Hackathon for Human-Centered Design of LLM Interfaces
Design the Next Generation of Human-AI Experiences
About the Hackathon
A two-day innovation event bringing together students, researchers, designers, developers, and HCI enthusiasts to explore the future of AI-powered user experiences.
Why Human-Centered AI?
As Large Language Models rapidly become integral to education, healthcare, governance, and everyday digital interactions, there is a growing need to focus on how people interact with AI. This hackathon emphasizes Human-Centered AI, where technology is designed around the needs, abilities, values, and experiences of diverse users.
Purpose
Inspire innovation in the design of next-generation LLM interfaces and promote Human-Centered Design methodologies in AI development, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration among students, designers, developers, and researchers.
Focus on LLM Interfaces
Rather than developing new language models, this hackathon focuses on how users interact with LLMs. Rethink conventional chatbot experiences and create innovative interfaces that improve usability, explainability, accessibility, and multimodal interaction.
ACM SIGCHI Development Fund (SDF) Principles
This hackathon is supported by the ACM SIGCHI Development Fund (SDF) and is committed to upholding the following core principles that promote inclusive, responsible, and community-driven Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Equity & Inclusion
We encourage broad participation through open national registrations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and problem statements that address diverse user needs and societal challenges.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a key focus of the hackathon. Participants are encouraged to design inclusive interfaces that cater to users with diverse abilities, languages, and levels of digital literacy. Accessibility is also incorporated into the judging criteria.
Mentorship & Capacity Building
Participants will receive structured guidance from experts in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), User Experience (UX), and related fields, fostering learning, collaboration, and skill development throughout the event.
Sustainability & Knowledge Sharing
The hackathon promotes digital-first submissions, reusable design and development resources, and post-event dissemination of project outcomes to encourage continued learning and broader community impact.
Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 4 – Quality Education
This hackathon advances SDG 4 by providing participants with hands-on learning opportunities in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and User Experience (UX). Through mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, participants gain practical skills in designing responsible and human-centered AI systems.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
The hackathon supports SDG 9 by fostering innovation in Human-Centered AI and encouraging the development of accessible, trustworthy, and impactful Large Language Model (LLM) interfaces. By bringing together students, researchers, designers, and industry experts, it promotes collaborative innovation to address real-world societal challenges through responsible technology.
Foster Innovation
Innovate in Human-AI interaction design
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Bridge designers, developers & researchers
Ethical & Inclusive AI
Promote responsible AI design practices
Research-Driven Prototypes
Build functional AI interface prototypes
Strengthen India's HCI
Grow the HCI research ecosystem
Human-Centered Design
of LLM Interfaces
Explore these core themes to create AI experiences that are meaningful, accessible, and trustworthy.
User Experience (UX)
Design intuitive, efficient, and delightful AI interactions that put users first.
Accessibility
Make AI interfaces usable by everyone, regardless of abilities or disabilities.
Trustworthy AI
Build AI systems that users can trust, with transparent decision-making processes.
Explainability
Help users understand how and why AI systems generate their outputs.
Inclusive Design
Design for India's diverse population: multilingual, multicultural, multi-ability.
Responsible AI
Ensure AI solutions are ethical, fair, and aligned with societal values.
Human-AI Collaboration
Design systems where humans and AI work together as effective partners.
Event Schedule
From registration to awards — here's what to expect.
Before the Event
Day 1
7th August 2026
Registration & Check-in
Inauguration Ceremony
Keynote Session
Hackathon Begins
Mentors Round Elimination
Day 2
8th August 2026
Development Continues
Final Presentations
Awards Ceremony
Participating Teams
54 teams selected to participate at IIIT Pune, 7–8 August 2026.
