HackIn Drive
by UpcomingEngineer
HackIn Drive 2026 · Engineering project competition
Get your Engineering project funded up to ₹50,000
Submit your project. Pitch to a jury. Build it for real.
- Pre-Final & Final-year students across India
- Teams of 2–4
- Software, hardware & core
- Free to apply
What you get
More than a college submission.
Funding
Up to ₹50,000 for components, software, and prototyping.
Visibility
Seen by mentors, judges, companies, and the wider ecosystem.
Mentorship
Expert feedback on your build, your pitch, and your plan.
Career
A funded project strengthens internships and placements.
Eligibility
Who can apply
- Year
- Pre-Final & Final year only
- Team size
- 2–4 students
- Branches
- All, incl. interdisciplinary
- Project type
- Software / Hardware / Core
- Stage
- Prototype, PoC, or clear plan
- Location
- Colleges in India
- Fee
- ₹0
Projects must be original. Copied, purchased, or outsourced work is disqualified.
Scope
Build anything that solves a real problem.
AI & automation
IoT & embedded
Sustainability
Agri & rural tech
Campus tools
Healthcare
Mechanical
Electrical
Civil
If your team can explain how it works, it belongs here.
Process
Four steps.
Step 1
Submit
Team, project summary, budget, and a short video.
Step 2
Get shortlisted
Reviewed on originality, feasibility, and technical depth.
Step 3
Pitch
Present to a jury, online or hybrid.
Step 4
Build further
Support released against milestones.
Application
What to send, and how it is scored.
You send
- Project title
- Problem and solution
- Team, college, branch
- Current project status
- 2–3 minute video
- Budget estimate
- Optional: photos, GitHub, demo
Jury scores
- Problem relevance
- Innovation and originality
- Feasibility in time and budget
- Technical depth
- Impact potential
- Budget clarity
- Presentation and communication
Dates
Important dates
| 01 | Applications open | 15 August 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 02 | Last date to apply | 20 September 2026 |
| 03 | Shortlist announced | 15 October 2026 |
| 04 | Pitch round | 25 October 2026 onwards |
| 05 | Winners announced | 14 November 2026 |
| 06 | Support begins | 14 November 2026 |
FAQ
Questions
Is there any application fee?
No. HackIn Drive is free to apply for.
Do we need a finished project?
No. A working prototype, proof of concept, or strong implementation-stage idea is enough if the execution plan is clear.
Can more than one team from our college apply?
Yes, as long as each team submits an original project.
How is the funding released?
In stages, based on project progress, approved expenses, and programme rules.
Are software-only projects eligible?
Yes. Software, AI, web, app, embedded, and hybrid projects all qualify.
Apply
Your Engineering college project can go further.
Shortlisted teams are contacted with next steps.
Build it for college. Take it further with UpcomingEngineer.