Awarded to the most technically impressive or useful tool, agent, automation, or AI-powered app. Winners receive ₹2,500 cash, a personalized Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from the Maximally team, fast-track access to MakeX for building and shipping future apps, fast-track referrals to internship opportunities, and a spotlight feature on Maximally Studios. You'll also get a Top Builder badge on Discord and a social media shoutout across our platforms.

Given to the most visually, musically, or narratively creative project — think AI-powered art, music, design, storytelling, or brand expression. Winners get ₹2,500 cash, a custom LOR recognizing creative innovation, a free MakeX premium access code to bring your next idea to life, a featured post on Maximally’s Instagram + newsletter, and an invite to collaborate with Maximally Studios on a future reel or drop. You’ll also earn a Creator Role on Discord and eternal meme status.

This award goes to the boldest experiment — the wildest, weirdest, or most unexpected project that somehow just works. The winner gets ₹2,500 cash, a signed “Weird Genius” certificate, exclusive MakeX mentorship session for exploring your experiment further, and potential invites for mentorship in future events. You’ll also get wildcard access to the next Maximally hackathon and community bragging rights.

For the best project by a first-time builder or team. If you’ve never built something with AI before and you still shipped, this is for you. Winners receive a custom LOR, a special certificate and badge, a Discord shoutout, and early access to the next Maximally Makeathon or Bootcamp.

Our crew pick. We choose the project that hit us hardest - smart, fun, or just crazy creative. Think great story, tight demo, or a fresh twist that made the team smile.
Perks: feature across Maximally channels, shoutout in the recap reel by Maximally Studios, a collab invite, and a “Team Maximally Loved” badge on your project page. We’ll also add you to our Build showcase board and do a short feedback call.

Recognizing the project with the strongest potential to evolve into a viable startup with clear user value.

This award highlights the project that goes beyond being a hackathon prototype and shows the foundation of a sustainable venture. The winning team demonstrates a strong understanding of market needs, a compelling solution that addresses those needs, and the early signs of product-market fit. Judges look for projects that balance technical execution with clarity of vision, user-centered design, and a credible path to scaling.

The award signals to future investors, collaborators, and employers that the team behind this project has built something that stands out not only for its innovation but also for its real-world applicability and potential impact.

Recognizing the project that applies artificial intelligence to create tangible benefits for society, addressing pressing civic, environmental, or community needs.

This award honors a team whose work goes beyond technical achievement to demonstrate clear social impact. The winning project shows how AI can be used responsibly and creatively to improve lives — whether through healthcare, education, accessibility, sustainability, or civic solutions.

Judges evaluate projects based on clarity of the problem addressed, the relevance and scale of its potential impact, and the feasibility of implementation in real-world settings. The award highlights teams that treat technology not only as a tool for innovation but also as a vehicle for responsibility and positive change.

Winning this category signals to partners, institutions, and employers that the project embodies both technical competence and a strong ethical commitment to making a difference in society.

Recognizing the project that captured the most attention across online communities, social platforms, and hacker networks. This award goes to the team whose work sparked conversation, sharing, and engagement far beyond the hackathon. The winning project is judged not just on technical merit but on its ability to resonate with audiences, inspire curiosity, and spread organically. Metrics include reach, reactions, and creative ways the team amplified their idea online. This category highlights the role of storytelling, design, and cultural timing in making a project memorable and widely shared. Winning here signals that the project didn’t just exist—it connected with people at scale.