Google, in collaboration with the MeitY Startup Hub and Startup India, has officially launched the Gen AI Exchange Hackathon, a three month long innovation marathon that aims to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real world business and societal challenges.
This unique event, running from August to October 2024, is set to be a landmark initiative in the Indian tech landscape, offering participants a platform to innovate, learn, and showcase their AI-driven solutions.
Empowering India’s Developer Ecosystem
The Gen AI Exchange Hackathon is designed to unlock the collective potential of over 13 million developers across India.
With a focus on using AI to create scalable business solutions, the hackathon brings together a diverse group of participants, including working professionals, student developers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
This initiative is supported by some of India’s largest enterprises, leading venture capitalists, think tanks, and ecosystem partners, all united by the goal of advancing AI innovation in the country.
A Unique Opportunity for AI Enthusiasts
Hackathon participants will have the opportunity to solve pressing business challenges faced by CEOs and industry leaders in India using cutting-edge generative AI technologies, such as Google Cloud and Gemini.
The hackathon also provides a platform for participants to engage with top investors, showcase their technical expertise, and earn Google Cloud Skill Badges, digital credentials that recognize their AI and cloud computing skills.
Furthermore, the top 10 projects will be showcased on October 18, 2024, at an exclusive in-person event in Delhi NCR, attended by senior industry leaders, venture capitalists, and government officials.
Incentives and Rewards
The Gen AI Exchange Hackathon offers a variety of incentives, including:
- Cash Prizes: A total prize pool of $40,000 is up for grabs.
- Investment Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to connect with leading VCs for potential investment in their projects.
- Internships: Select participants may secure internships with participating partners.
- Mentorship: Access to one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders, Google AI experts, and engineers.
- Showcase Event: An opportunity to present their projects to a high-profile audience.
Hackathon Timeline
Phase 1: Registration & Qualification Submission (Aug 12 – Sep 25, 2024)
Teams will form and select from over 10 problem statements, with submissions beginning on September 13.
Participants can also attend city roadshows across six cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune, where they will have the opportunity to meet Gabe Monroy, VP of Developer Experience at Google.
Phase 2: Prototype Development & Mentorship (Sept 30 – Oct 3, 2024)
The top five teams from each problem statement will receive one-on-one mentorship from industry experts, Google engineers, and venture capitalists.
Phase 3: Final Submission & Pitching (Oct 7 – 10, 2024)
Final Submission and Pitching. Teams will submit their final prototypes and pitch their solutions to an esteemed jury.
Showcase Day (Oct 18, 2024)
The hackathon will culminate on October 18, 2024, with a showcase event in Delhi NCR, where the top 10 projects will be presented to industry leaders, investors, and government officials.
Who Can Participate?
The hackathon is open to all individuals aged 18 and above in India, with teams ranging from 1 to 4 members.
It invites participation from a wide array of AI enthusiasts, including working professionals, student developers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, who are eager to tackle real-world challenges and make a significant impact.
Judging Criteria
Projects will be evaluated based on their technicality, originality, practicality, aesthetics, and “wow factor.”
The hackathon emphasizes innovative, functional, and user-friendly solutions that address real-world challenges.
Join the Event
As India continues to grow as a global tech hub, the Gen AI Exchange Hackathon represents a unique opportunity for developers to shape the future of AI-driven solutions in the country.
Interested participants can register now through the official hackathon portal.
