Startup Networks

AI Hack 2026 is a global innovation-focused hackathon designed to bring together STUDENTS who are interested in fields like developers, researchers, engineers, startup founders, designers, and technology enthusiasts who are passionate about Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. The hackathon serves as a collaborative platform where participants can build innovative solutions, experiment with advanced AI systems, and solve real-world challenges through technology. The objective of AI Hack 2026 is to encourage participants to move beyond theoretical concepts and develop practical, scalable, and impactful solutions powered by Artificial Intelligence. Participants are free to explore any domain, industry, or problem statement where AI can create measurable value. The hackathon is open to individuals and teams from all academic, technical, and professional backgrounds. Whether participants are beginners exploring AI for the first time or experienced engineers building advanced systems, AI Hack 2026 aims to provide an inclusive environment that promotes innovation, creativity, and technical growth. Participants are encouraged to leverage technologies such as: Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Generative AI Large Language Models (LLMs) Computer Vision Natural Language Processing Predictive Analytics Autonomous Systems AI Agents Robotics Cloud Computing Data Science AI for Business & Operations The event emphasises practical implementation, originality, and problem-solving. Participants may work on solutions related to healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, education, sustainability, productivity, enterprise systems, accessibility, infrastructure, operations, or completely open innovation concepts. AI Hack 2026 is structured to support innovation at every stage: Idea generation Research and validation Prototype development Technical implementation Product presentation Final evaluation The hackathon aims to create a meaningful experience where participants not only compete but also learn, collaborate, and gain exposure to industry-oriented development practices. Participants will also have the opportunity to: Showcase their work before experienced judges Build portfolio-worthy projects Gain recognition through certificates and awards Network with professionals and fellow innovators Explore interdisciplinary collaboration Demonstrate technical and presentation skills The judging process will focus on innovation, technical execution, scalability, presentation quality, and real-world impact. AI Hack 2026 is not limited to a single industry or use case. Participants are free to think creatively and develop solutions that push the boundaries of Artificial Intelligence. Judging Criteria Criteria Description Marks Innovation & Creativity Originality and uniqueness of the idea 20 Technical Implementation Quality of development and architecture 20 AI Integration Effective and meaningful use of AI technologies 20 Problem Solving Relevance and effectiveness of the solution 15 Scalability & Impact Real-world usability and growth potential 10 UI/UX & Design User experience and interface quality 5 Presentation & Documentation Clarity of explanation and demo 10 Total Marks: 100 Requirements Submission Requirements To ensure consistency and fairness during evaluation, all participants must follow the official submission guidelines. What Participants Need to Build Participants are required to submit an original project, prototype, research implementation, AI system, or technical solution related to Artificial Intelligence or emerging technologies. Projects may include: AI-powered web applications Machine learning models Generative AI systems AI agents and assistants NLP applications Computer vision systems AI automation tools Predictive analytics platforms AI for enterprise workflows AI-powered SaaS solutions Research-based AI prototypes Autonomous systems AI productivity tools AI infrastructure platforms Participants are encouraged to focus on: Innovation Practical implementation Real-world usability Technical depth Scalability User experience Mandatory Submission Components Each submission must include: 1. Project Title A clear and professional project title. 2. Problem Statement Explain the problem your project solves. 3. Solution Overview Describe your approach and implementation. 4. Demo / Prototype Participants must provide: Live demo link Hosted application Video walkthrough Prototype demonstration 5. Source Code Repository GitHub or equivalent repository access is mandatory. 6. Technical Documentation Include: Architecture Tech stack APIs used AI models/frameworks used 7. Use Case & Impact Explain: Target audience Real-world applications Future scalability 8. Team Details Include names and roles of all team members. Optional Enhancements Participants are encouraged to additionally submit: Presentation slides Product roadmap UI/UX mockups Market analysis AI training pipeline details Research references Performance benchmarks Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 5 non-cash prizes Second Place Winner – Excellence in Innovation Award 1 winner Official Runner-Up Certificate Featured Community Recognition Digital Excellence Badge Organiser Recognition Letter Featured Project Mention Early Access to Future Community Events Professional Achievement Documentation Third Place Winner – Emerging Builder Award 1 winner Official Achievement Certificate Community Recognition Badge Featured Participant Mention Appreciation Letter from Organising Team Future Event Priority Access Recognition Across Participant Community Special Theme Awards 10 winners Participants may also compete for special category awards: Best Generative AI Project Best AI for Healthcare Best AI Productivity Tool Best AI Agent System Best Machine Learning Implementation Best Enterprise AI Solution Best AI Research Project Best Beginner Project Best Open Innovation Idea Most Impactful AI Solution Referral Rewards Program 250 winners Participants can unlock exclusive rewards by referring friends, classmates, and developer communities. Referral Milestones 5+ Referrals Exclusive Referral Certificate Community Recognition 10+ Referrals Official Hackathon Swag Pack Special Goodies Delivered to Your Doorstep Premium Community Badge 20+ Referrals Featured Community Ambassador Recognition Priority Access to Future Events Exclusive Organiser Appreciation Letter Premium Swag Collection 50+ Referrals Elite Community Leader Recognition Exclusive Featured Profile Direct Collaboration Opportunities Special Organiser Recognition Package Premium Limited Edition Swags & Merchandise First Place Winner – Grand Innovation Award 1 winner Official Winner Certificate Featured Recognition Across Event Platforms Premium Digital Winner Badge Priority Consideration for Future Jury & Mentor Opportunities Exclusive AI Hack Champion Recognition Project Spotlight Across Community Channels Special Organiser Appreciation Letter Access to Private Innovation & Builder Network Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges The AI Hack Jury Panel If you want to judge then mail us !! Judging Criteria Problem Solving Presentation

