Accenture Innovation Challenge- 2026
By Accenture
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Quick Answer
A multi-stage AI innovation challenge for Indian pre-final/final year students — prizes worth INR 6,75,000 up for grabs.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹6.75 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Accenture
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 16 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Accenture. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
Accenture Innovation Challenge 2026: Reinvent with AI
The world is entering a new era of reinvention — where AI is not just transforming how businesses operate but redefining how value is created. According to Accenture's latest research, organisations that successfully combine AI, data, and human ingenuity are accelerating innovation, unlocking new growth opportunities, and building resilience for the future.
Welcome to the Accenture Innovation Challenge 2026. This is your opportunity to become a change maker by harnessing the power of AI to solve real business challenges and create meaningful impact at scale.
Who Should Apply Open to pre-final and final year students from all streams of B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, MSc, MCA, and Integrated Dual Degree Programs (BE+ME, BTech+MTech, BE/BTech+M.Sc) from eligible campuses. Participants may register individually or in teams of up to 3 members. Cross-specialisation teams are permitted, provided all members meet the eligibility criteria. Each participant can be a part of only one team throughout the competition.
Format & Timeline The Accenture Innovation Challenge 2026 is a multi-stage journey designed to help you transform bold ideas into impactful, AI-powered solutions that address real-world business challenges.
- Round 1: Solution Framework (Strategic Approach) — Submit a 2–3 slide presentation (PDF/PPT) outlining your proposed solution using a prescribed template, along with a 2–3 minute video (MP4/MOV) explaining the problem, your approach, and the impact your solution could create.
- Round 2: Prototype Development (Detailed Submission) — Shortlisted teams from Round 1 will be invited to develop a working prototype leveraging AI. Submissions must include a working prototype, a README document detailing solution approach and architecture, a prototype demonstration video, and a public GitHub repository with source code.
- Round 3: Solution Discussion with AI and Mentorship — The top 10 teams shortlisted for the Grand Finale will be invited to a live solution discussion facilitated through the AI platform. Teams will also gain access to exclusive mentorship from Accenture experts and industry experts to refine their solution and prepare for the Grand Finale.
- Grand Finale — Finalist teams will earn a place at the offline/in-person Grand Finale in Bengaluru, where they will showcase a production-ready, scalable version of their solution through a 10-minute pitch followed by a 5-minute Q&A with the jury.
Prizes
- Winners: Prizes worth INR 3,00,000
- 1st Runner-Up: Prizes worth INR 2,25,000
- 2nd Runner-Up: Prizes worth INR 1,50,000
- Remaining finalist teams: Exclusive Accenture merchandise
- Top 10 teams: Certificate of participation; winners receive certificates of achievement
Eligibility Open to pre-final and final year students from all streams of B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, MSc, MCA, and Integrated Dual Degree Programs from eligible campuses. Teams of 1–3 members. Cross-specialisation teams allowed. Each participant can be part of only one team.
About the Organiser Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud, and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialised skills across more than 40 industries, Accenture delivers strategy, consulting, technology, and operations services. The Accenture Innovation Challenge is one of India's most prestigious student innovation competitions, attracting thousands of participants from top engineering and science campuses each year.
How to Apply Registration closes on August 16, 2026. Apply via the official Unstop page linked above.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
About Accenture Accenture is a global professional services and technology consulting firm with deep roots in enterprise transformation. In India, beyond its core consulting and outsourcing work, Accenture runs one of the country's most prominent corporate open-innovation…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹6.75 Lakhs
What You Get
The Accenture Innovation Challenge 2026 is a multi-stage student competition that awards prizes to the top three teams: ₹3,00,000 for the winners, ₹2,25,000 for the 1st runner-up, and ₹1,50,000 for the 2nd runner-up. Remaining finalist teams receive exclusive Accenture merchandise, and the top 10 teams get certificates (winners receive certificates of achievement). Beyond prize money, shortlisted teams benefit from live solution discussions on an AI platform, exclusive mentorship from Accenture and industry experts in Round 3, and the top 10 teams get to showcase a production-ready solution at an in-person Grand Finale in Bengaluru through a 10-minute pitch followed by 5-minute Q&A with the jury.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
