Video of India's Gen Z AI founders building robotics and voice assistants in a locked Hacker House goes viral
Tucked inside the bustling tech neighbourhood of HSR Layout in Bengaluru, a group of teenage coders and creators is quietly redefining what it means to be a startup founder. A viral video shared by Canadian podcaster and entrepreneur
Caleb Friesen
has offered a rare peek inside a 'hacker house,' a collaborative living space where India's next-gen builders are experimenting with AI, robotics, and hardware tech in their rawest form. With no PR stunts or media spotlight, just code, grit, and ambition, the place has sparked comparisons to the early days of Silicon Valley.
Gen Z's Hacker House: Where code meets chaos and innovation
As Caleb approaches the unassuming home, he's unsure he's even at the right address. That is, until he sees a poster of Steve Jobs on the front door and knows he's in for something techy.
As he entered the Hacker house, he was greeted by 18-year-old Suhas Sumukh. Suhas runs the Bengaluru chapter of Localhost, the startup community behind the hacker house, and guides Caleb through the sprawling, semi-chaotic mansion where creativity fills every corner.
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Suhas first introduces Om, who's busy creating quirky AI tools, then Surya, who is building 'WhisperWave,' an AI-powered air noise cancellation system.
Harish, just 16 and the youngest member of the house, is locked into his dual vertical monitors, working on an assistive robot to make hardware prototyping more accessible. Despite his age, Harish's intensity and focus stood out.
Elsewhere, Chandan is building 'Podcast Circles,' a tool aimed at enhancing group conversations with the help of AI.
Two more residents are refining payment models for AI-based startups, while another is developing a smart AI agent tailored for real estate dealers.
No hype, just hustle
What truly captured the internet's attention wasn't fancy demos or viral pitch decks. It was the quiet intensity. One developer was so focused on his work that he didn't even glance up when Caleb entered. 'No handshake… dude is locked in,' Caleb joked. The moment struck a chord with viewers, many of whom praised the dedication and work ethic. One comment read, 'Super inspiring,' while another described it as 'the definition of dedication.'
The Localhost engine powering it all
At the centre of this movement is Localhost, an initiative founded by entrepreneur Kei Hayashi. It's more than just a shared home with Wi-Fi. Localhost supports young tech talent between the ages of 16 and 22, offering everything from funding and computing credits to workspace, travel support, and a strong, collaborative community. The focus is on building real solutions fast, not chasing media attention.
Buzzing with curiosity and hope
Since the video crossed 1.4 million views, social media has been buzzing with excitement. 'Where exactly is this?' one user asked. 'HSR Layout,' Caleb responded. Others quickly chimed in, asking when similar hacker houses would come to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Hyderabad. While a few sceptics voiced doubts, the overwhelming sentiment was admiration and curiosity.
If the next big wave of Indian innovation is already taking shape, chances are it's being crafted late into the night in a house full of ambition, code, and snacks, with a giant Steve Jobs poster quietly watching over it all.
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