of residence, as well as teams and organizations, including corporations, nonprofits, LLCs, and partnerships. Participants from most countries are eligible, with specific exclusions for sanctioned territories.
What are the key prizes offered?
Prizes include a Grand Prize of US$20,000 (₹18,40,000), a 2nd prize of US$10,000 (₹9,20,000), a 3rd prize of US$6,000 (₹5,52,000), and other specialized awards like Best Use of Tavily (US$3,000 / ₹2,76,000). Four track winners will also receive an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano. The total prize pool exceeds US$50,000 (₹46,00,000).
What technologies are required for project submissions?
All project submissions must be built and run on Nebius Token Factory or Nebius AI Cloud. Additionally, projects must utilize at least one NVIDIA open-source model, such as Nemotron.
What are the submission requirements?
Submissions must include a working project, selection of a track, a detailed project description, a working demo URL (not required for Physical AI), a public demo video under 3 minutes on YouTube, a public code repository with an open-source license (Apache 2.0, MIT, MPL 2.0) and a README file, feedback on Nebius/NVIDIA tools, and an explanation of any updates if the project pre-existed.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, the Nebius x NVIDIA Global AI Hackathon is free to enter, with all applications and participation handled online via the Devpost platform.
What is the judging process?
Projects will be judged between December 1 and December 15, 2026, based on four equally weighted criteria: Technological Implementation, Design, Potential Impact, and Quality of the Idea. The judging panel comprises engineers from NVIDIA, Nebius, and staff from Tavily.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
