Unstop TA Hackathon
By People Matters
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Quick Answer
India's first hackathon for TA and HR leaders — solve hiring challenges, win ₹1.5 lakh cash prizes, and pitch live at TechHR India.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1.5L
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- People Matters
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 1 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by People Matters. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
Unstop TA Hackathon is India's first hackathon created exclusively for Talent Acquisition and HR leaders. Organised by Unstop and People Matters, this competition flips the script: instead of using hackathons to discover talent, it challenges the TA community to solve its own hiring problems.
Who Should Apply This competition is designed for working professionals across India in Talent Acquisition, HR, and people roles — including TA leaders, recruiters, HRBPs, HR-tech professionals, people analytics experts, and anyone who has looked at a hiring process and thought, "There's a better way." Independent recruiters and professionals between roles are also welcome.
The Challenge Most companies still take 40+ days to close a hire. The hackathon presents one focused case study: rethink hiring faster and smarter. Participants must present their solution in a 3-minute video.
Format & Timeline The competition runs in two stages:
- Stage 1 — Online Submission (July 22 – August 3): Register, unlock the case study, and submit a 3-minute video presentation by August 3, 11:00 AM IST. The top 4 teams qualify directly for the Grand Finale. Results announced by 5:00 PM IST on August 3.
- Stage 2 — Grand Finale (August 6): Six teams compete live on stage at TechHR India 2026 in Delhi — 4 from online submissions and 2 wildcard teams shortlisted on-site. Each team gets a 5-minute live presentation followed by jury Q&A. The audience votes live on Unstop alongside the jury's evaluation. Two winners are announced: a Jury Winner and an Audience Winner.
Evaluation Criteria
- Problem Framing — Did you identify the real hiring bottlenecks and their root causes?
- Solution & Feasibility — Is your solution practical within a real team's budget and constraints?
- Innovation & Differentiation — Does your idea bring a fresh perspective beyond the obvious?
- Impact & Storytelling — Can you back your solution with measurable impact and present it memorably?
Prizes
- Jury Winner: ₹1,00,000 cash + trophy + on-stage felicitation
- Audience Winner: ₹50,000 cash + trophy + on-stage felicitation
- All six finalist teams receive a Certificate of Recognition from Unstop and People Matters
- All participants receive a Participation Certificate
- Shortlisted teams get complimentary passes to TechHR India
Eligibility Open to working professionals across India in Talent Acquisition, HR, and people roles. Solo participation or teams of up to 3 members. Independent recruiters and professionals between roles are welcome.
About the Organisers Unstop is India's leading platform for student competitions, hackathons, and hiring challenges, connecting millions of students and professionals with opportunities from top companies. People Matters is a premier media and events platform focused on HR and talent management in India, organising the flagship TechHR India conference.
How to Apply Register on the Unstop platform, build your team (1–3 members), and unlock the case study. Submit a 3-minute video presentation by August 3, 2026, 11:00 AM IST.
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
People Matters
Prizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹1.5L
What You Get
Two cash prizes are awarded at the Grand Finale: the Jury Winner receives ₹1,00,000 in cash plus a trophy and on-stage felicitation, and the Audience Winner receives ₹50,000 in cash plus a trophy and on-stage felicitation. All six finalist teams also receive a Certificate of Recognition from Unstop and People Matters, and shortlisted teams get complimentary passes to TechHR India, where the finale takes place. Every participant receives a Participation Certificate.
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.