the seekers
Cisco security pvt ltd
deepstack
PCCOE (Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering)
Vrykon
Jabalpur Engineering College
Lumen Coders
IIIT Pune
ATOM
IIITDM Kurnool
Team Arise
Pillai HOC College of Engineering and Technology
Tectons
Trinity College of Engineering
Orion
MPSTME
Neural Navigators
Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University
Binary Brains
Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering and Research Ravet
Mind Canvas
Sanjivani College of engineering kopargaon
ClaudeCoders
Indian Institute of Information Technology Pune
Khata Nimbu
IIITDM Kurnool
Syntax Terrors
The International Institute of Information Technology, Hinjewadi, Pune
poseidon phishers
Pune Institute of Computer Technology
Hackbuds
MIT WPU , Pune
HalluciNot
Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering
4-bit_Avengers
PIMPRI CHINCHWAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
404
Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL)
The Dominators
Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Engineering and Innovation
Prawns Koliwada
TCS Research
Cofounders.AI
JSPM NTC
Chakravyuha Titans
A S Patil College of Commerce (Autonomous) Vijayapura
Context_Foundry
Nutan Maharashtra Institute of Engineering and Technology
Human by Design
Jain University
decision 3's
Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology, Navi Mumbai
DevKnight
MIT World Peace University
HustleCult
SCTR's Pune Institute of Computer Technology
Team Techno
Walchand college of Engineering sangli
Lumina
K. K. Wagh Institute of Engineering education and research, Nashik
Team Nova
AISSMS IOIT
AlgoBaddies
Indian Institute of Information Technology Pune
Know your coders(KYC)
Sardar Patel Institute of Technology
Tech Nexus
Amrutvahini College of Engineering,Sangamner
CC's
D Y Patil University, Ambi(IST)
Rudraksha
K. K. Wagh Institute Of Engineering Education and Research
IntentWorks
Modern Education Society's Wadia College of Engineering
Git Push & Pray
Dy Patil International University
Wannabe
Modern Education Society's Wadia College of Engineering
Code Crafters
VIT, Pune
Homo Invictus
Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli
Force Push
AISSMS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Lannisters
College Of Engineering Pune
TAG
Thakur Shyamnarayan Engineering College
Sinister 4
Coep technological University
Zero1
Indian Institute of Information Technology Pune
Knight Hawks
Vishwakarma Institute of Technology
Stack Underflow
VJTI, Mumbai
AIgnite
K K Wagh institute of engineering and research technology nashik
Mindspark
marathwada mitra mandal college of enginerring,pune
Squad Alpha
AITM
Night Eagle's
Modern Education Society's Wadia College Of Engineering ,Pune-01
Ctrl+Alt+Elite
AISSMS IOIT
Built different
SRMS(AKTU)
Join the Hackathon
Registrations are now closed. Selected teams will participate at IIIT Pune on 7–8 August 2026.
Who Can Participate?
Team Details
2–4 Members
Non-ACM / SIGCHI Member Team
Standard registration
ACM / SIGCHI Member Team
1+ valid ACM / SIGCHI member
*Applicable if at least one team member holds a valid ACM / SIGCHI membership. Interdisciplinary teams encouraged.
Ready to Innovate?
Registrations are now closed. The selected teams will participate at IIIT Pune on 7–8 August 2026.
Evaluation Criteria
Prizes & Recognition
Total Prize Pool: USD $500
$150
$250
$100
Speakers, Judges
& Organizers
Faculty Advisors & Organizers
Dr. Shrikant Salve
Program Chair
IIIT Pune
Dr. Priyank Jain
Program Co-Chair
IIIT Pune
Dr. Sanga Chaki
Program Co-Chair
IIIT Pune
Dr. Mahendra Pratap Yadav
Program Co-Chair
IIIT Pune
Dr. Sumit Kumar Gupta
Program Co-Chair
IIIT Pune
Dr. Kaptan Singh
Program Co-Chair
IIIT Pune
Student Organizers (IIIT Pune)
Roshni Sahoo
Organizing Committee
IIIT Pune
Saurav Dabhade
Organizing Committee
IIIT Pune
Rachana Jambhalikar
Organizing Committee
IIIT Pune
Priya Jadhav
Organizing Committee
IIIT Pune
Student Organizers (IIT Bombay)
Pramit Ghosh
Organizing Committee
IIT Bombay
Sharvaree Grampurohit
Organizing Committee
IIT Bombay
Frequently Asked
Questions
The hackathon is open to undergraduate students, postgraduate students, PhD scholars, faculty, industry professionals, designers, developers, and researchers. We encourage interdisciplinary teams from diverse backgrounds.
Teams should consist of 2 to 4 members. Interdisciplinary teams (combining design, development, and research skills) are strongly encouraged.
The registration fee is ₹472 per team (non ACM / SIGCHI member) and ₹118 per team (for teams with at least one valid ACM / SIGCHI member).
No. This hackathon focuses on Human-Centered Design of LLM interfaces. You can submit prototypes, wireframes, functional demos, or proof-of-concept interfaces. The emphasis is on design thinking, user experience, and innovation.