Nexa Hack is an open-format technology challenge created for people who refuse to stay limited by traditional ideas of innovation. It is a high-intensity builder arena where developers, startup founders, engineers, designers, analysts, creators, and ambitious thinkers come together to transform raw ideas into powerful digital products. Unlike standard hackathons that revolve around repetitive themes and predictable projects, Nexa Hack is designed around one core belief: The future belongs to builders who can execute fast, think independently, and create solutions that actually matter. Nexa Hack is built for participants who want more than certificates and temporary recognition. It is for individuals and teams looking to test their creativity under pressure, validate disruptive concepts, collaborate with skilled innovators, and develop products capable of surviving beyond the competition itself. The event creates an ecosystem where innovation is treated like execution—not theory. Participants are encouraged to challenge outdated systems, rethink user experiences, and build solutions that improve how people live, work, communicate, learn, transact, and interact with technology. The hackathon focuses on real-world utility, product quality, strategic thinking, and scalability rather than simply rewarding flashy demos. Open to students, professionals, startup teams, freelancers, researchers, and independent innovators, Nexa Hack removes traditional barriers and creates a space where talent speaks louder than titles, backgrounds, or experience levels. The structure of Nexa Hack is intentionally dynamic and industry-driven. Participants can explore multiple domains including Artificial Intelligence, Smart Automation, Financial Technology, Digital Infrastructure, Productivity Systems, Cybersecurity, ClimateTech, Health Innovation, Blockchain, Creator Economy Tools, and Open Innovation. However, Nexa Hack is not limited to predefined categories. Some of the strongest innovations emerge when people build beyond conventional structures. That is why the platform actively encourages experimental thinking, unconventional product ideas, and disruptive concepts capable of redefining industries. At Nexa Hack, participants are not expected to think like participants. They are expected to think like founders, architects, creators, and future industry leaders. The hackathon environment is designed to simulate real innovation pressure. Teams must identify meaningful problems, validate ideas, build functional products, communicate their vision clearly, and demonstrate why their solution deserves attention in an increasingly competitive digital world. What makes Nexa Hack different is its culture. The platform is built around speed, creativity, adaptability, and execution. It rewards participants who can combine technical ability with practical thinking and product understanding. Whether someone is building AI-powered systems, consumer applications, decentralized platforms, productivity tools, or social impact technologies, the emphasis remains the same: Build something people would actually use. The name “Nexa” symbolizes next-generation thinking, connectivity, and evolution. Combined with the energy of a hackathon environment, Nexa Hack represents a space where modern innovators push beyond limitations and create what comes next. More than an event, Nexa Hack is a growing innovation movement focused on empowering creators who are ready to challenge ordinary thinking and build technology with purpose. Why Nexa Hack Exists Technology is evolving faster than ever before, but many real-world challenges still remain unsolved. Nexa Hack was created to bridge the gap between ideas and execution by giving innovators a platform to: Experiment fearlessly Build practical solutions Collaborate with skilled individuals Explore emerging technologies Develop industry-relevant experience Transform concepts into scalable products The goal is not simply to host another hackathon. The goal is to create a competitive innovation ecosystem where builders can learn, execute, grow, and gain visibility. Innovation Arenas Nexa Hack supports multiple innovation arenas designed to encourage bold experimentation and future-focused development. Artificial Intelligence & Autonomous Systems Create intelligent technologies capable of automation, reasoning, prediction, and adaptive learning. Potential project areas include: Generative AI tools AI copilots Smart assistants Intelligent automation systems Computer vision platforms Predictive analytics engines FinTech & Digital Transactions Build secure, scalable, and accessible financial technology solutions. Examples include: Smart payment systems Expense intelligence tools Digital banking experiences Crypto-powered utilities Fraud prevention systems Investment analytics platforms Productivity & Workflow Innovation Design systems that improve efficiency, collaboration, and digital operations. Examples include: Team productivity tools Workflow automation systems AI-powered organization platforms Smart scheduling systems Remote collaboration products Health Innovation & Wellness Develop technologies that improve healthcare access, wellness tracking, and patient experiences. Examples include: Telehealth platforms Wellness analytics tools Mental health applications Emergency support systems Smart health monitoring products ClimateTech & Sustainability Build technologies focused on environmental responsibility and sustainable innovation. Examples include: Resource optimization platforms Renewable energy systems Climate monitoring tools Smart recycling solutions Sustainability analytics products Education & Learning Platforms Transform how people learn, teach, and access educational opportunities. Examples include: Interactive learning systems Personalized education tools AI tutoring products Skill development platforms Career guidance applications Cybersecurity & Digital Trust Create technologies focused on privacy, security, and infrastructure protection. Examples include: Authentication systems Cyber defense tools Privacy-first applications Threat intelligence platforms Secure communication products Blockchain & Web3 Innovation Explore decentralized ecosystems and blockchain-powered applications. Examples include: Smart contract platforms Decentralized applications DAO infrastructure tools NFT utility systems Web3 identity solutions Social Impact & Accessibility Build solutions designed to improve accessibility, inclusion, and social well-being. Examples include: Accessibility technologies Public utility platforms Community support systems Rural technology products Inclusion-focused applications Open Innovation Arena An unrestricted category for disruptive ideas that challenge traditional categories. This arena is intended for creators building experimental, unconventional, or breakthrough products. Requirements Project Submission Requirements Teams are required to submit their projects through the official submission platform before the final deadline. Submissions must include: Working Product or Prototype A functional prototype demonstrating the core functionality and practical value of the solution. Source Code Repository Repository must include: Well-structured code Setup instructions Technical documentation Dependencies and frameworks used Product Presentation Presentation should clearly explain: Problem being solved Product functionality Innovation approach Technology stack Scalability potential Future roadmap Demo Video Teams must submit a concise demo video showcasing: Product workflow Key features User experience Technical implementation Documentation Detailed documentation describing: Architecture overview Product features Development methodology Potential real-world applications Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $41,000 in prizes TBD $4,100 in cash 10 winners To be Declared soon Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Abhinash Patel Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft Peijun ZhanZ Manager ByteDance Judging Criteria Design & Aesthetics Creativity

