Head of Management
Omkar
Kondhalkar
Computer Vision & AI Engineering, reGround.systems GmbH
MSc Data Science & AI, Universität Hamburg
GLOBAL HACKATHON ECOSYSTEM
Where the world builders take flight.
Terns is a global ecosystem for hackathons, builders, and communities. Born from late-night sessions, designed for the world. We connect founders, hackers, creators, and students across borders.
24hNon-stop
300+Builders
10+Challenges
GlobalCommunity
THE STORY
We chose the name Terns
for a reason.
Arctic Terns travel 70,000 km every year - the longest migration of any living creature. They cross entire oceans, navigate by the stars, and always find their way. They never stay in one place. But wherever they land, they build a community.
We are builders who cross borders. We have lived in Pune and Hamburg, built AI systems and startups, stayed up all night hacking on ideas. We are Terns.
And we built this platform for everyone like us - the developers, designers, and founders who know that the best things get built when the right people find each other, anywhere in the world.
THE TEAM
Core team
The team building Terns and HackPune — connecting Hamburg and Pune for builders worldwide.
Omkar
Head of Finance
Elias
Tilmes
Pettoo & MRBL Studios
Economics, University of Hamburg
PMO & Investor Relations
Sebastian
Steltzer
Business Development & Investor Relations, reGround.systems GmbH · Board, American Club of Hamburg
Policy Advisor & Government Relations
Luna Cathrine
Schreiner
Deutscher Bundestag (German Federal Parliament)
MA Political Science, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Head of Operations (Volunteer)
Yash
Pawar
AI & HPC Engineer, C-DAC PARAM National Supercomputing Facility
PG Diploma in AI & Data Analytics, CDAC Pune
Advisor — Consulting & Community (Pune)
Antje Ute
Bauer
Transformation Consultant & Coach, StrengthMiner® Consulting LLP
COMMUNITY
Join builders from around the world.
Connect with founders, hackers, creators, and students before, during, and after every event. This is a movement, not just a meetup.
Save the DateHackPune 2026 - 3 & 4 October 2026 (Sat & Sun) · Pune, India
24h
Nonstop Hacking
Per event, no sleeping
2026
HackPune
Flagship event, Pune India
Hamburg
Germany
Where Terns was born
Pune
India
Our first reach - flagship city
PUNE, INDIA
Why we started in Pune.
Pune is India's fastest-growing tech ecosystem - home to 4,000+ startups, a massive engineering talent pool, and a builder culture unlike any other. Terns was born in Hamburg - Pune is our first reach, the city where the flagship event lands.
4,000+
Active startups
500K+
Tech professionals
#2
Startup hub in India
150+
Engineering colleges
HOW IT WORKS
From application to prototype in 6 steps.
01
Apply
Submit your application solo or with a team. We welcome developers, designers, and product thinkers.
02
Get Accepted
We review all applications and respond within two weeks. Diverse skill sets are celebrated.
03
Confirm Your Spot
Secure your place with a quick confirmation. Spots are limited - act fast.
04
Get Matched
We assign you to a challenge and team based on your skills and preferences.
05
Build
24 hours to turn a real problem into a working prototype - with mentorship at every step.
06
Pitch & Win
Present your solution. Judges pick winners per challenge. Prizes, offers, recognition.
LATEST UPDATES
What's new at Terns.
AnnouncementMay 2026
HackPune applications opening soon
We're finalising challenge partners and the venue. Sign up to be the first to apply.
CommunityApril 2026
Building the Terns community
We're growing our Discord and Slack channels. Join the conversation as we open the doors.
PartnershipMarch 2026
Exploring partnerships with leading AI platforms
In conversations with Cursor, OpenAI, Lovable, Manus, and more. Announcements coming.
Save the Date · HackPune 2026 · 3-4 Oct (Sat & Sun)
Ready to take flight?
Join Terns - a global hackathon ecosystem built for builders, founders, hackers, and creators. Your next great project, your next co-founder, your next community - all in one place.