Open Innovation Hackathon
By Malla Reddy Deemed to Be University
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Quick Answer
A 24-hour offline innovation hackathon at Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad — open to all Indian college students with a ₹1.20 L prize pool.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1.2 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Malla Reddy Deemed to Be University
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 21 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Malla Reddy Deemed to Be University. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
Open Innovation Hackathon
The Open Innovation Hackathon is a 24-hour offline innovation challenge organized as part of HakITxMRDU'26, the Annual Inter-College Technical Festival of Malla Reddy (MR) Deemed to be University. This hackathon provides a platform for students to identify real-world problems and develop innovative software, hardware, or hybrid solutions. With no predefined problem statements or themes, teams have complete freedom to build impactful projects in any domain.
Who Should Apply This hackathon is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from any recognized college or university across India. Students from all branches and disciplines are eligible to participate. Participants must carry a valid college ID during the event.
Format & Timeline The hackathon takes place on 22–23 August 2026, spanning 24 hours of continuous offline building. Teams will ideate, design, develop, and present a working prototype or proof of concept within the given time. Internet access will be provided for research and development. Judging criteria include innovation, technical excellence, and social impact, with the judges' decision being final and binding.
Prizes The total prize pool is ₹1,20,000 (₹1.20 Lakh). The top team receives ₹1.20 Lakh. Winner and runner-up certificates are awarded, along with participation certificates for all eligible participants. Special recognition may be awarded for outstanding innovation, technical excellence, or social impact.
Eligibility Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from any recognized Indian college or university. Teams must consist of 2 to 4 members. Inter-college and inter-department teams are allowed. Each participant can register in only one team. Team composition cannot be changed after the registration deadline unless approved by the organizers.
Rules Participants must develop their project during the hackathon duration. Pre-existing ideas are allowed, but implementation and development should primarily take place during the event. Teams must bring their own laptops, necessary development equipment, and hardware components (if applicable). Any form of plagiarism, cheating, or copying another team's work will result in immediate disqualification. Teams must maintain professional and ethical conduct throughout the event.
About the Organiser Malla Reddy Deemed to be University is a private university located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It organizes the annual technical festival HakITxMRDU, which includes multiple competitions and events for students across disciplines.
How to Apply Registration closes on 21 August 2026. Apply via the official Unstop page linked above.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Go Premium to view.
Organizers
Organizer
Malla Reddy Deemed to Be University
Prizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹1.2 Lakhs
What You Get
This is a cash prize competition — no equity is taken and nothing is repaid. The total prize pool is ₹1,20,000 (₹1.20 lakh), and the top team receives ₹1.20 lakh. Winners and runners-up get certificates, and all eligible participants receive participation certificates. Special recognition may also be awarded for outstanding innovation, technical excellence, or social impact, though no additional cash amount is specified for those categories. As a non-cash benefit, the event provides a 24-hour offline building experience with internet access for research and development, plus the chance to present a working prototype to judges.
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.