About KentHackIt We are proud to host University of Kent's first hackathon. It is run by the Computer Science Society committee at the university and will take place on campus. Timetable Day 1 - 9th May 9am - Registration Opens 10 am - Opening Ceremony 10:30 am - Hacking starts 12:30 pm - Lunch 1pm - Hacking with GitHub Copilot 3pm - Experiment with Google AI Studio 6pm - Dinner 7pm - HUK Cup Stacking 8pm - Yoga Day 2 - May 10th 2 am - Movie 5 am - Mini Game 8:30 am - Breakfast 9 am - Yoga 10:30 am - End Hacking 11 am - Devpost Deadline 12 pm - Judging Begins 1:30 pm - Lunch 2:30 pm - Closing Ceremony Requirements What to Build Build whatever you want and is doable in 24 hours. Whether it’s a cool idea, something you’ve wondered how it’s built (a file system, command-line tool, blockchain, AI model, etc.), or something you want to learn to build (a website, game) or a new language/software platform (Unity, C#, Haskell). What to Submit Project Name Link to GitHub Description of your project: What does your project do? What inspired your project? What did you learn? Table Number Picture of your project Names of all team members Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 12 non-cash prizes [Main Track] 1st Place 1 winner Mini Projector. Small enough to fit on your side table, find a white wall and watch away! [Main Track] 2nd Place 1 winner Handheld Retro Game Console! Stick in an SD cards and play games up to PS1 Era! [Main Track] 3rd place 1 winner Anker Power Bank Keep your devices energized whilst out and about [Main Track] Most Creative 1 winner Magnetic fidget pen A writing tool that transforms into a fidget! [Main Track] Hackers Choice 1 winner KentHackIt Teddy Bears Cuddly toys that shows off the event you won popular vote! [MLH] Best Use of Gemini API 1 winner Google Swag Kits It’s time to push the boundaries of what's possible with AI using Google Gemini. Check out the Gemini API to build AI-powered apps that make your friends say WHOA. So, what can Gemini do for your hackathon project? Understand language like a human and build a chatbot that gives personalized advice Analyze info like a supercomputer and create an app that summarizes complex research papers Generate creative content like code, scripts, music, and more Think of the possibilities… what will you build with the Google Gemini API this weekend? [MLH] Best Use of ElevenLabs 1 winner Wireless Earbuds Deploy natural, human-sounding audio with ElevenLabs. Create realistic, dynamic, and emotionally expressive voices for any project, from interactive AI companions to narrated stories and voice-enabled apps. ElevenLabs will empower you to build rich, immersive experiences without the need for actors or complex audio production, using simply the power of AI. Integrate fully autonomous audio experiences into your hack with ElevenLabs and give your project a voice, along with giving your team the chance to win some wireless earbuds! [MLH] Best Use of Solana 1 winner Ledger Nano S Plus The world of development is evolving fast and Solana is leading the charge with a network built to handle all of your infrastructure needs. Forget high fees and slow confirmations, it’s time to build applications that are fast, efficient, and scalable. Harness Solana's core advantages like blazing fast execution and near-zero transaction costs to make your hackathon ideas become real world projects. With Solana, the possibilities are endless. Create a game, social app, or consumer product that relies on instant, high-frequency transactions. Design a sophisticated trading, lending, or decentralized exchange (DEX). Build a prototype for supply chain, identity, or payments that can handle massive, real-world volume. Show us how you can innovate with Solana for a chance to win some cool prizes for you and each member of your team! [MLH] Best Use of Vultr 1 winner Portable Screens Vultr empowers hackers to bring their high-performance projects to life instantly; providing everything from the speed of one-click deployment and scalable cloud compute, to specialized Vultr Cloud GPUs that can power AI-driven applications. We want you to push the limits of what can be built when infrastructure is no longer the bottleneck! Sign up for a Vultr account today and claim your free cloud credits! Take your next hack to the cloud with Vultr for a chance to win some awesome portable screens for you and your team! [Hackathons UK] Best Use of AI Agents on Arm 1 winner Develop an innovative AI agent running on Arm hardware—from mobile devices to cloud servers! This challenge encourages leveraging LLMs, either on-device or via API, to create practical solutions. Show us the best use of AI agents on Arm and win a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W kit! Learn more at https://hackuk.org/arm [Hackathons UK] Hackiest Hack 1 winner Build something over-the-top over engineered and held together with string. Use your imagination. Our favourite project will win Shark Plushes for each team member. [RMS Diagnostics] Automotive Learning Improvements 1 winner Drones! Fly around and take videos with the 4k camera! Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Juman Mardini Paul Horton Major League Hacking Oscar Ryley Hackathons UK Judging Criteria Learn something new

