Code for Humanity — Global Online Hackathon on Devpost
A free, global hackathon run on Devpost where individuals and teams build projects in Education, Machine Learning/AI or Web. Submissions close January 15, 2027, with a Certificate of Participation for every entry and five non-cash prizes.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- 15 Jan 2027
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Code for Humanity is a community-run project competition hosted on Devpost, the platform used by organisations around the world to run innovation challenges. It is completely online, so the work can be done from anywhere, and it is free to enter.
This is a hackathon rather than a funding scheme. Entrants build a working technology project and submit it for judging across three tracks: Education, Machine Learning/AI and Web. That means an entry could be a tool that improves learning or access to it, an AI model or AI-powered application, or a web-based product built to be genuinely useful.
The listing carries no cash prize pool — the amount is shown as $0. The value sits elsewhere: a Certificate of Participation for everyone who submits, Devpost Achievements, non-cash prizes in four named categories, and a finished project that can go straight into a portfolio.
The submission window closes on January 15, 2027. Register and submit through the official Devpost page, which also carries the confirmed schedule — the dates shown in some listings appear inconsistent, so it is worth checking there.
Highlights
- Global online hackathon run on Devpost — open to entrants worldwide, including India
- Three build tracks: Education, Machine Learning/AI and Web
- No cash prize pool; every valid submission earns a Certificate of Participation
- Five non-cash prizes across four categories — Best Beginner, Most Innovative, Most Practical and Best Overall
- Submissions close January 15, 2027, and there is no registration fee
- Individuals and teams both welcome, with solo participation allowed
Who can apply
Code for Humanity is deliberately broad about who it lets in.
- Geography: no country restrictions are stated. Indian participants are welcome, as are entrants from anywhere else in the world.
- Who can enter: both individuals and teams. Students, working professionals and hobbyists are all suitable, as long as they can build in software development, AI/ML or web technologies.
- Track fit: the project should sit within one of the three themes — Education, Machine Learning/AI or Web.
- Team size: not specified in the listing, and solo participation is allowed.
No DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or incorporated entity is part of the stated criteria. This is an open global hackathon, not an Indian government scheme, so the usual startup-recognition paperwork does not come into it.
Code for Humanity — Global Online Hackathon 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
Applications for Code for Humanity — Global Online Hackathon on Devpost are open and the current deadline is 15 Jan 2027. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
Code for Humanity does not pay out cash. The prize pool is listed as $0, and everything on offer is non-financial.
- A Certificate of Participation for every valid submission.
- Five non-cash prizes distributed across four named categories.
- Devpost Achievements, earned through taking part on the platform.
- A portfolio-ready project and hands-on hackathon experience you can point to later.
- Recognition inside the Devpost community.
The four award categories are:
- Best Beginner Project — the most impressive first build.
- Most Innovative Project — the boldest, most original idea.
- Most Practical Project — the entry with clear, real-world usefulness.
- Best Overall Project — the standout combination of innovation, technical excellence and meaningful social impact.
Because nothing is invested and nothing is awarded in cash, this is not a route to startup capital. Treat it as a way to build something real, sharpen your skills and get visible.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The listing does not describe multiple screening rounds or an interview stage. Assessment rests on what you submit.
- Entries are judged on creativity, technical execution and potential for social impact.
- Those criteria feed into the four award categories: the strongest first build takes Best Beginner Project, the boldest idea takes Most Innovative Project, the clearest real-world value takes Most Practical Project, and the entry that best combines innovation, technical quality and social impact takes Best Overall Project.
- Five non-cash prizes are distributed across those categories.
- Every submission that qualifies receives a Certificate of Participation.
There is no separate application form to clear before you build — your project submission is the entry.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Code for Humanity — Global Online Hackathon 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.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Code for Humanity offer?
None in cash. The prize pool is listed as $0, so there is no grant, loan or cash award attached to this competition. Winners receive non-cash prizes, and every participant who submits a valid project receives a Certificate of Participation. The practical return is a finished project for your portfolio, hackathon experience and recognition on the Devpost platform.
What is the submission deadline for Code for Humanity?
The registration and submission deadline is January 15, 2027. Register and submit your project through the official Devpost page before that date. The start date shown in some listings looks inconsistent, so check the Devpost page for the confirmed schedule.
Who is eligible to apply, and do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
The hackathon is open to all individuals and teams, with no geographic restrictions stated — students, working professionals and hobbyists from India and anywhere else are welcome. No DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or incorporated company is part of the stated criteria, so you do not need any of that paperwork. What you do need is the ability to build in software development, AI/ML or web technologies within one of the three tracks.
Can I enter on my own, or do I need a team?
Both are fine. Solo participation is allowed, and teams are equally welcome. The listing does not specify a maximum or minimum team size, so if you do form a team, confirm the details on the Devpost page.
What kind of project should I build?
Your project should fit one of three themes. Under Education, build something that improves learning, teaching or access to education. Under Machine Learning/AI, develop an AI-powered application or model that solves a problem. Under Web, create a web-based solution that is accessible and makes a real difference.
How are the entries judged?
Submissions are assessed on creativity, technical execution and potential for social impact. Those criteria map onto the four award categories: the best first build, the most original idea, the entry with the clearest real-world value, and the overall standout. Five non-cash prizes are spread across those categories.
What do participants receive if they do not win a prize?
Everyone who takes part still comes away with something. Every valid submission receives a Certificate of Participation, and participants can also earn Devpost Achievements. You also finish the hackathon with a portfolio-ready project and experience you can point to in future applications or job conversations.
What are the prize categories?
There are four named categories covering five non-cash prizes: Best Beginner Project (the most impressive first build), Most Innovative Project (the boldest and most original idea), Most Practical Project (clear real-world value) and Best Overall Project (exceptional innovation, technical excellence and meaningful social impact). No cash is awarded in any of them.
Does Code for Humanity take equity or charge an entry fee?
No on both counts. There is no registration fee to take part, and nothing in the programme involves handing over a stake or equity in your project. It is a competition with non-cash prizes, not an investment — no money changes hands in either direction.
How do I apply for Code for Humanity?
Register and submit your project through the official Devpost page at https://code-for-humanity.devpost.com/. There is no registration fee. Since this is a build-and-submit competition rather than a pitch process, your project submission itself is the application.
Alternatives to Code for Humanity — Global Online Hackathon on Devpost
Not sure Code for Humanity — Global Online Hackathon on Devpost is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.