2 hrs ago
Bessemer Tech Catalyst Connects Engineers With Real-World AI Challenges
Bessemer Venture Partners held an AI hackathon in Bengaluru.
More than 300 people took part.
They worked on real problems from four technology companies.
These problems involved testing software, airline operations, workplace transportation and financial assistance.
The event let companies see how engineers solve problems under time limits.
It also gave participants a chance to meet company leaders and learn about possible jobs.
Three teams were recognized, and four individuals received special awards.
Sarvam hosted an extra AI challenge, while Protectt.ai offered mentorship to selected participants.
The organizers hope this creates a better way for technology companies and skilled engineers to find each other.
More than 300 engineers, developers and AI enthusiasts attended Bessemer Tech Catalyst in Bengaluru on September 5, 2026.
Participants solved real-world engineering challenges from Bessemer portfolio companies Aivar, dCortex, MoveInSync and TBX.
The hackathon aimed to help companies identify technical talent through practical work rather than conventional hiring methods alone.
Three listed teams received awards from a ₹7 lakh team prize pool, while four Individual Spotlight Awards worth ₹25,000 each were presented.
The event also included an AI Lightning Round hosted by Sarvam and a four-week cybersecurity mentorship programme from Protectt.ai.
- Who
- Bessemer Venture Partners, MetaMorph, more than 300 engineers and four participating portfolio companies: Aivar, dCortex, MoveInSync and TBX.
- What
- The first Bessemer Tech Catalyst AI hackathon brought engineers together to solve real-world company engineering challenges.
- Where
- Polaris School of Technology in Bengaluru, India.
- When
- The hackathon was held on September 5, 2026; the event was announced as concluded on September 7, 2026.
- Why
- The initiative was designed to help portfolio companies identify and engage AI talent by observing how candidates solve practical problems.
Key facts
- Organizer
- Bessemer Venture Partners, in partnership with MetaMorph
- Participants
- More than 300 engineers, developers and AI enthusiasts
- Location
- Polaris School of Technology, Bengaluru
- Participating companies
- Aivar, dCortex, MoveInSync and TBX
- Team prize pool
- ₹7 lakh
- Individual awards
- Four Individual Spotlight Awards worth ₹25,000 each
- Additional programmes
- An AI Lightning Round hosted by Sarvam and a four-week mentorship programme from Protectt.ai
Quotes
Anant Vidur Puri
Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners
“AI is fundamentally changing the way everything is built, and for technical leaders, the challenge today is not just what to build or how to build it, but who to build it with. Traditional ways of engaging with and assessing talent are no longer enough - they don't always show how someone thinks through a problem. Bessemer Tech Catalyst gives our portfolio companies an opportunity to see young builders in action, while giving those builders a chance to experience the companies and products they”
freepressjournal.in
“Over the last two to three quarters, almost every conversation I’ve had with our portfolio company leaders has been about AI talent - how to hire, where to find the right people and how to improve the way we evaluate them. We kept coming back to how we could watch people in action and identify the right talent for our portfolio companies, and that’s where Bessemer Tech Catalyst came in.”
freepressjournal.in