Vector Vision is not just another weekend of coding; it is a premium, high-stakes competition for developers who are ready to put their skills where the money is. By charging an entry fee, we ensure a field of highly motivated, elite competitors and a prize pool that grows with the challenge. What Makes Us Special? The "Skin in the Game" Model: Your entry fee directly fuels a transparent, growing cash prize pool. We believe the best work happens when there is something real on the line. Elite Mentorship: Gain 1-on-1 access to multi-disciplinary mentors from top-tier tech firms who will help you refine your logic and presentation. Quality Over Quantity: Our judging criteria focus on real-world execution, technical complexity, and market viability. Industry Visibility: Winners don’t just get cash; they get featured in our partner newsletters and social media reach across the tech ecosystem. Requirements Project Requirements: What to Build For the inaugural Vector Vision sprint, we are hosting an "Open Innovation" challenge with a focus on Utility and Scalability. We want you to build a functional software solution that solves a real-world problem in one of the following tracks: FinTech & Yield: Tools for personal finance, automated budgeting, or micro-investment platforms. AI Productivity: Applications leveraging LLMs or AI agents to automate repetitive professional or creative tasks. Social Impact & Connectivity: Platforms that bridge gaps in community, education, or local commerce. Developer Tooling: Solutions that make the lives of other engineers easier (e.g., CLI tools, specialized IDE extensions, or debugging dashboards). Technical Constraint: Your solution must be a "Full-Stack" or "Working Prototype." We are looking for functional code, not just a UI mockup. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes ₹ 5,498 in prizes 1st Place ₹ 3,000 in cash 1 winner 2nd place ₹ 1,499 in cash 1 winner 3rd place ₹ 999 in cash 1 winner Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Rohit Kumar SDE3 @ Atlasx Judging Criteria Open Innovation Vector Vision: 48h online sprint for elite devs. Entry fee fuels the prize pool. Submit working GitHub repo & 2min demo. Judged on Logic (30), Execution (30), Innovation (20), & UX (20). Precision. Innovation. Stakes.

