AI Builders Hackathon

Overview

The AI Builders Hackathon aims to move beyond conceptual AI demos to foster the creation of tangible, useful AI products. Participants are encouraged to design, build, and launch AI-powered applications, agents, workflows, and platforms that address genuine real-world needs and create value. This challenge seeks submissions that demonstrate thoughtful problem-solving, robust technical execution, and excellent user experience, ultimately creating products people would integrate into their daily lives. The focus is on building software that solves problems, saves time, and provides clear utility, rather than just showcasing AI capabilities. Whether developing a productivity tool, a developer platform, a research assistant, or a healthcare application, the goal is to create something impactful. The hackathon provides an opportunity for builders to validate their ideas, gain visibility within the AI community, and compete globally. Participants are expected to deliver working prototypes that go beyond minimal AI wrappers or simple concept pitches. The ideal outcome is a product that users would genuinely recommend and adopt, showcasing AI as a meaningful part of everyday workflows.

What to build

Participants must build an AI product that solves a real problem. This can be an AI application, autonomous agent, multi-agent system, developer tool, workflow automation platform, research assistant, productivity tool, education solution, healthcare application, business software, creative tool, or a new category of AI-powered product. The emphasis is on creating products that people would genuinely want to use beyond the hackathon.

Prizes

Key dates

• Hackathon Start DateAugust 1, 2026
• Submission DeadlineAugust 25, 2026

Eligibility

Participants must be above the legal age of majority in their country of residence. Only students are eligible; companies and professional organizations are excluded from participation. The hackathon is open to participants from all countries/territories, excluding standard exceptions.

How to enter

1. Register for the AI Builders Hackathon.
2. Form your team or participate individually.
3. Explore the challenge themes, resources, and sponsor technologies.
4. Brainstorm ideas and identify a real-world problem to solve.
5. Build an AI-powered solution, agent, workflow, or application.
6. Submit your project before the deadline.
7. Present your project to judges and compete for prizes, recognition, and opportunities.

Submission requirements

• Project Submission Form: Complete the official submission form with project details, team information, project name, description, and all required links.
• Working Product: A functional prototype, application, platform, agent, or software solution demonstrating core capabilities. Judges should be able to understand and evaluate its operation.
• Source Code: A public GitHub repository containing the source code with clear documentation, setup instructions, and any information needed for review.
• Demo Video: A video up to 5 minutes showcasing the project. It should explain the problem, solution, key features, AI's role, and include a live demonstration.
• Presentation Deck: A deck up to 10 slides covering problem statement, solution overview, target users, product features, technical architecture, AI technologies used, impact/value proposition, and future roadmap.

Judging criteria

• Innovation & Creativity (20%): Originality and uniqueness of the idea, including creative application of AI technologies.
• Technical Implementation (25%): Quality of technical execution, design and implementation of AI models, agents, workflows, and system architecture.
• Problem Solving & Impact (25%): How well the solution addresses user needs, its practical applicability, potential real-world impact, and clarity of demonstrated benefits.
• User Experience & Design (15%): Quality of user interface, ease of use, workflow design, accessibility, and overall polish and usability.
• Presentation & Demo (15%): Effectiveness in communicating project vision, solution, and technical decisions.

Resources

• Full Rules
• Hackathon Calendar (Apple)
• Hackathon Calendar (Google)
• Hackathon Calendar (Outlook)