The core themes include User Experience (UX), Accessibility, Trustworthy AI, Explainability, Inclusive Design, Responsible AI, and Human-AI Collaboration. You can combine multiple themes in your project.
The hackathon will be held on 7–8 August 2026 at IIIT Pune. It's a two-day in-person event with a detailed schedule covering keynotes, mentoring sessions, development time, and final presentations.
You're free to use any tools, frameworks, or APIs that support your design. This includes Figma, code-based prototypes, LLM APIs (OpenAI, Gemini, etc.), and any front-end/back-end technologies.
Yes! Experienced mentors from academia and industry will be available throughout the hackathon to guide teams on design, technical, and research aspects.
Yes. Teams may include members from different colleges or universities.
Yes. If you don't already have a team, you can join the official WhatsApp Team Formation Group (link available in the registration form) to connect with other participants looking for teammates.
Please note that all participants must be part of a team of 2–4 members before the hackathon begins.
The registration deadline is 30 July 2026.
Selected teams will receive a confirmation email within 2–3 working days after registration, along with the payment portal and further instructions.
Your participation will be confirmed only after the registration fee has been successfully paid.
The official problem statements will be released 3 days before the hackathon.
They will focus on Human-Centered Design for Large Language Model Interfaces, including domains relevant to India.
Yes. Participants are welcome to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, Gemini, Cursor, etc.) during development.
However, teams must clearly disclose:
- Which AI tools were used
- How they were used
- Why they were used
Judges may ask questions regarding your implementation and design decisions.
Food
Lunch, dinner, refreshments, and breakfast (Day 2) will be provided during the hackathon.
Accommodation
Sleeping arrangements will be provided only for the night of the hackathon (7 August). Accommodation before the event or after its conclusion will not be provided.
Travel
Participants are responsible for arranging and funding their own travel.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Talegaon Railway Station, approximately 6 km from IIIT Pune. From the station, participants can use auto-rickshaws, cabs, or the PMPML Bus Service.
PMPML Bus Service (Route No. 365 A-U)
(IIIT Pune ↔️ Nigdi Bus Stand via Talegaon Railway Station)
Morning
Nigdi → 07:55 AM → IIIT Pune → 09:15 AM
IIIT Pune → 09:30 AM → Nigdi → 10:50 AM
Evening
Nigdi → 04:00 PM → IIIT Pune → 05:20 PM
IIIT Pune → 05:30 PM → Nigdi → 07:50 PM
By Air (Closest Airports)
- Pune International Airport - 46 km
- Navi Mumbai International Airport - 98 km
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport - 127 Km
No. Only the team leader must complete the registration process and be listed as a registered team.
Minor changes may be permitted before the registration deadline, subject to approval by the organizing committee. No team changes will be allowed after registrations close.
Participants should bring:
- Laptop and charger
- Extension board (recommended)
- Student/College ID
- Mobile phone and charger
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Any hardware required for your prototype
Yes. Wi-Fi and charging facilities will be available throughout the hackathon venue.
No. All submissions must be developed specifically for this hackathon. While you may use open-source libraries and publicly available APIs, the core idea, design, and implementation should be created during the event.
Yes. All participants who actively participate throughout the hackathon and submit a valid project will receive a participation certificate.
Projects will be evaluated on:
- Human-Centered Design
- Innovation
- User Experience
- Technical Implementation
- Accessibility & Inclusivity
- Ethical AI Considerations
- Presentation & Demonstration
No. Participants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Teams with complementary skills in design, development, and research are strongly encouraged.
ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. ACM membership provides access to technical resources, professional networking opportunities, conferences, publications, and special interest groups such as ACM SIGCHI.
Teams claiming the ACM member registration fee must have at least one valid ACM member in the team.
Required for verification:
- ACM Membership ID
- Valid proof of membership (membership certificate, membership confirmation email, or ACM profile screenshot showing active membership status)
Yes. International participants will be provided:
- Accommodation for the duration of the hackathon
- Meals and refreshments during the event
However, participants are responsible for:
- International and domestic travel expenses
- Visa costs (if applicable)
- Local transportation expenses outside the arrangements provided by the organizers
Please note that accommodation will only be provided for the official hackathon period. Accommodation before the event or after its conclusion will not be covered by the organizers.
Our Partners
IIIT Pune ACM SIGCHI Student Chapter
IIT Bombay ACM SIGCHI Student Chapter
ACM SIGCHI