The ML Empowerment Build Challenge 3.0 is a global online hackathon organised by the ML Empowerment Foundation, offering a substantial prize pool of $53,500. The challenge is designed to encourage
participants to build machine learning and AI solutions that address social good causes, with a strong emphasis on being beginner-friendly. This makes it an excellent opportunity for students, early-career developers, and AI enthusiasts in India to showcase their skills and contribute to meaningful projects. Who Should Apply The challenge is open to individuals and teams from around the world, including Indian participants. It is particularly suited for beginners who are new to machine learning and AI, as well as more experienced developers looking to apply their skills to social impact. The event is fully online, so participants can join from anywhere. Format & Timeline The hackathon runs from August 30, 2026, to October 1, 2026, giving participants ample time to develop their projects. The exact format (e.g., continuous build or staged submissions) is not specified, but typical Devpost challenges involve building a working prototype and submitting it before the deadline. Judging criteria are not detailed in the raw data, but likely focus on innovation, impact, and technical execution. Prizes The total prize pool is $53,500, which is approximately ₹49,22,000 (at a conversion rate of 92 INR per USD). The distribution across ranks is not specified, but the substantial pool suggests multiple winners will be rewarded. Non-cash prizes such as mentorship or cloud credits may also be included, though not detailed. Eligibility The challenge is open to all, with no geographic restrictions mentioned. Indian participants are welcome. The event is beginner-friendly, so no advanced experience is required. Team size is not specified, but participants can likely work solo or in teams. About the Organiser The ML Empowerment Foundation is dedicated to promoting machine learning education and application, particularly for social good. By organising this challenge, they aim to empower developers worldwide to leverage AI for positive impact. The foundation's focus on beginner-friendly initiatives suggests a commitment to making AI accessible to a broad audience. How to Apply Registration is free and open until October 1, 2026. Interested participants should apply through the official Devpost page linked above. The capacity is listed as 121, so early registration is recommended.
Eligibility
Open to all participants globally, including Indian individuals and teams. Beginner-friendly, no prior experience required.
