Economic Times GenAI Hackathon 2026: Last chance to register
The Economic Times's GenAI Hackathon has pulled in more than 55,000 participants from all over India, who are tackling big challenges in areas like media, finance, healthcare, sustainability, smart cities, education, fintech, and open innovation.
Phase I featured a GenAI-focused MCQ assessment and idea submission; shortlisting was announced on 07 February, followed by prototype submissions.
Who can participate and how?
College students and working professionals may enter solo or in teams of up to four; research-track participants compete as individuals or in pairs.
The hackathon has three phases: online idea submission and qualifying, prototype development/submission, and a final live jury presentation/finale.
It's designed so ideas can actually turn into real solutions.
₹10 'lakh' prize pool, mentorship, job offers
There's a ₹10 lakh prize pool up for grabs. First place wins ₹5 lakh plus job or incubation offers; second gets ₹3 lakh and mentorship; third takes home ₹2 lakh and mentorship too.
Winners also get guidance from industry veterans and direct access to decision-makers who care more about what works than flashy presentations.
Register now to make a difference
This hackathon isn't just about cool tech—it helps test ideas against real business problems like legacy systems or data security.
For young innovators looking to shape how AI is used across Indian industries, it's a rare chance to make an impact early on.