StudioK AI Hackathon.
A 48-hour AI hackathon for students and alumni. Build, pitch, and launch your AI startup idea.
About the AI Hackathon Sprint
Your Launchpad to Building
The StudioK AI Hackathon Sprint is a fast-paced program designed to identify and support high-potential founders working on AI-enabled ideas and prototypes. The journey takes selected teams from raw concepts to well-defined and validated venture directions, supported by mentors, experts and partner networks.
This is more than a competition — it's your ticket to India's first elite HackHouse.
Who Can Apply
Is this for you?
We're looking for ambitious talent ready to build the next generation of AI-powered companies.
Student Founders
Teams with at least one student founder (student or alumni). Two-founder teams preferred, individual founders welcome.
AI-Enabled Solutions
Working on AI-enabled solutions across sectors including Healthcare, Robotics, Climate Tech, Mobility, Cybersecurity, Logistics, DeepTech, GenAI, Enterprise SaaS, Education and more.
Any Stage Welcome
Stage can be idea, prototype or early build. We're looking for strong AI potential and clear problem relevance.
Program Journey and Timeline
Your Path to Success
From application to showcase, here's how the hackathon unfolds.
Phase 1
Call for Applications
Applications open to the student + alumni community. Shortlisting based on idea clarity, AI depth and founder potential.
Phase 2
Virtual Ideathon Pitch Day
Shortlisted teams present 3-5 min pitches + jury Q&A. Top 10 teams selected for the Hackathon Sprint.
Phase 3
Virtual Hackathon Sprint
Structured refinement sessions with mentors. One-on-one mentor sessions throughout the sprint.
Phase 4
Physical Finale & Showcase
Final presentations in front of jury, ecosystem partners, investors & mentors. Networking & partnership opportunities in Bangalore.
Prize Pool
Win Big
2nd Prize
₹50,000
1st Prize
₹1,00,000
3rd Prize
₹25,000
*Prize money is subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and other applicable deductions as per Indian income tax laws. Winners will receive the net amount after statutory deductions.
Your Potential Ticket to our HackHouse
Beyond the Hackathon
If we like your grit and resilience, you may receive an invitation to join:
StudioK – Venture Studio Residency
12-Month Program
Full-time builder program designed for deep focus and maximum support.
HackHouse
Stay + workspace + food + mentors all included in one place.
Global Mentors
Mentors from India & Silicon Valley to guide your journey.
Monthly Stipend
Rs 25,000–30,000 monthly stipend to support your building journey.
Investment Opportunity
Up to $500,000 USD investment opportunity for promising startups.
A proven path from Your vision + HackHouse Resources → prototype → company → additional funding from Silicon Valley
What We Look For
Selection Criteria
Strong AI / Technical Depth
Your solution must meaningfully leverage AI, demonstrating deep technical understanding and innovation.
Clear Problem Statement
A well-defined problem with real impact potential. We value clarity, market understanding, and genuine need.
Complementary Founding Team
Strong team dynamics with complementary skills. Two-founder teams are preferred for balanced execution.
Commitment & Coachability
Willingness to learn, adapt, and execute with intensity. We value grit and the ability to take feedback.
Venture-Fundable Potential
Potential to scale into a company that can attract VC investment and achieve significant growth.
Collaborate with Us
Partner With StudioK
We invite universities, E-Cells, research labs and innovation bodies to partner with us.
Outreach & Applicant Engagement
Help spread the word and connect us with promising student founders.
Jury Participation
Join our panel of experts to evaluate and mentor teams.
Event Support for Final Showcase
Partner with us for the physical finale event in Bangalore.
Joint Branding & PR Visibility
Co-branding opportunities and media coverage.
Important Dates
Mark Your Calendar
Applications Open
17th Dec 2025 - 15th Jan 2026
Applications Open
17th Dec 2025 - 15th Jan 2026
Ideathon Pitch Day
17th January 2026
Ideathon Pitch Day
17th January 2026
Hackathon Sprint
24th, 25th, 31st Jan & 1st Feb 2026
Hackathon Sprint
24th, 25th, 31st Jan & 1st Feb 2026
Final Showcase
7th February 2026
Final Showcase
7th February 2026
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Teams with at least one student or alumni founder can apply. Two-founder teams are preferred. You can be at idea, prototype, or early build stage, as long as the idea has strong AI potential and clear problem relevance.
Yes. Your solution must meaningfully leverage AI, not just as an add-on. We are open to all domains: healthcare, robotics, climate, enterprise, education, cybersecurity, mobility, deeptech and others.
Not mandatory. You can apply with just a concept, but clarity, technical depth and potential impact matter. Teams with prototypes or early builds may have an advantage during evaluations.
After virtual pitches, the top ten teams will be selected for the Virtual Hackathon Sprint. During the sprint, you'll refine your business model, GTM approach, technology feasibility and prototype direction through mentor-led sessions and 1:1 feedback.
The final showcase will be held physically in Bangalore with jury evaluation, networking, investors, mentors and partners attending.
Mentorship from domain and technical experts, structured refinement workshops, feedback sessions, access to advisors, and visibility in front of ecosystem partners. No relocation is required during the virtual sprint.
Top teams may receive an invitation to join the StudioK Venture Studio, a 12-month full-time program in Bangalore with accommodation, working space, mentors, founder support and a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000 – Rs 30,000 and investment opportunity up to USD 500,000 depending on progress.
Yes. Selected teams must relocate to Bangalore for the 12-month residency, as in-person collaboration and execution are critical for rapid venture building.
Yes. All intellectual property belongs to the founding team. StudioK supports, guides and invests but does not own ideas.
No. Participation in the Hackathon is completely free. But due to the volume of applications, we only select top tier founders with grit and fast execution ability.
Yes. Prize money is subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and other applicable deductions as per Indian income tax laws. Winners will receive the net amount after statutory deductions.
Solo founders can apply, but forming a strong two-founder team is recommended and may be encouraged during early phases.
Have more questions? Email us at hello@studiok.dev
Ready to Build Your AI Startup?
Applications for this cohort are now closed. Follow us for updates on the next hackathon.