About the challenge Hack Days are 12-hour-or-less, in-person mini hackathons that emphasize using AI tools like Google Gemini to accelerate project development. They’re designed to be more accessible than traditional weekend-long hackathons, making it easier for organizers to host and participants to attend. During this event you will have the opportunity to participate in the challenges of your choice. Remember you can apply to both tracks! Best Use of Gemini API Best 3D Robot Simulation Requirements What to Build Best Use of Gemini API: see description below on Prizes section. Escentially we wanna see cool projects that have interesting uses of the Gemini API, remember we do not wanna see the regular chatbot calls. Think different! Who knows? Maybe you can do a robotic 3D simulation that uses the Gemini API to pick and place objects... The combinations are endless! Feel free to explore the different models Gemini has to offer Best 3D Robot Simulation: We will be releasing a hacker manual with instructions on the challenge aat 9:30 am on the day of the event. What to Submit GitHub Repository Devpost submission Video is optional but encouraged You will have 2-4 min to present (will be determined depending on the amount of submissions) Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 2 non-cash prizes Best Use of Gemini API 1 winner Google Swag Kits It’s time to push the boundaries of what's possible with AI using Google Gemini. Check out the Gemini API to build AI-powered apps that make your friends say WHOA. So, what can Gemini do for your hackathon project? Understand language like a human and build a chatbot that gives personalized advice Analyze info like a supercomputer and create an app that summarizes complex research papers Generate creative content like code, scripts, music, and more Think of the possibilities… what will you build with the Google Gemini API this weekend? Best 3D Robot Simulation 1 winner GitHub Octocats RoBorregos invites you to develop a 3D simulation of an autonomous robot capable of performing a task within a virtual environment. Your robot can focus on different tasks such as navigation, object manipulation, trajectory tracking, interaction with the environment, human interaction, obstacle avoidance, household chores, etc. You decide the approach. Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Prof. Nezih Tecnologico de Monterrey Hector Tovar RoBorregos Gilberto Malagamba RoBorregos Luis Pachuca RoBorregos Luis Rosales RoBorregos Juan Pablo Garcia RoBorregos Jocelyn Velarde MLH Judging Criteria Robot Autonomy Simulation Complexity Solution Creativity Clarity in Documentation Functionality Working demo

About the challenge Programmers, beginners and advanced alike, come show off the projects you made and are passionate about for a chance to win a prize. Get started The project can range from anything like a project you started at a hackathon and continued to develop and improve, a project you made during the semester or preferably a personal project you worked on because you were passionate about it and felt motivated! Requirements What to Build A project you are very proud of! What to Submit Your code, a demo of the working app, the members of your team, a description of what makes you passionate about the project, why you are proud of your work and difficulties you faced. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $CAD 500 in prizes Most Readable Code $CAD 100 in cash 1 winner W.I.C.S $CAD 100 in cash 1 winner B.E.S.T. $CAD 100 in cash 1 winner Best Aesthetics and Optimization $CAD 100 in cash 1 winner Most Creative $CAD 100 in cash 1 winner Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Leonardo Mascarenhas National Bank of Canada Alex Steinheuser Vilvert IllecoPOWER Yi Wang Franck Clerget Tail'ed Judging Criteria TBD

🚀 Welcome to Startup India X MarkSoc SBSC National Case Competition! Organized by MarkSoc — the official Marketing Society of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (SBSC), University of Delhi — in proud association with Startup India, Government of India, this is one of India's most prestigious national-level case competitions for college students. 🎯 About the Competition This competition challenges students from across India to analyze real-world business problems and present innovative, data-driven solutions. Whether it's marketing strategy, startup ideation, brand building, or business model innovation — if you have the brains and the passion, this stage is yours. 🏫 About MarkSoc SBSC MarkSoc is the premier marketing society of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi. Known for organizing high-impact events, workshops, and competitions, MarkSoc has consistently been a platform for nurturing future business leaders and marketing professionals. 🇮🇳 About Startup India Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country. This partnership brings national credibility and recognition to every participant. 📅 Event Schedule - Registration Opens: May 2026 - Submission Deadline: TBA - Results Announcement: May 9, 2026 🏆 What You Win - National-level participation certificate for all participants - Cash prizes & trophies for top teams - Recognition from Startup India - Networking with industry leaders & mentors - LinkedIn-worthy achievement for your portfolio 💡 Why Participate? ✔ Solve real business case studies ✔ Compete with the best minds across India ✔ Get mentored by industry experts ✔ Win recognition on a national platform ✔ Add a prestigious credential to your resume Requirements Teams must submit the following on Devpost: 1. 📄 Case Solution Presentation (PDF or PPT) - Maximum 15 slides - Must include: Problem Analysis, Proposed Solution, Market Research, Implementation Strategy, and Expected Impact 2. 📹 Pitch Video (2–5 minutes) - Upload to YouTube/Google Drive and share the link - Briefly explain your solution and approach 3. 📝 Executive Summary (max 500 words) - A concise written overview of your case solution 4. 👥 Team Details - Names, colleges, and enrollment/student ID proof of all members All submissions must be original work created during the competition period. Previously submitted or plagiarized work will be disqualified. Hackathon Sponsors DPIIT / Startup India MARKSOC Canva Prizes ₹ 3,000 in prizes Best Marketing Strategy ₹ 3,000 in cash 1 winner Awarded to the team presenting the most original, disruptive, and creatively engineered business solution. Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Amulya Pinson Judging Criteria Marketing & Brand Strategy Evaluation of branding, positioning, customer acquisition, communication strategy, and overall marketing effectiveness.

