ZERO TO ONE AI Hackathon — 36-Hour GenAI Media Sprint in Bengaluru
Pocket FM's 36-hour offline GenAI hackathon in Bengaluru, run with OpenAI, Lightspeed and Databricks — teams of 3–4 build AI storytelling and audio products to win prizes.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
ZERO TO ONE AI Hackathon is a generative-media hackathon hosted by Pocket FM, the Indian audio storytelling company, together with OpenAI, Lightspeed and Databricks, and powered by HackCulture. The organisers describe it as the country's first hackathon built specifically around generative media.
The format is a 36-hour offline build sprint in Bengaluru. It is designed for people who want to work at the meeting point of artificial intelligence and content — building AI-powered storytelling, audio and visual products rather than generic software.
Roughly 150+ shortlisted builders take part. The programme mixes hands-on building with keynote sessions, a dedicated OpenAI session, mentor hours and live demos, and closes with teams pitching their work to an expert jury at a final demo showcase.
Sign-ups go through the official hackathon page on HackCulture. The published material does not include the prize breakdown or a registration deadline.
Highlights
- 36-hour offline generative-media hackathon held in Bengaluru
- Organised by Pocket FM with OpenAI, Lightspeed and Databricks; powered by HackCulture
- Built around AI storytelling, audio and visual experiences
- Teams of 3–4 members only — solo participation is not allowed
- 150+ builders shortlisted, with the final demo judged by an expert jury
- Registration through HackCulture; prize details and deadline are not published
Who can apply
The hackathon welcomes anyone with a genuine interest in building at the intersection of AI and media. The organisers specifically name students, AI engineers, software developers, designers, founders and other builders among those who can apply — no single background or discipline is required.
- Team size: 3 to 4 members per team.
- Solo entries: not accepted. You must be part of a team to participate.
- Profile: both technical and creative participants are welcome, from first-time students to working founders.
The listing does not specify any state-wise restriction, entity type, or DPIIT/MSME registration requirement — the programme is aimed at individual builders and small teams rather than registered companies.
ZERO TO ONE AI Hackathon — 36-Hour GenAI Media Sprint in Bengaluru 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
ZERO TO ONE AI Hackathon — 36-Hour GenAI Media Sprint in Bengaluru accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Participation is prize-based, not a grant or an investment. Winning teams receive prizes and exclusive rewards from the organisers, though the exact prizes and their value have not been published.
The wider benefits of taking part include:
- A 36-hour offline build sprint in Bengaluru, working alongside more than 150 shortlisted builders.
- Keynote sessions and an exclusive session delivered by OpenAI.
- Mentor hours across the partner ecosystem, which includes Lightspeed and Databricks.
- Live demos and a closing showcase where each team presents to an expert jury.
- Direct visibility for AI-media work in storytelling, audio and visual experiences.
Because this is a competition rather than a funding round, no equity or stake in your project is taken in return for taking part.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The published material outlines a short, straightforward route from application to final pitch rather than a multi-stage funding review:
- Registration — teams sign up through the official ZERO TO ONE hackathon page on HackCulture.
- Shortlisting — the organisers review registrations and shortlist the participants who will build at the event, with 150+ builders taking part.
- Build sprint in Bengaluru — the selected teams assemble for a 36-hour offline sprint, supported by keynote sessions, an exclusive OpenAI session, mentor hours and live demos.
- Final demo showcase — each team presents its solution in front of an expert jury, which picks the winners.
The organisers have not published the judging criteria, scoring weights or the exact schedule of the demo round.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ZERO TO ONE AI Hackathon — 36-Hour GenAI Media Sprint in Bengaluru, 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 exactly is the ZERO TO ONE AI Hackathon?
It is a 36-hour offline hackathon built around generative media, hosted by Pocket FM with OpenAI, Lightspeed and Databricks as partners and HackCulture powering the event. The organisers describe it as India's first Generative Media Hackathon, and the focus is on AI-powered storytelling, audio and visual experiences.
How much funding or prize money do winners get?
The organisers state that winners receive prizes and exclusive rewards, but the raw programme information does not list the prize amounts, the number of winning teams or the category breakdown. Anyone weighing up participation should treat the published prize details as unconfirmed until the official hackathon page is updated.
Who is eligible to take part?
The hackathon is open to students, AI engineers, software developers, designers, founders and builders. There is no requirement to be part of a registered company, and participants from varied technical and creative backgrounds are explicitly welcome.
Can I apply on my own, or do I need a team?
You need a team. Teams must have 3 to 4 members, and solo participation is not permitted, so individual applicants should look to join or form a team before registering.
What kind of product am I expected to build?
The brief centres on generative media — AI-powered storytelling, audio and visual experiences. The event is positioned around solving real-world challenges where artificial intelligence meets content creation, media and audio.
When and where does the hackathon take place?
It is an offline event held in Bengaluru and runs as a continuous 36-hour build sprint. The published information does not include the specific dates or venue, so check the official HackCulture page for the schedule.
What is the application deadline?
No registration deadline is given in the programme information. Registration is handled through the official hackathon page on HackCulture, and the deadline there is the one to watch.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. The listing sets out no DPIIT or MSME requirement, and there is no stated restriction on entity type. This is a builder-focused hackathon rather than a government or investor funding scheme.
Does the hackathon take equity in my project or idea?
No. It is a prize-based competition, so there is no equity, stake or repayment involved — teams compete for prizes and rewards, and retain their own work.
How do I apply for the ZERO TO ONE AI Hackathon?
Registration is open through the official hackathon page at https://hackculture.io/hackathons/zero-to-one. You will need to register as a team of 3 to 4 members.
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