ZeroCode | Vibe Coding Challenge | Techfest, IIT Bombay is an offline student technical competition organized by Techfest, IIT Bombay. The challenge tests prompt precision, speed, product thinking, and the ability to build a functional web application using AI prompt engineering, no-code or low-code platforms, and AI code-generation tools.
The event is open to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including undergraduate, postgraduate, engineering, management, arts, commerce, science, law, medical, and school students. Participants compete at designated zonal centers before selected participants move to the Grand Finale at IIT Bombay.
ZeroCode | Vibe Coding Challenge | Techfest, IIT Bombay Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | ZeroCode |
| Organizer | Techfest, IIT Bombay |
| Event Category | Vibe Coding Challenge / Technical Competition |
| Mode | On-site, offline |
| Zonal Locations | Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Jaipur, Bangalore, Kolkata, and other designated cities |
| Participation Type | Individual or team |
| Team Size | Individual participation or teams of up to 2–3 members |
| Registration Fee | Free |
| Prize Pool | ₹80,000+ |
| Registration Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
About ZeroCode | Vibe Coding Challenge | Techfest, IIT Bombay
ZeroCode is built around the idea of creating a working digital product under a strict time limit. Participants receive a live problem statement and must turn it into a responsive web application or prototype.
The qualifier allows approved no-code and low-code platforms such as Bubble, FlutterFlow, Glide, Bolt.new, and v0, as well as AI code-generation tools. Traditional coding experience is not required, although familiarity with AI tools, LLMs, prompt engineering, and visual application builders is recommended.
Students can also explore more student opportunities, competitions, study resources, and career updates on NotesGallery.
Important Dates
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Qualifier Round | 10 September 2026, 01:02 AM IST to 30 September 2026, 01:02 AM IST |
| Grand Finale | 10 September 2026, 01:03 AM IST to 24 September 2026, 01:03 AM IST |
| Registration Deadline | 30 September 2026, 12:00 AM IST |
The source information lists these dates and times as provided for the event.
Eligibility Criteria
ZeroCode is open to the following categories of students:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Engineering students
- Management students
- Arts, Commerce, Sciences and other students
- Law students
- Medical students
- School students
Participants must have a valid institutional ID card.
No prior traditional coding experience is required.
Team and Participation Rules
Participants may compete individually or as part of a small team.
- Individual participation is allowed.
- Teams can have up to 2–3 members.
- Cross-college teams are subject to Techfest guidelines.
- Participation is free.
Competition Format
The competition consists of regional zonal qualifiers followed by the Grand Finale at IIT Bombay.
Round 1: Regional Zonals
The qualifier is an on-site challenge held at designated zonal cities across India. The source specifically mentions Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Jaipur, Bangalore, and Kolkata, along with other zonal centers.
Participants receive a live problem statement at the venue and have approximately 2–3 hours to prompt, build, and deploy a responsive web application or prototype.
The qualifier evaluates:
- UI/UX design
- Functional completeness
- Logic and workflow integration
- Prompt efficiency
Top-performing individuals or teams from the zonal centers qualify for the Grand Finale at IIT Bombay.
Round 2: Grand Finale at IIT Bombay
The Grand Finale is an on-site competition at the IIT Bombay campus during Techfest.
Finalists receive a complex real-world industry problem statement. Surprise feature constraints may be introduced during the building sprint, requiring participants to adapt their applications under time pressure.
After the sprint, finalists pitch and demonstrate their live applications to a panel that includes expert judges, industry leaders, and tech founders.
The Grand Finale evaluates:
- Scalability
- Feature integration under constraints
- Pitch and live demo
- User experience
- Problem-solution fit
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation varies by stage.
For the zonal qualifier, participants are assessed on UI/UX design, functional completeness, logic and workflow integration, and prompt efficiency.
For the Grand Finale, the evaluation focuses on scalability, feature integration under constraints, pitch and live demonstration, user experience, and problem-solution fit.
Prizes and Rewards
The total prize pool for ZeroCode is ₹80,000+.
The source also lists:
- Certificate of Excellence for winners
- Certificate of Participation from Techfest, IIT Bombay for zonal participants
- Networking opportunities with technology leaders
- Free access to premium Techfest events
- Potential incubation or mentorship support for top solutions
The provided information does not specify the position-wise cash prize distribution.
How to Register for ZeroCode | Vibe Coding Challenge | Techfest, IIT Bombay
The provided event information directs participants to complete registration through ZeroCode. The supplied registration listing is available on Unstop:
Official Registration Link: Register Here
Students should check the registration page and current event instructions for the applicable zonal details, team rules, and registration requirements.
Important Instructions
Before registering or participating, students should note:
- Participation is free.
- A valid institutional ID card is required.
- Individual participation is permitted.
- Teams may have up to 2–3 members.
- Cross-college team rules are subject to Techfest guidelines.
- The qualifier is conducted offline at designated zonal centers.
- Participants receive a live problem statement at the venue.
- The qualifier provides approximately 2–3 hours for building and deployment.
- Approved no-code, low-code, and AI code-generation tools can be used.
- Traditional coding experience is not required.
Why Students May Consider Participating
The competition provides practical exposure to:
- AI-assisted application development
- Prompt engineering
- No-code and low-code development
- Product thinking
- Problem solving under time constraints
- UI/UX design
- Live product demonstration
- Individual and team-based competition
The event also lists certificates, networking opportunities, recognition, prizes, and potential incubation or mentorship support for top solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ZeroCode | Vibe Coding Challenge | Techfest, IIT Bombay?
ZeroCode is an offline technical competition where participants use prompt engineering, AI-assisted development, and no-code or low-code tools to build a functional web application from a live problem statement.
Who can participate in ZeroCode | Vibe Coding Challenge | Techfest, IIT Bombay?
Undergraduate, postgraduate, engineering, management, arts, commerce, science, law, medical, and school students can participate. A valid institutional ID card is required.
What is the registration deadline for ZeroCode?
The registration deadline provided in the source is 30 September 2026.
Is participation in ZeroCode free?
Yes. The source states that participation is free.
Can students participate individually?
Yes. Individual participation is allowed. Students can also participate in teams of up to 2–3 members.
Is ZeroCode conducted online?
No. The provided information describes the zonal qualifier and Grand Finale as on-site, offline competitions.
Where are the zonal qualifiers held?
The source mentions Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Jaipur, Bangalore, Kolkata, and other designated zonal cities across India.
What is the prize pool for ZeroCode?
The total prize pool is ₹80,000+.
Is prior coding experience required?
No. Traditional coding experience is not required. Familiarity with AI tools, LLMs, and modern visual application builders is recommended.
Conclusion
ZeroCode | Vibe Coding Challenge | Techfest, IIT Bombay is an offline student technical competition focused on prompt engineering, AI-assisted development, and rapid web application building. It allows individual participation as well as small teams and is open to students from a broad range of academic backgrounds.
The registration deadline listed in the source is 30 September 2026. Students interested in participating should review the registration page and current Techfest instructions before completing their registration.