The MLT20 AI Buildathon, Powered by WNCP AI (May 5–14, 2026) is a one-week onramp plus weekend build sprint, capped by a live pitch finale on Day 3 of the MLT20 Conference (NYC Hilton Midtown, May 14, 2026). Participants build real AI-powered prototypes — solo or in teams of 1–5 — against one of three prompts. Two Round 1 winners and one Viewer's Choice winner pitch live; the overall winner is announced Thursday evening. Unlike traditional hackathons, this event focuses on: Increasing AI fluency across MLT alumni — hands-on AI exposure for a community largely new to building with AI A memorable MLT20 moment — a live pitch finale that produces marketing footage, alumni stories, and recap content Driving MLT20 ticket sales — one more reason to attend The three prompts: Career Navigation & Professional Networking — apps that help individuals manage and grow their careers. Learning, Training & Personalized Coaching — apps that teach, train, or surface curated guides tailored to one specific person. Personal Security & Family Safety — apps that protect individuals and households from modern threats (fraud, scams, deepfakes, identity exposure). Every submission must show a plausible path to sustainability — funding, paying users, or measurable impact. New ideas only. Daily Schedule (Hybrid): Date Time (ET) Format Event Fri, May 8, 2026 5:00 PM ET Virtual Kickoff Event (30 min) — Build weekend launch; Devpost submissions open. Fri, May 8, 2026 5:30 PM ET Virtual Coding 101 (1 hr) — Intro to modern AI build tools for non-coders. Sat, May 9, 2026 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Virtual Webinars + Office Hours Sun, May 10, 2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Virtual Webinars + Office Hours Tue, May 12, 2026 1:00 AM ET Online Submissions Due — Final Devpost deadline (no extensions). Tue, May 12, 2026 Daytime Online Round 1 Judging • Viewer's Choice voting opens to entire MLT20 conference. Wed, May 13, 2026 Evening Online Finalists Notified — 2 Round 1 winners + 1 Viewer's Choice winner. Thu, May 14, 2026 Daytime In-Person (NYC Hilton Midtown) Live Finalist Showcase • Viewer's Choice Award. Thu, May 14, 2026 Evening In-Person (NYC Hilton Midtown) Winner Announced This isn't just a hackathon — it's an onramp into the AI-first MLT alumni and WNCP AI Partner Network ecosystem. Requirements Round 1 — Virtual Submission (Due Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 1:00 AM ET) Submit on Devpost with the following: Required Demo Video (≤2 min) — Team intro + live product walkthrough. No slide-only videos. Usable Project Link — Link to a functional prototype hosted anywhere (Vercel, Lovable, own server, etc.). If login is required, include test credentials and instructions on how to use the prototype. Project Write-up: Product Name: One-sentence marketing tagline Product Overview: Short description of the product, target user, problem solved, and plausible path to sustainability How it works: Tools used, tech stack, technical aspects to be considered in judging Code Access — Public GitHub repo link with all keys/secrets hidden and clear README / run steps. AI Tools Disclosure — Models/services/AI tools used. Viewer's Choice Award Submission (optional) While not required, teams can submit a 30-60 second commercial for their project. These submissions will be voted on by participants and judges for a viewer's choice award. Marketing Video (30–60s): A commercial-style spot promoting your product (eligible for Viewer's Choice). Submission Checklist Project title, elevator pitch, and screenshots/cover Video URL, live URL, repo URL Team members added on Devpost (solo or teams of 1–5) Tech / AI tools used and category/track (one of the three prompts) Credentials (if needed) in the "Testing Instructions" field Round 2 — Finale (Live Pitch & Demo, Thu 5/14/26) Finalists announced Wed evening (May 13). At the finale, each of the 3 finalists (2 Round 1 winners + 1 Viewer's Choice winner) delivers a live pitch on stage at MLT20. At least one team member must be registered for MLT20 to present at the finale. Finalist teams without a registered member receive up to 3 complimentary tickets. Format 3 finalists pitch live at MLT20 (NYC Hilton Midtown) Viewer's Choice award presented during the live finale Overall winner announced Thursday evening 6‑minute VC‑style pitch & Demo (problem, solution, market, traction, GTM, differentiation) Q&A at judges' discretion Final Submission Requirements Pitch deck (PDF or link) with a clear story and metrics Updated demo link/credentials if changed since submission Intellectual Property All submitted project code and IP remain the sole property of the participants, but participants grant a royalty-free license to MLT and WNCP AI for non-commercial private use of marketing, promotion, and research. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 1 non-cash prize MLT Public Recognition 1 winner Social Media and Conference Recognition of the Win Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Mark Taguchi MLT Luis Calderon Kareem Williams Peepalytics Judging Criteria 30% Problem & Audience Fit Clear, real problem tied to one of the three prompts; specific target user 25% Total Potential Impact (People & Value) Potential monetization, social, or human impact based on number of users and value gained per person 25% Demo & Storytelling Compelling video walkthrough and clear written narrative 10% Prototype Quality Functional, accessible app that delivers on the pitch 10% Sustainability Ability to support the app and operations through the business model

