SquidHack 2026
By SAGE University (SAGEU), Indore, Madhya Pradesh
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Quick Answer
A 24-hour innovation challenge at SAGE University, Indore for Indian UG/PG students — ₹1.1 lakh prize pool across 6 categories.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1.1L
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- SAGE University (SAGEU), Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 15 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by SAGE University (SAGEU), Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
SquidHack 2026 is a 24-hour innovation challenge organised by SAGE University, Indore, designed to bring together creative minds, problem-solvers, and tech enthusiasts from across India. The hackathon features a multi-round format with an online idea submission round followed by an offline grand finale where shortlisted teams build their projects from scratch.
Who Should Apply Open to all UG, PG, and Dual Degree students from recognised universities and institutions across India. Students from all branches and specialisations are eligible. Cross-college teams are allowed.
Themes Participants can build solutions in any of the following domains: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Web Development, Mobile Applications, Cybersecurity, FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, Sustainability & Smart Cities, and Open Innovation.
Format & Timeline
- Round 1 (Registration & Idea Submission): Register on Unstop (₹100 per team) and submit a Problem Statement PPT covering the problem, proposed solution, and expected impact. Participants are free to choose their own problem statement and PPT format.
- Round 2 (Grand Finale – Offline): Shortlisted teams must complete final round registration (₹1,500 per team) and be physically present at SAGE University, Indore. Problem statements are published 2 days before the event; teams choose from available statements (limited capacity per statement). Projects must be built from scratch during the hackathon — no pre-built projects allowed. Mentors are available on-site.
- Round 3 (Final Presentation & Demo): Teams present their working prototype before a judging panel. Evaluation criteria: Innovation & Creativity (30%), Technical Implementation (25%), Problem Relevance (20%), User Experience & Design (10%), Scalability & Impact (15%).
Prizes Total cash prize pool of ₹1,10,000 distributed across six categories: Winner (₹50,000), 1st Runner Up (₹25,000), 2nd Runner Up (₹15,000), Most Innovative Idea (₹10,000), Best Women Led Team (₹5,000), Best Social Impact Project (₹5,000).
Eligibility Open to all UG, PG, and Dual Degree students with a valid college ID. Teams of 1–4 members. At least one female member is mandatory in every team.
How to Apply Register on Unstop by paying ₹100 per team. Submit your Problem Statement PPT before the deadline. Registration deadline: July 15, 2026.
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
Organizer
SAGE University (SAGEU), Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Prizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹1.1L
What You Get
The competition carries a total cash prize pool of ₹1,10,000, distributed across six categories: Winner (₹50,000), 1st Runner Up (₹25,000), 2nd Runner Up (₹15,000), Most Innovative Idea (₹10,000), Best Women Led Team (₹5,000), and Best Social Impact Project (₹5,000). Prize decisions are based on published evaluation criteria covering innovation, technical implementation, problem relevance, UX/design, and scalability. Shortlisted teams also get a hands-on build experience at the offline grand finale: problem statements are released 2 days before the event, on-site mentors are available, and teams present a working prototype to the judging panel.
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.
