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.

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