About the challenge: Teams/Indidviduals can use any vibe coding app they want. Build a workflow automation tool/software that an industry can use. Judges will evaluate app/idea. Winners get $100 Requirements What to Submit: 1. GDoc/Gdrive with links to: Live link of your tool Pitch Deck Code evidence/Github. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $100 in prizes Winner $100 in cash 1 winner Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Nandini Sharma KHAQH Vinod Guru Founder, BetterFuture Sakshat Hegde Judging Criteria Innovation Impact

About the challenge This hackathon is designed to bring together builders, thinkers, and problem-solvers to tackle real-world sustainability challenges using technology. This is an in-person hackathon, where participants collaborate on-site, exchange ideas, and build solutions within a high-energy, focused environment. The goal is not just to prototype, but to think deeply about system design, usability, and real-world constraints. Get started Choose a problem statement that resonates with you Problem Statement 1: Sustainable Decision Engine (Link) Problem Statement 2: Building a Traceable Waste Flow Network (Link) Understand the real-world context and constraints Start building a solution that is both innovative and practical Focus on creating something that doesn’t just work in theory but can actually be implemented in the real world. Requirements What to Build Develop a working prototype (web app, mobile app, or system design with functional components) Focus on core logic and system design, not just UI Solve a real world sustainability problem from the problem statements Ensure the solution is practical, scalable, and implementable What to Submit Project Title & Description Clear explanation of the problem and your solution Solution Approach How your system works (architecture, logic, key decisions) Source Code GitHub (or similar) repository with proper README Hackathon Sponsors Prizes ₹ 15,000 in prizes Prize ₹ 15,000 in cash 1 winner 1st Place Winner ₹7,000 Cash Prize Featured on Grevoro Platform Certificate of Excellence 2nd Place Winner ₹5,000 Cash Prize Featured on Grevoro Platform Certificate of Excellence 3rd Place Winner ₹3,000 Cash Prize Featured on Grevoro Platform Certificate of Excellence 4th and 5th Place Winner Featured on Grevoro Platform Certificate of Excellence All Participants Get: Industry Expert Feedback Certificate of Participation Top-performing participants may receive: Internship opportunities with the organizing team/company Full-time job opportunities based on performance, technical approach, and overall fit Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Arnold Nitin M S Founding Member/Grevoro Judging Criteria Judging Criteria Problem Understanding and Clarity – 20% System Design and Code– 30% Innovation and Creativity – 20% Practicality and Feasibility – 15% Implementation and Prototype – 15%

