Build Your Own AI Companion Online Hackathon

An online hackathon to discover what AI companions people actually want to come back to. Build a Telegram bot AI companion that solves one real human need — your own. Test it with real users for 3 weeks. Win $5000 award. What you'll build A Telegram bot (text + image only) designed around one real human need that you deeply understand. Not another general-purpose assistant. Key dates Jun 15 — Applications open, Jul 13 — Applications close, Jul 14–27 — 2-week build period (DIDI provides technical support), Jul 27 — First demo submission, Aug 4–22 — 3-week stickiness testing with real users, Aug 24 — Final demo, Aug 31 — Awards ceremony. Who should apply Builders, designers, psychologists, HCI researchers, and anyone who has ever wished an AI could understand them better. Solo or teams of 2–3. How to apply Hit "Register" below to join the event and get all updates. Then complete our short Pre-work form — link sent after RSVP. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—final cutoff: July 13, 2025. Powered by DIDI Labs.