Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future—and if you're ready to be part of that transformation, ET AI Hackathon 2.0 is your opportunity to shine. Organized by The Economic Times in partnership with Unstop, this national-level hackathon is designed to discover and empower India’s brightest AI talent.
Whether you're a student, developer, or AI enthusiast, this competition offers a platform to innovate, build, and showcase real-world AI solutions.
๐ Important Dates
- Registration Opens: 16 April 2026
- Deadline: 16 May 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
๐ง Hackathon Structure
๐น Phase 1: Online Qualifier (MCQ Round)
Participants begin with an AI-proctored multiple-choice assessment.
This round evaluates:
- AI fundamentals
- Logical reasoning
- Problem-solving skills
๐น Phase 2: Build Sprint (Prototype Development)
Shortlisted teams move to an intensive build phase:
- Problem statements are revealed after Round 1 results
- Teams select one challenge to solve
- Develop a working AI prototype
Focus areas include:
- Business innovation
- Social impact
- Open innovation
๐น Phase 3: Grand Finale
Top teams advance to the final stage where they:
- Present their solution (10–15 minutes)
- Deliver a live demo
- Answer jury questions
Evaluation Criteria:
- Innovation
- Business impact
- Execution quality
- Scalability
๐ Rewards & Prizes
๐ฐ Total Prize Pool: ₹10,00,000
- ๐ฅ Winner: ₹5,00,000 + Certificate
- ๐ฅ 1st Runner-Up: ₹3,00,000 + Certificate
- ๐ฅ 2nd Runner-Up: ₹2,00,000 + Certificate
๐ผ Career Opportunities
Participants don’t just compete—they get noticed.
- Pre-Placement Interviews (PPIs)
- Internship opportunities
- Job offers from AI-first companies
๐ Why You Should Participate
- Work on real-world AI problems
- Build a portfolio-worthy project
- Network with industry experts and founders
- Gain national recognition
๐ Certificates & Recognition
- Participation certificates for teams completing Phase 2
- National exposure via ET platforms
- Recognition for finalists and winners