About the challenge Get hands-on UX design experience by challenging the norm with out-of-the-box ideas. Join us in kicking off our annual Designathon from May 7th through May 10th. During this time, students will participate in various design workshops and meet new friends from other US/Canada college campuses to tackle a 0-1 design challenge together! Register here (all members in a team must register): forms.gle/JEfcWM2mPTpTTZRQ7 And be sure to join our Discord server for all event updates, communication with organizers, and for looking for team-mates if needed! Learn more about SB Creative Lab here: https://www.sbcreativelab.com/ Requirements What to Build Please reference the Design Brief for the full prompt and submission requirements as either a beginner's or intermediate+ team. What to Submit Please have only one person per team submit the project, and please submit a working link of a Figma or Adobe XD prototype along with a abstract and/or description of your product. A 150-400 word abstract that explains how this solution addresses the target audience’s needs and solves the prompt in an innovative way Hint: include any user or market research, hypotheses, or any other information/data/inspiration used to help your make your design decisions Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 1 non-cash prize Jellycats, Wingstop gift cards, blind boxes 6 winners Prizes include: Jellycats (6), Wingstop gift cards (6), blind boxes (6). Three winners for Intermediate level and three winners for Beginner level. Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Jenna Verbryke Bruce Kim Patricia Fancher Mandy Yoshida Judging Criteria Rubric Rubric is linked on Designathon Discord channel

About the challenge You can hack in the lab or at home. We'll be looking at discord for any online participants. We plan to take all day saturday to hack, then up to 12pm (tentative, depends on vibes and completion) on Sunday. We'll be deciding the Theme on Friday May 8th at 4pm. In the discord we'll post the theme. You don't have to follow it, but it can be an inspiration Get started Ask on the discord! Requirements What to Build Anything What to Submit Anything Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 1 non-cash prize Happiness 1 winner Noneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Dr Cruz VARLAB meeting Judging Criteria Fun It Works Video to show people

BOSS Codefest is a student-led hackathon available to students at Bur Oak Secondary School. The goal of this hackathon is to empower students to learn more about software development through creating projects with teams and pitching them to a panel of teacher judges. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes $CAD 200 in prizes BEST OVERALL $CAD 100 in cash 1 winner BEST DESIGN $CAD 50 in cash 1 winner BEST PITCH $CAD 50 in cash 1 winner Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Teachers Bur Oak Secondary School Judging Criteria Creativity Is this project a unique idea or a significant twist on an existing solution? Did the team implement unique and creative solutions to problem(s)? Complexity Is this project something that could easily be replicated given a few prompts to an AI model? Did the team implement complex algorithms, complex states, or similarly difficult components? Impact How well does the project align with the hackathon topic? How feasible would this project be as a real product? Design Does the project have a consistent theme and appearance? Is the project accessible? Does the project follow good user experience principles? Pitch Did the team clearly define a problem and how their project addresses this problem? Did the presenters speak clearly and communicate technical details simply?

Hack The Drone – MATLAB Hackathon UniBo is an in-person student challenge hosted at the University of Bologna. During the event, participants will work in teams to solve a drone-related engineering challenge using MATLAB and Simulink. The hackathon is designed for students who want to test their coding, simulation, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in a competitive but friendly environment. No previous hackathon experience is required. Participants will receive the necessary instructions and resources at the beginning of the event. Event details: Friday, 29 May 2026 13:00 – 18:00 Classroom 4.1 Teams can include up to 4 participants. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team, and gadgets will be available for all participants. Hackathon Sponsors Prizes €50 in prizes Gift card €50 in cash 1 winner Amazon Gift Card and lot of matlab Gadgets Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges Gabriele Boico Judging Criteria Track completion and performance The solution will be evaluated based on the number of tracks successfully completed and the drone’s performance in the simulation. Accuracy of track interpretation The solution should correctly interpret the path/track and react appropriately during the simulation. Image processing approach The image processing logic used to detect and follow the track will be evaluated in terms of correctness, robustness, and effectiveness. Stateflow/path-planning algorithm The decision-making and path-planning logic will be evaluated based on clarity, robustness, and ability to guide the drone through the track. Simulation quality The submitted model should run correctly and demonstrate stable drone behavior in the simulation environment.

Code N Connect is a dynamic day designed to bring together passionate developers, innovators, and learners under one roof to collaborate, build, and create impactful tech solutions. Mandatory Registration: https://events.mlh.io/events/14223-connect-n-code? Requirements Teams must build a working prototype or project created during event that demonstrates creativity and technical skill. Submissions should include: A short project description The GitHub repository link A demo video or screenshots Details on how the Gemini API was used Hackathon Sponsors Prizes 1 non-cash prize Best Use Of Gemini API 3 winners Goodies and Credita Devpost Achievements Submitting to this hackathon could earn you: <%= name %> <% if (has_levels) { %> level <%= next_level %> <% } %> Judges AK Sharma Industry Mentor Judging Criteria Juding Criteria Projects will be judged on creativity, technical execution, Gemini API use, impact, and presentation. Judges seek projects that showcase originality, solid implementation, and meaningful collaboration in solving real-world problems.