Frequently asked questions
Registering
Does filling out the registration form confirm my place?
No. It is an expression of interest. Updates will be shared by email and WhatsApp.
Do I need to be a developer?
No. Developers, designers, product thinkers, students and independent builders can apply. You should be able to frame the problem and build the prototype yourself.
Can I participate alone or as a team?
You can participate solo or in a team of two. Both teammates must register separately using their own email addresses. Each teammate must enter the other person's registered email in the Project Submission form. Participants must be 18 or older.
Scope of the build
What exactly should I build?
Choose one specific problem within a public-service website or digital journey, or rethink the entire experience, and build a better solution.
Is a Figma design enough?
No. Designs can be part of the submission, but the main journey should be a working prototype.
Does every feature need to work?
Every feature you demo must work. If you present it on stage, show it working; do not rely on an explanation.
Tools and rules
Is Codex mandatory?
Yes, for the prototype submitted to this hackathon. Codex should be meaningfully involved in the build. You may use other development tools and libraries, but your submission should explain how Codex contributed. If a public-service body chooses to develop the solution further, there are no restrictions on the technology used for that later implementation. The builder and the public-service body can decide what best fits the project. If your build is selected among the 10 finalists, OpenAI will provide support.
Can I use other tools or libraries?
Yes, provided you have the right to use them and disclose them in your submission.
Can I use an existing government website as a starting point?
You can study it to understand the problem. You cannot copy its code, build on its infrastructure or reverse-engineer its private systems. Your prototype should be an independent build.
Can I connect to a live government system?
No, unless the organizers provide a specifically approved public sandbox. Use mock data and simulated integrations.
Can I use real user data?
No. Use fictional or synthetic data. Never enter real IDs, passwords, OTPs, payment details or sensitive personal information.
Can I use official logos?
Do not use a logo in a way that makes the prototype appear official or endorsed. Clearly label the build as an independent hackathon prototype.
Can I submit something I already built?
The submission should be made for this hackathon. You may use normal starter templates or open-source components if their licences allow it, but disclose them clearly.
Submitting and judging
When is the submission deadline?
The Project Submission form opens at 8:00 PM IST on August 28, 2026 and closes at 10:00 PM IST on August 29, 2026, a 26-hour window. The form closes then with no grace period.
What should the demo video show?
Keep the video to two minutes maximum. Use minute one to demo the project as a citizen. Use minute two to explain how you built it and why you made those choices. Loom, OBS or another public video link is fine, and both teammates may present.
What else does the submission form require?
Provide a live public browser link, a project summary under 250 words and your partner's registered email if you have one. If the project requires login, provide mock consumer credentials. Never submit a real password or sensitive personal data.
Do both teammates submit the Project Submission form?
No. Both teammates must have registered, but one teammate submits once for the whole team and enters the other teammate's registered email. A solo participant leaves the partner field blank.
Can I replace a Project Submission?
Yes. Submit the form again before it closes. The latest response for the team is used.
Will visual design alone win?
Good design matters, but it is not enough. Judges will also look at whether the problem is real, the core journey works and the solution is practical.
The event
Will the winning builds be adopted by the government?
There is no promise of adoption. The goal is to surface strong ideas and start a constructive conversation about better public digital experiences.
Is this an official government hackathon?
No. It is an independent builder initiative presented by Varun Mayya in partnership with OpenAI. Government or public-service representatives may be invited, but their participation or endorsement should not be assumed.
What happens if I am selected as a finalist?
You will be asked to prepare a short demo and take part in a filmed finale in Bengaluru on September 12. It is recorded, not live-streamed, and winners are announced the same day. The team will contact you about technical checks, rehearsal, travel, accommodation and filming consent.
When is the finale?
The finale is planned for September 12, 2026 in Bengaluru. Exact timing, venue and preparation details will be shared directly with selected builders.
Your data and rights
Who can see my registration information?
Registration and submission data will be managed by Varun Mayya’s team. The OpenAI team will not have access to this data. The final privacy notice should explain who can access it, why it is collected and when it will be deleted.
Who owns my build?
You should only submit work you own or have permission to use. You retain full rights to the build.
Where will updates be shared?
Through the email address and WhatsApp number used during registration. Important dates and rule changes should also appear on the official website.