To participate in the "Driving Innovation with Generative AI" course, you will need to subscribe individually to OpenAI's ChatGPT 4.0 application, as it is a primary tool used in the coursework. Please note that this subscription is not included with the course. Additionally, a stable internet connection and a computer capable of running the necessary software for generative AI applications are essential. There are no specific hardware requirements, but ensuring your system can handle modern web applications will enhance your learning experience.