BLACKOUT 2026 — THE UNKNOWN AWAITS.

The Challenge Is a Secret. Your Next Move Isn't.

BLACKOUT 2026 is a 12-hour, in-person mystery hackathon hosted by Buildicy in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

This isn't your usual hackathon. The problem statement won't be revealed beforehand. You'll discover the challenge when you arrive, work with your team, make decisions under pressure, and turn an unexpected problem into something real.

No pre-written solutions. No prepared demos for the secret challenge. Just your skills, your creativity, your team, and the clock.

THE EXPERIENCE

01 — THE REVEAL

Show up, meet your fellow builders, understand the rules, and uncover the challenge.

02 — RESEARCH & STRATEGY

Use the initial internet-access window to research, explore resources, validate ideas, and plan your approach.

03 — THE OFFLINE BUILD

When the internet goes off, the real test begins. Build, experiment, code, design, and solve problems using your team's skills and available resources.

04 — THE FINAL SHOWDOWN

Present your solution, demonstrate what you've built, and explain your decisions to the judges.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

Students, developers, designers, freelancers, working professionals, and anyone who loves solving problems by building things.

You don't need to know the challenge in advance. You need to be ready to adapt.

MORE THAN JUST A HACKATHON

  • Compete for cash prizes awarded to winning teams.

  • Every registered participant gets access to a complimentary 30-day AI Tools Accelerator Program.

  • Winners and eligible top performers may unlock internship opportunities.

  • Developers can explore potential freelance opportunities and project collaborations with Buildicy.

  • Top-performing teams may have opportunities to collaborate with Buildicy.

Opportunities are subject to eligibility, performance, and further evaluation.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: BLACKOUT 2026
Date: November 28, 2026
Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Format: In-person, 12-hour mystery hackathon
Organizer: Buildicy
Registration: ₹799 per participant

THE CHALLENGE STAYS CLASSIFIED.

Come prepared to think differently, build under pressure, and discover what you're capable of.

Your next move starts here.

BLACKOUT 2026 × BUILDICY
THE UNKNOWN AWAITS.

Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUBMIT

Build a working solution that addresses the challenge revealed at BLACKOUT 2026.

Every team must submit the following through Devpost before the submission deadline:

  1. Project Title & Summary — Name your project and explain the problem you're solving and your proposed solution.

  2. Working Prototype — Submit a functional prototype, application, or demonstrable proof of concept.

  3. Source Code — Provide a GitHub repository link with the code and relevant project files.

  4. README — Include setup instructions, technologies used, key features, and how your solution works.

  5. Demo Video — Provide a short video demonstrating your solution and explaining its core functionality.

  6. Team Details — Include your team name and all participating team members.

IMPORTANT

  • Your project must address the official challenge revealed at the event.

  • Build your solution during the designated hackathon period.

  • Use the initial research window and offline build phase according to the event rules.

  • Clearly disclose any third-party tools, libraries, APIs, datasets, or pre-existing code used.

  • Your submission must be your team's own work, and you must have permission to use any assets included.

  • Submit before the official deadline. Late submissions may not be judged.

Detailed judging criteria, submission instructions, and deadlines will be announced by the organizers at the event.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$5,000 in prizes
WINNERS
$5,000 in cash
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Mayur P

Mayur P
Cofounder / Buildicy

Prajwal N

Prajwal N
Founder / buildicy

Judging Criteria

  • Problem-Solving & Challenge Alignment
    How effectively does the project address the revealed challenge? Judges will evaluate the relevance of the solution, understanding of the problem, effectiveness of the approach, and completeness of the proposed solution.
  • Problem-Solving & Challenge Alignment
    How effectively does the project address the revealed challenge? Judges will evaluate the relevance of the solution, understanding of the problem, effectiveness of the approach, and completeness of the proposed solution.
  • Technical Execution & Functionality
    How well does the solution work? Judges will assess the functional prototype, implementation quality, technical decisions, reliability, and effective use of technology.
  • Innovation & Creativity
    How original and creative is the idea? Judges will consider fresh thinking, unique approaches, thoughtful design choices, and how the team differentiates its solution from conventional approaches. Copy criterion
  • Feasibility & Real-World Impact
    Could this solution be useful beyond the hackathon? Judges will evaluate its practical value, potential impact, scalability, and feasibility for real-world use.
  • Presentation & Demonstration
    How clearly does the team communicate its solution? Judges will assess the live demonstration, clarity of explanation, understanding of technical decisions, and ability to communicate the project's value.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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