FAQ
Common questions about our programs, eligibility, and how C4C Campus works
General
What is Code for Compassion Campus?
C4C Campus is a global AI innovation hub focused on building technology that drives meaningful impact. We teach developers to build AI tools for animal advocacy, climate action, and AI safety with ethics built in from day one. Based in Bengaluru with remote options, we offer weekend bootcamps, global hackathons, and a full-time accelerator program.
Who runs C4C Campus?
C4C Campus is a joint venture between Open Paws and Electric Sheep, two organizations focused on using AI for positive impact in animal welfare, climate action, and AI safety.
What does "engineering compassion" mean?
Engineering compassion means building compassion INTO AI tools and technology from the start, not adding ethics as an afterthought. This applies at every layer of the stack - from model training to application design to deployment choices. We teach developers to build AI tools that recognize animal sentience, respect ecological boundaries, actively protect under pressure, and maintain ethical behavior even in adversarial situations.
Where is C4C Campus located?
Our physical base is in Bengaluru, India, inside The Yard coworking space in Indiranagar. Address: 3rd Floor, A wing No 1, Carlton Towers, HAL Old Airport Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008. The bootcamp offers both in-person and remote options. The accelerator combines remote work with in-person sessions in Bengaluru. Hackathons run globally in cities like London, Berlin, Washington DC, Silicon Valley, and Mumbai.
Do I need to join Discord?
Yes! We coordinate heavily on Discord. You must join our Discord server at least 1 week before any program starts. This is where we place you in teams for hackathons, share resources, and build community. Discord handle is required on all application forms.
Weekend Bootcamp
Do I need coding experience for the bootcamp?
No! The bootcamp is designed for people with no technical skills. We teach no-code/low-code AI tools and Google Colab. If you're curious about building compassionate AI and committed to one of our three domains (animal advocacy, climate action, or AI safety), you're qualified.
What's the bootcamp schedule?
10 weeks, every Saturday for 2.5 hours. Options for in-person in Bengaluru or remote participation. You'll need to commit to attending consistently for the full 10 weeks.
How much does the bootcamp cost?
Usually ₹25,000, but FREE for anyone who signs up before January 15, 2026. After that, regular pricing applies.
We also offer full scholarships for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Denotified Tribes (DNTs), and the Transgender community. Indicate your eligibility in your application.
What will I build in the bootcamp?
You'll build 2-3 real tools using no-code/low-code AI. Examples: supply chain transparency platforms for animal products, greenwashing detection tools, legislative monitoring systems, or harm prevention monitoring for AI systems.
When does the next bootcamp cohort start?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. After applying, you'll hear back within 2 weeks with cohort start dates and next steps.
Global Hackathons
Do hackathons require technical experience?
All skill levels are welcome! Some hackathons (like DC's legal+tech event) pair non-technical domain experts with developers. Others welcome anyone curious about building AI tools. Check the specific event description for details.
How do I register for a hackathon?
Each hackathon has its own registration process. Join our Discord server to get notified about upcoming events worldwide, then apply through the event-specific form (usually Google Form or Luma page). You MUST join Discord at least 1 week before the event to be placed in teams.
Where do hackathons happen?
We run hackathons globally in cities like London, Berlin, Washington DC, Silicon Valley, and Mumbai. Some events offer remote participation - check the specific event details.
Are hackathons free?
Yes! All C4C hackathons are free to attend. Some provide meals and some offer prizes or potential accelerator invitations for top teams.
Do I need a team?
No. You can join solo and we'll match you with a team, or bring your own team. Teams are formed on Discord before the event, which is why joining at least 1 week early is required.
Full-Time Accelerator
Who is the accelerator for?
Developers who already have a working prototype or MVP and want support taking it to production. You should have technical experience, a clear vision for your tool, and commitment to one of our three domains (animal advocacy, climate action, AI safety, or hybrid).
What's the accelerator schedule?
10 weeks total: 1 week in-person at start, 8 weeks remote, 1 week in-person at end in Bengaluru. You'll work on taking your prototype to production with mentorship, deployment support, and connections to organizations who need your tool.
What do you provide in the accelerator?
We cover living costs and accommodation during the 2 in-person weeks in Bengaluru (week 1 and week 10). You also get technical mentorship from Open Paws & Electric Sheep, deployment support, and connections to organizations in your domain.
Can I apply if I'm not sure if my project will be for-profit or non-profit?
Yes! Select "Not sure yet" on the application form. We'll help you figure out the best structure for your specific tool and impact goals during the program.
Do I need a visa to attend?
If you're traveling to Bengaluru from another country, you'll need appropriate visa/travel documents for India. We can provide invitation letters to support visa applications for accepted participants.
Eligibility & Application
Do I need to be in India to apply?
No! We welcome international applicants. The bootcamp offers remote participation. The accelerator includes in-person sessions in Bengaluru, so you'll need to be able to travel there for those portions. Hackathons run globally, so check specific event locations.
Is there an age requirement?
No specific age requirement, but you should be able to commit to the program schedule and work independently or in teams. Most participants are 18+.
Do I need to care about all three domains?
No - you can focus on just one (animal advocacy, climate action, or AI safety) or work on hybrid projects that address multiple domains. What matters is genuine commitment to your chosen focus area.
How long does the application process take?
For bootcamp: Response within 2 weeks. For accelerator: We review applications on a rolling basis and will schedule interviews with promising candidates. The full process typically takes 2-4 weeks. For hackathons: Usually faster, depends on the specific event.
What if I'm not accepted?
You can reapply for future cohorts! We also encourage you to join our Discord community, attend hackathons, and build your skills. Many successful accelerator applicants started with the bootcamp or hackathons first.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to us directly.