about this event
About the challenge
Build something useful—and show how you made it trustworthy.
Indy Init is a free, one-day AI Builders Hackathon & Conference hosted by Indy Hackers on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Launch Fishers.
Working solo or in teams of up to four, start with a blank repository and use AI to build a production-grade app addressing a problem you choose. Show the engineering behind your app: the standards, tests, security, and delivery process that make your approach repeatable.
Compete for three prizes: Software Factory, Community Impact, and Wildcard. Judges visit your table to see your demo and discuss your technical decisions.
Get started
Register free at indyinit.com. Throughout the day, explore sessions on Building with AI, Building the Factory, and Building an AI Career.
Event schedule — Eastern Time: 8:00 AM Check-in; 9:00 AM Welcome; 9:30 AM–5:00 PM Build; 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Conference sessions; 5:00–6:00 PM Judging and awards; 6:00–9:00 PM Social happy hour.
tracks
Building with AI
Conference session track on building with AI.
Building the Factory
Conference session track on building the factory.
Building an AI Career
Conference session track on building an AI career.
when
Indy Init 2026
Check-in at 8:00 AM, welcome at 9:00 AM, build from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, conference sessions from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, judging and awards from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, and a social happy hour from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.
◍ Launch Fisherstickets
| tickets | price | Fee | Status | description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Registration | Free | No fee | Available | Register free at indyinit.com. |
prizes
| # | PRIZE | price |
|---|---|---|
| Software Factory | Software Factory prize | TBA |
| Community Impact | Community Impact prize | TBA |
| Wildcard | Wildcard prize | TBA |