📌About the Event

What The Tech: Hackathon Edition 2026 is a 36-hour, in-person hackathon organised by Founders Fest in Hyderabad. It brings together student developers and innovators to build, validate and pitch technology solutions across areas such as AI/ML, Web3, cybersecurity, IoT and sustainability. Teams compete through submissions and semifinal demos, with top teams advancing to the grand finale for live pitching and prizes.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Mode: Offline / In-person
• Hackathon duration: 36 hours
• Venue: GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
• Finale: Main-stage final showdown in Hyderabad
• Tracks: GenAI & ML, Blockchain & Web3, Cybersecurity, Open Innovation, IoT & Embedded Systems, and Sustainable Development
• Activities: Hackathon, mentorship, workshops, live pitching, investor interactions, tech expo and hiring opportunities.

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📅 Important Dates

• Application deadline: August 1, 2026
• Hackathon: August 6–7, 2026
• Semifinal demos: August 7, 2026
• Finalist pitches & prize announcements: August 8, 2026
• Tech Expo: August 9, 2026.

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Eligibilty:
• Open to currently enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Participants must be 18 years or older at registration.
• Students can participate individually or in teams of 2–5 members.
• Every team member must complete individual registration and profile requirements.
• Projects must be built during the hackathon; pre-built or recycled projects are prohibited.
• Plagiarism, cheating, false registration information or misconduct can lead to disqualification.
• Participants retain ownership of the projects they create.
• Teams submit their projects and participate in semifinal demos on August 7.
• Selected finalists pitch their solutions on the main stage on August 8, followed by judging and prize announcements.

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• ₹2 lakh+ prize pool.
• Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; individual prize amounts were listed as “revealing soon.”
• Expert mentorship and workshops.
• Opportunities to interact with investors and startup founders.
• Live pitching and project showcase opportunities.
• Access to tech expo and hiring/networking opportunities.