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Questions.
Clear answers.
Confirmed operating facts for eligibility, teams, venue support, judging, rewards, safety and participation.
Eligibility and participation
Who can apply, and what is the minimum age?
Developers, designers, founders, researchers, students, operators and other builders may apply. Participants must be able to complete the application and follow the attendance requirements shared before the physical event. Render credit eligibility separately requires age 16+.
What is the guardian flow for minors?
A minor must not assume that an application alone confirms physical attendance. If selected, they will need to complete the guardian consent and emergency-contact steps Hackyard provides before attendance is confirmed.
Can I apply solo, with a team, or while looking for teammates?
Yes. Apply solo, as a member of a 2–4-person team, or while looking for teammates. A team may have a maximum of four people.
Does every teammate apply?
Yes. Every person submits an individual application. After submitting, teammates connect their applications with one private team code.
What does participant mean?
A participant is one selected individual. A participant may build solo, join a registered team, or arrive looking for teammates.
Selection and capacity
How does selection work?
Hackyard reviews each individual application, the proposed starting point, the skills being brought, and the applicant's readiness to build collaboratively. Applying does not guarantee selection.
When will results and attendance confirmation be sent?
Applications close on 10 October 2026. Selected builders will be contacted directly.
What is the safe event capacity?
Selection will not exceed the safe capacity approved for the physical venue.
Travel, venue and support
Are travel, food, accommodation and local transport covered?
Travel to and from IIT Guwahati is not covered. Entry, build space and internet are free. Food and accommodation will be available at a participant fee.
How do I request accessibility support?
Email [email protected] with the subject 'Build 2026 accessibility'. Share only what the team needs to arrange reasonable support.
What should I bring? What about overnight rest, security and medical support?
Bring a laptop, charger, identification required for check-in, and anything specific to your build that is permitted by the rules. Selected builders will receive the final onsite guide for rest areas, security, medical support and prohibited items before the event.
Will internet and power be available? What is the backup plan?
The physical-event plan includes build space, internet and power access. Selected builders will receive final onsite limits and backup guidance before the event.
Building and judging
Can I use pre-existing work? What must be built onsite?
Pre-existing libraries, tools and project foundations may be used if disclosed. Judging focuses on work created or materially advanced during the official 24-hour build window. See the Rules for disclosure requirements.
Can I use open source, AI, APIs, hardware and datasets?
Yes, when you have the right to use them and clearly disclose important dependencies. Use public, synthetic or authorized data. Do not use stolen credentials, private datasets without permission or prohibited content.
How are projects judged? How are ties and conflicts handled?
The current judging weights are Build 40%, Problem 20%, Ingenuity 20% and Potential 20%. Judges must disclose conflicts and must not score a project where impartiality is compromised.
Rewards, changes and consent
Who receives prizes and credits, and when are they delivered?
Eligibility differs by reward. Hackyard LLM credits are per selected project. Browser Use, XYZ, Render, Maritime, FlutterFlow and ElevenLabs rewards follow the requirements published on the Prizes page.
What happens if the event is cancelled, changed, or I cannot attend?
Do not make non-refundable travel plans until Hackyard confirms selection and attendance details.
Will I be photographed or recorded? Can I opt out?
Hackyard will distinguish application consent from any event photo, video or showcase consent.
How do I report a conduct or safety concern?
Email [email protected] with the subject 'Build 2026 conduct'. For an immediate onsite risk, contact event staff or venue security. Reports will be handled as privately as reasonably possible.