The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has announced cash prizes worth Rs. 7.195 million for 49 winning student projects at the Honhaar Punjab Innovation and Technology (PINTECH) Expo 2026. The awards will be distributed across nine categories to recognize students who demonstrate creativity, innovation, research skills and entrepreneurial potential.
According to the announced prize structure, nine projects will receive the top prize of Rs. 500,000 each. The remaining 40 projects will receive runner-up awards ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 100,000.
The prize distribution is as follows:
| Award category | Prize per project | Number of projects |
|---|---|---|
| First Prize | Rs. 500,000 | 9 |
| First Runner-up | Rs. 100,000 | 13 |
| Second Runner-up | Rs. 75,000 | 9 |
| Third Runner-up | Rs. 50,000 | 9 |
| Fourth Runner-up | Rs. 30,000 | 9 |
| Total | Rs. 7,195,000 | 49 |
The highest prize allocation amounts to Rs. 4.5 million for the nine first-prize winners. Another Rs. 2.695 million will be distributed among the runner-up projects.
The PINTECH Expo 2026 aims to provide students with a platform to present innovative ideas and technology-based solutions. Through this initiative, PHEC seeks to encourage research, practical problem-solving and entrepreneurship in Punjab’s higher education sector.
The announcement confirms the prize amounts and number of winning projects; further details about the winning entries and prize distribution arrangements have not been specified
