Backblaze Generative Media Hackathon — ₹9.2L Prize Pool on Devpost
A global online hackathon from Backblaze where developers build generative media apps on Backblaze B2 and Genblaze, with a $10,000 (about ₹9,20,000) prize pool. Free to enter, submissions close 3 August 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹9.2L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (3 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Backblaze, a cloud storage company, hosts this hackathon as a global online build sprint for anyone who wants to create with generative media. The task is to design and ship an application that puts two of the company's tools to work together: Backblaze B2 for storing and serving media, and the Genblaze platform for workflows that generate it.
The event runs entirely on Devpost, so every part of it happens remotely. The build window opened on 22 June 2026 and shuts on 3 August 2026. Teams can work from wherever they like and hand in a project as soon as it is ready, provided it arrives before the cut-off. Nothing is charged to take part.
At stake is a $10,000 prize pool, which is roughly ₹9,20,000, with the program's headline figure listed as up to ₹9.2L. How that money is divided between the winning places has not been published.
Entry is open worldwide and Indian developers are explicitly welcome. The hackathon suits people who are already at home with generative AI, media processing, APIs for cloud storage, or creative coding — and it is a practical way to build a portfolio project on real infrastructure at no cost.
Highlights
- Global online hackathon run by Backblaze and hosted on Devpost — free to enter.
- Total prize pool of $10,000, roughly ₹9,20,000, with support listed as up to ₹9.2L.
- Build generative media applications that use Backblaze B2 storage and the Genblaze platform.
- Build window runs from 22 June 2026 to the submission deadline of 3 August 2026.
- Open to individuals and teams worldwide, with Indian developers explicitly welcome.
- Entries judged on creativity, technical implementation, use of Backblaze B2, and overall impact.
Who can apply
The hackathon is open to individuals and to teams, from anywhere in the world. No country, age, or affiliation barriers are listed, and Indian developers are explicitly welcome to compete.
It is a good fit for people with existing experience in generative AI, media processing, cloud storage APIs, or creative coding, although no specific background is stated as mandatory.
Team size is not specified, so the program does not lay down a minimum or maximum number of members.
No DPIIT recognition and no MSME registration is listed as a requirement — these do not form part of the entry criteria, and there is no stated need to be an incorporated company to take part.
Backblaze Generative Media Hackathon — ₹9.2L Prize Pool on Devpost is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Backblaze Generative Media Hackathon — ₹9.2L Prize Pool on Devpost closed on 3 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
A total prize pool of $10,000 — about ₹9,20,000 — goes to the strongest entries, with the program listing support of up to ₹9.2L. The organisers have not detailed how that sum is split across ranks, so the exact payout per winner is not published.
Because this is a competition rather than an investment scheme, the money comes as prize awards, not equity — winners are not giving up a stake in what they build in order to receive it, and there is no registration fee to enter.
Entrants also get to build on two real tools: Backblaze B2 for cloud storage and Genblaze for generative media workflows, which they use to create a working application for the judges.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Everything runs through Devpost, the platform hosting the hackathon.
- Register and build — entrants sign up and develop a generative media application during the window that opened on 22 June 2026.
- Submit before the deadline — projects must be handed in by 3 August 2026.
- Judging — entries are assessed on four criteria: creativity, technical implementation, how well Backblaze B2 is used, and overall impact.
- Prizes — the winners share the $10,000 prize pool.
No further detail has been published on the number of judging rounds or on when results are announced.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Backblaze Generative Media Hackathon — ₹9.2L Prize Pool on Devpost, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Backblaze Generative Media Hackathon — ₹9.2L Prize Pool on Devpost is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹9.2L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Backblaze Generative Media Hackathon?
It is a global, online hackathon run by Backblaze, a cloud storage company. Participants build applications for generative media that combine Backblaze B2 storage with the Genblaze platform. The competition is hosted on Devpost and runs from 22 June 2026 until submissions close on 3 August 2026.
How much can I win in this hackathon?
The total prize pool is $10,000, which comes to roughly ₹9,20,000, and the program lists support of up to ₹9.2L. The organisers have not published how the pool is divided between the winning ranks, so the exact amount for each place is not specified.
What is the submission deadline?
Projects must be submitted by 3 August 2026. The build window opened on 22 June 2026, so participants have that whole period to work on their entry and can submit as soon as it is ready.
Who is eligible to enter?
The hackathon is open to individuals and to teams anywhere in the world, with no geographic restrictions, and Indian participants are explicitly welcome. No age or affiliation limits are listed, and no particular professional background is mandatory — though experience with generative AI, media processing, cloud storage APIs, or creative coding is useful.
Is there a fee to enter the hackathon?
No. There is no registration fee, so participants can register and submit their project on Devpost at no cost.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to participate?
No. DPIIT recognition and MSME registration are not listed as entry criteria for this hackathon. It is open to all individuals and teams globally, so there is no stated need to be a registered or incorporated entity.
What kind of project should I build?
The theme is generative media, including areas such as music or art generation, voice skills, AI-driven content creation, and multimedia applications. Participants are encouraged to explore original use cases that bring Backblaze B2 together with generative AI models, and the application must make use of Backblaze B2.
How will my project be judged?
Submissions are assessed on four criteria: creativity, technical implementation, how well Backblaze B2 is used, and overall impact. There are no published details on the number of judging rounds or on when results will be announced.
Does the hackathon take equity or a stake in my project?
No. This is a competition with a prize pool rather than an investment program, so the awards are prizes and winners do not give up any equity or ownership stake in what they build.
How and where do I apply?
Registration and project submission both happen on the official Devpost page at https://backblaze-generative-media.devpost.com/. There is no fee to register, and entries must be submitted before the 3 August 2026 deadline.
How do I apply for Backblaze Generative Media Hackathon — ₹9.2L Prize Pool on Devpost?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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