Tools & Setup

  • OpenAI account + request $100 in Codex credits (NOT API credits)

    • Thanks so much for your interest in this hackathon! Unfortunately, we've given out all available credits. You're still welcome to join using the free tier — we'd hate for that to stop you from participating. Sorry for the disappointment, and thanks for your understanding.
  • Background on GPT-5.6
  • How to Choose a Model
  • Codex quickstart

 

Devpost Hackathons Plugin

 

Support

  • OpenAI Discord — head to #build-week-chat to connect with other participants, follow along in the #hackathon-announcements channel for news and #office-hours to attend a local office hours near you!

  • We’re collaborating with Codex Ambassadors to host more than 60 events around the world—find an event near you and hack alongside the community in person next week.

  • We’re also hosting virtual programming with members of the OpenAI product and developer teams, including office hours, livestreams, and OpenAI Academy sessions—explore the full Build Week lineup

 

Pointers & Tips

  • Start with the problem, not the model. The strongest builds solve something real and use GPT-5.6 because the problem called for it — not the other way around.

  • Find your people early. Browse the Participants tab and the #build-week-chat in the OpenAI Discord before you're heads-down. The best teams form in week one, not the night before the deadline.

  • Record your demo as you go. A clear 3-minute video beats a rushed one every time. Show it working and review the rules for what’s required: a voiceover explaining how you used Codex and GPT-5.6.

  • Keep your repo testable. Judges may not build it themselves — make sure they can, with clean instructions and sample data.

  • Watch your credit usage. Anything beyond your free/granted Codex credits is on you, so keep an eye on the meter.