OpenAI Invites Global Builders to Explore Codex

OpenAI Build Week is a global, hands-on event designed to help developers, creators, founders, and students explore what they can build with Codex. Participants may begin with a completely new idea or continue developing an existing project. The event combines independent building time with live programming, community activities, learning opportunities, and a formal project challenge. Its central aim is practical experimentation: participants are invited to turn ideas into working projects, learn from the process, and share the results with others.

The event is open to builders at every experience level, so prior expertise is not required. Participants can work individually, while those who prefer to collaborate can follow the team-participation details published on the Devpost challenge page. Ambassador-led sessions are available in local and virtual formats, giving builders opportunities to meet one another, discuss their work, and connect with the wider community. OpenAI also points participants toward office hours, OpenAI Academy sessions, livestreams, and other community events held during Build Week.

Registration is handled through the Devpost challenge page or the Devpost Hackathons Codex plugin. These are also the main sources for the official challenge rules, eligibility conditions, available tracks, submission requirements, and important dates. Although OpenAI describes Build Week as a worldwide event, participation remains subject to those formal rules and eligibility requirements. Builders therefore need to consult the Devpost materials for the exact conditions that apply to them, including any requirements governing teams and submissions.

Participants who enter the OpenAI Build Week Challenge must submit their projects through the same Devpost page or plugin. A submission is expected to include a written project description, a demonstration video, a code repository, and any other materials required for evaluation. These elements are intended to show both what the project does and how it was created. A strong entry must communicate the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, and the technical and design approach clearly enough for judges to understand the complete project.

Judging covers technical implementation, design and user experience, potential impact, and the overall quality of the idea. This means that entries are not evaluated only on whether their code works. Judges also consider how thoughtfully the product is designed, whether people can use it effectively, how meaningful its possible impact could be, and whether the underlying concept is compelling. The announcement specifically says that strong projects should demonstrate thoughtful use of GPT-5.6 and Codex, while presenting the problem, solution, and development approach in a clear and coherent way.

The challenge offers participants a chance to receive recognition from OpenAI. Standout projects may receive prizes such as cash awards, OpenAI credits, passes to DevDay, promotional spotlight opportunities, and special experiences involving the OpenAI team. The wording indicates that prizes can span several forms of support rather than being limited to a single cash award. Recognition may therefore help selected builders continue experimenting, gain visibility for their work, or connect more closely with OpenAI’s developer community.

Community support is a major part of the program. The Build Week Discord serves as an ongoing place to ask questions, look for collaborators, follow event updates, and receive help during the week. Live sessions and community events complement that channel by giving participants scheduled opportunities to learn and interact. Together, these resources allow builders to seek guidance while they develop their entries instead of working entirely on their own.

Build Week ultimately combines an accessible learning event with a judged product-building challenge centered on Codex. People can participate to learn and meet other builders even if they are not starting with an advanced project, while those seeking formal recognition can prepare a complete Devpost submission. The format emphasizes making something tangible, explaining it clearly, and using Codex and GPT-5.6 in a considered way. Final details—including dates, tracks, eligibility, team rules, and any additional judging materials—are provided through the official Devpost challenge resources.