Senior track · Classes 9–10

AI Startup Challenge

Build a working AI prototype that solves a real problem. Submit your project with a short pitch explaining your startup idea and how it works.

Teams of 2–3 Closes 10 October 2026 3 winning teams Winners featured on this site
A boy presents an AI startup with a microphone and a laptop on a lectern

What you'll make

An AI startup idea you can build.

Build your solution, explain the AI behind it, and submit your project with a short pitch.

An original idea

Something that solves a real problem for real people.

The AI behind it

Know which AI model powers your startup — and why you chose it.

A working prototype

Build the AI solution and show how it works. Include a short pitch explaining its purpose.

Ideas the size we mean

Two examples to get you thinking — yours should be your own.

An AI study buddy that plans your revision for youExample idea
An AI fabric-scrap designer that helps tailors turn leftover cloth into products they can sellExample idea
Your idea goes here — what problem will you solve?Yours

How it works

Two phases. Online, then in person in Pune.

Round 1 is submission only. We review the submitted projects and select 3 senior teams for the in-person final in Pune.

Phase 1 Online

Build and submit your project

Build your working AI project as a team of 2–3, then submit it with a short pitch through one entry form — from home or school. Each school can enter up to 2 teams in the Senior track.

Closes: 10 October 2026

Phase 2 In person · Pune

Demonstrate your project in Pune

3 senior teams are invited to a venue in Pune to compete with the other shortlisted schools — demonstrate your AI project, present your startup idea, and celebrate on stage. Every team on the day gets a certificate.

Venue: to be announced Date: 17 October 2026

Before you submit

Four things to check first

Which schools

Only students from schools located in Pune, Maharashtra, or from any school partnered with the Vizuara AI program.

Team size

Take part in a team of 2 to 3 students — 2 is the minimum, 3 the maximum. One form per team.

Entries per school

Each school can send up to 2 teams to the Senior track. Classes 5–8 enter separately in the Junior track.

Last date

The online round closes on 10 October 2026. Send in your entry before then.

Judging

How we select teams

Originality

Is your idea original and useful? Fresh thinking about a real problem.

The AI you use

Which AI model did you use — and why? Show you understand your tools.

Feasibility

Could your startup work in real life? Think about users, cost and reach.

Working prototype

How does your submitted project work? Show the AI solution you have built.

FAQ

Senior track questions

Who can join?

Students of Classes 9–10 — but only from schools located in Pune, Maharashtra, or from a school partnered with the Vizuara AI program.

Can I take part on my own?

No — this one is for teams. Get together with 1 or 2 friends so your team has 2 to 3 students, and send in one entry for the whole team.

Do I need to be a coding expert?

You can learn as you build. Your team must submit a working AI prototype and explain how it works.

What do winners get?

All 3 teams at the Pune round get a certificate, goodies, exciting gifts and an award on stage — and are featured on this website.

Ready to submit your AI project?

Build your working AI project with your team of 2–3, then submit it with a short pitch.

Only for schools in Pune, Maharashtra and Vizuara AI partner schools · Teams of 2–3 · Closes 10 October 2026

Contact us

Questions about the hackathon? Email us.

paras@vizuara.com