📌About the Event

The Cline AI Builders Hackathon 2026 is a hands-on AI and software development hackathon organised by the Programming Club, IIT Kanpur, in partnership with Cline. The event gives student developers an opportunity to build innovative software projects while experimenting with AI-powered development tools. Participants can compete individually or in teams and showcase their building, problem-solving, and development skills. The hackathon is designed for both beginners and experienced programmers, with more than ₹1 lakh in prizes for the top projects.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Organised by: Programming Club, IIT Kanpur, in partnership with Cline
• Mode of Conduct: Offline
• Venue: Lecture Hall 7, IIT Kanpur
• Hackathon Date: October 4, 2026
• Timing: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Team Size: 1–4 students
• Focus Area: AI-assisted software development and innovative technology projects

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📅 Important Dates

• Idea Submission Deadline: October 2, 2026
• Hackathon Date: October 4, 2026
• Hackathon Timing: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Eligibilty:
• The announced team size is 1–4 students.
• The Programming Club describes the event as suitable for people ranging from those beginning their software-development journey to experienced programmers.
• Participants must submit their hackathon idea by October 2, 2026, EOD.
• Teams can consist of 1 to 4 students.
• The main hackathon takes place offline at IIT Kanpur on October 4.
• Participants are expected to develop innovative projects and experiment with AI-powered development tooling during the event.

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• 1st Prize: ₹50,000
• 2nd Prize: ₹35,000
• 3rd Prize: ₹20,000
• Top-three cash prizes: ₹1,05,000 in total
• Social Media Prizes: Additional prizes worth ₹15,000
• ClinePass: Every shortlisted participant will receive a ClinePass to support their projects during the hackathon and beyond.