HACKPUNE · PUNE, INDIA · 2026

Build real AI solutions for real companies.

Terns' flagship event. India's premier 24-hour AI hackathon. Pick a real challenge from a leading company. Build a working prototype. Pitch it. Win.

Apply Now Join Discord

24h

Non-stop hacking

300+

Builders

Challenges

Pune

India

WHAT TO EXPECT

No fluff. No theory. Just shipping.

24H Hacking Nonstop

Code from kickoff to sunrise. Fuel up on coffee, ambition, and the energy of 300 builders under one roof.

Real Company Challenges

Six or more challenges from companies actually building with AI. Pick the one that excites you most.

Expert Mentorship

Direct access to founders, engineers, and product leaders from challenge partners throughout the event.

Demo & Win

Pitch your prototype on the main stage. Judges pick winners per challenge. Prizes, credits, interviews.

Everything Covered

Food, drinks, snacks, workspace. Just bring your laptop and your best ideas.

CHALLENGES

Real problems. Real companies.

Challenge tracks will be announced soon. We're in conversations with leading companies across AI, fintech, healthtech, and logistics.

Challenge Partner TBA

Challenges announced soon — sign up for updates.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

You don't need to be a developer.

Engineers & Developers

Frontend, backend, full-stack, ML engineers — the core builders who turn ideas into prototypes.

Designers & Product Thinkers

UX designers, product managers, researchers — challenges need people who understand users.

Founders & Builders

Early-stage founders and indie hackers looking for validation, co-founders, and real-world problems.

Students & Fresh Grads

Pune's engineering colleges produce world-class talent. HackPune is your stage.

TIMELINE

Applications open soon.

Milestone-driven timeline. Exact dates TBA — sign up for updates.

Phase 1Upcoming

Applications Open

Registration opens — limited spots

Phase 2Upcoming

Applications Close

Deadline TBA

Phase 3Upcoming

Acceptance Notifications

Within 2 weeks of close

Phase 4Upcoming

Team Matching

Skills + preferences based matching

Phase 5Upcoming

HackPune Event

24h hackathon — Pune, 2026

Phase 6Upcoming

Winners & Celebration

Final pitches, awards, networking

TECH PARTNERS IN CONVERSATION

Building with the best tools.

We're exploring partnerships with leading AI platforms. Announcements coming soon — nothing is confirmed yet.

Cursor

OpenAI

Lovable

Manus

and more

View partner info hub

FAQ

Quick answers.

What is HackPune?+

HackPune is Terns' flagship 24-hour AI hackathon in Pune, India. Participants work on real challenges from leading companies and pitch working prototypes to judges.

What is Terns?+

Terns is a global hackathon ecosystem — a platform and community for builders, founders, hackers, and creators worldwide. HackPune is our flagship event in Pune, India.

Do I need to be a developer?+

No. We need engineers, designers, product managers, and strategic thinkers. Every team benefits from diverse skill sets.

Is it free to participate?+

Participation details including any fees will be announced with applications. Stay tuned for updates.

Can I apply as a team?+

Yes. You can apply solo or with a team of up to 4–6 people. We also help with team matching based on skills.