HackIn Drive
by UpcomingEngineer

HackIn Drive 2026 · For companies and partners

Fund student innovation. Build early access to India’s next engineers.

Back final-year engineering projects with funding, components, mentorship, or a challenge of your own.

Become a partner Download proposal
  • Sponsors
  • Technology partners
  • Component providers
  • Mentors
  • Hiring teams
Models

Pick how you want to take part.

Funding sponsor

Sponsor the grant pool

Fund selected student projects up to ₹50,000. Fits CSR and innovation teams.

Component partner

Provide parts, tools, or software

Hardware, prototyping tools, cloud credits, APIs, licences, or fabrication support.

Challenge partner

Set a problem statement

Define a track around your industry problem. Students build against it.

Mentor / Jury

Contribute expertise

Nominate engineers to mentor teams, judge pitches, or run workshops.

Hiring partner

Meet builders early

Access standout teams and real portfolios for internships and entry-level hiring.

Mix and match

Combine models

Fund a grant and run a track. Tell us what you want to contribute.

Why

Not just a logo on a banner.

Brand visibility

Reach students, colleges, mentors, and technical communities.

Early talent access

Judge students on prototypes and execution, not resumes.

Product adoption

Put your tools, components, and APIs into student builds.

Innovation sourcing

Fresh prototypes and use-cases from diverse student teams.

CSR and ESG

Skill development, employability, and education-linked impact.

Employer branding

Show up as a company that backs builders, not just recruiters.

You get

What partners receive

  • Logo across campaign assets and this page
  • Mention in launch and winner announcements
  • Access to shortlisted project showcases
  • Run a workshop or mentor session
  • Create a dedicated challenge track
  • Priority access to selected student talent
  • Co-branded case studies, where approved

Exact package depends on the model you choose.

Fit

Built for companies like these.

Technology & SaaS Electronics & hardware Manufacturing CSR foundations Product companies Cloud, dev tools & APIs Mobility & energy Agriculture Industrial automation
Flow

How it runs.

Step 1

Submit

Students submit final-year projects.

Step 2

Screen

Experts shortlist on merit.

Step 3

Pitch

Top teams pitch to a jury.

Step 4

Support

Selected teams receive funding or partner-backed support.

Step 5

Track

Projects showcased and connected to hiring.

Partner

Help student projects become real.

Sponsor grants, supply components, set a challenge, mentor a team, or hire early.

Become a partner See the models

For partnerships, sponsorships, and component collaborations, contact the UpcomingEngineer team at Add partnerships email

Support student innovation. Build future talent.

Enquiry

Become a partner

Tell us your company, your role, and what you would like to contribute. We will come back with a package.

Become a partner