Indy Init 2026 — AI Builders Hackathon & Conference
About this Event
AI changed who can build software. It did not change what production demands — secure, scalable, observable, resilient, affordable at volume. AI-generated work usually arrives with no answer for any of them, and that's where it piles up.
Indy Init is one day of doing something about it. Teams build, sessions show what already works, and everyone ends up in the same room at the end of it.
The Hackathon
Teams of 1 to 4, one day, and a blank repo. Pick your app, build the software factory that ships it, and defend the technical decisions behind it. Every team demos the machinery, not just the product.
The Conference
Three tracks running alongside the build all day. Dip in and out, or come just for these.
- Building with AI: Agents and orchestration, context and prompting, scaling generation
- Building the Factory: Harnesses and conventions, testing and evals, security and observability
- Building an AI Career: Résumés and hiring, roles and team shape, founding and freelancing
Hosted by Indy Hackers, presented by E-gineering
Full details at indyinit.com
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Doors Open & Check-In
Info: Coffee, networking, and getting situated.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome Remarks
Info: The challenge, the rules, and how the day runs.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Hackathon Build
Info: Teams work, mentors float, and the sessions run alongside. Dip in and out.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Conference Sessions
Info: Building with AI, Building the Factory, Building an AI Career. Open to every ticket.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Hackathon Demos, Judging & Awards
Info: Every team demos live and defends the architecture behind it.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Social Happy Hour
Info: Toast the builds, talk shop, and meet the people behind them. Open to the entire community.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 28.52
