OpenAI Developer Hackathon Kochi — Free In-Person AI Build Day
A free, in-person OpenAI developer hackathon in Kochi on 18 July 2026 for developers, students and AI builders who want to create with OpenAI's APIs and Codex.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (18 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Kochi hosts a free AI build day for people who work with OpenAI's developer tools. It is organised by Vaishakh Suresh and runs as part of OpenAI's official Codex/Developers community programming.
A competition, not a grant. No prize purse is published in the listing — the value shows as varying — so anyone curious about the rewards should keep an eye on the event page, where updates are promised.
A broad audience. Coders, students and AI practitioners are all invited, whatever their level of experience. Entries can come from individuals or from teams, and the organisers place no geographic restriction on who signs up.
The day itself. Everything happens in person in Kochi, India, on 18 July 2026. Participants get the day to shape an idea, build it and present it, with judging and the winner announcement bringing the event to a close.
Free to take part. There is no cost, and sign-up goes through the official Luma event page.
Highlights
- Free, in-person OpenAI developer hackathon in Kochi on 18 July 2026.
- Organised by Vaishakh Suresh as part of OpenAI's official Codex/Developers community programming.
- Open to developers, students and AI practitioners at any skill level; solo entries and teams both accepted.
- Runs through a briefing, a two-hour Codex build session, submission review, top-10 lightning demos and judge Q&A.
- Centrepiece is an overnight solo build sprint aboard a Kochi Metro round trip.
- Prize purse is not yet announced — the listing shows the amount as varying.
Who can apply
Open to everyone working with OpenAI's tools — the listing sets no geographic restriction, so applicants from any location can register.
- Who it suits: developers, students and AI practitioners are all welcome, at any skill level.
- Team size: enter on your own or as part of a team; both are accepted.
- No credentials needed: nothing in the listing calls for DPIIT or MSME registration.
- Attendance: in person in Kochi, India, on 18 July 2026.
- Cost: free to attend, and free to register.
OpenAI Developer Hackathon Kochi — Free In-Person AI Build Day 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 OpenAI Developer Hackathon Kochi — Free In-Person AI Build Day closed on 18 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
A competition prize rather than a grant. No prize purse is published in the listing; the amount is shown as varying, and participants are directed to the event page for updates.
What participants do get from the day:
- A free, in-person build experience in Kochi.
- A briefing to open the session, followed by a two-hour block of building with Codex.
- Submission review, after which the top 10 take part in lightning demos.
- A judge Q&A round and the winner announcements.
- The centrepiece: an overnight solo build sprint aboard a Kochi Metro round trip.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to OpenAI Developer Hackathon Kochi — Free In-Person AI Build Day, 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
What is the OpenAI Developer Hackathon in Kochi?
It is a free, in-person hackathon in Kochi, India, for people who build with OpenAI's developer tools. Vaishakh Suresh organises it as part of OpenAI's official Codex/Developers community programming, and it runs as a competition rather than a grant scheme.
When and where does the event take place?
It is held on 18 July 2026 in Kochi, India, and it is an in-person event only. The listing shows the same date as the application deadline. The day is given over to shaping ideas, building and presenting, with judging and the winner announcement closing the event.
How much prize money is on offer?
The listing does not publish a prize amount — it shows the value as varying, and prize details are still to be announced. Participants are advised to watch the event page for updates.
Who is eligible to apply?
Everyone. The organisers open the event to developers, students and AI practitioners regardless of skill level, and there are no geographic restrictions. Solo entrants and teams are both welcome.
Is there a fee to take part?
No. The hackathon is free to attend, and registration on the official Luma event page is also free.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration?
No. Nothing in the listing requires DPIIT status or MSME registration — the event is open to all, without those credentials.
Does the programme take equity in my project?
No. This is a hackathon competition, not an investment or a funding scheme, and the listing says nothing about taking a stake in participants' work.
Can I take part on my own, or do I need a team?
Either works. Solo participants and teams are both welcome, and one element of the event — the overnight build sprint aboard a Kochi Metro round trip — is specifically a solo format.
What happens during the hackathon?
The programme includes a briefing, a two-hour building session using Codex, a submission review, lightning demos from the top 10, a judge Q&A and the winner announcements. The centrepiece is an in-person overnight solo build sprint aboard a Kochi Metro round trip.
How do I register?
Sign-up happens through the official Luma event page at https://luma.com/7fhasbun. Registration is free.
What is the application deadline for OpenAI Developer Hackathon Kochi — Free In-Person AI Build Day?
The application deadline for OpenAI Developer Hackathon Kochi — Free In-Person AI Build Day is Closed (18 Jul 2026). Deadlines can be revised, so reconfirm on the official source before applying.
How do I apply for OpenAI Developer Hackathon Kochi — Free In-Person AI Build Day?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to OpenAI Developer Hackathon Kochi — Free In-Person AI Build Day
Not sure OpenAI Developer Hackathon Kochi — Free In-Person AI Build Day 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.