AI Hackathon 2026 by LA Hacks

Overview

LA Hacks is hosting its AI Hackathon 2026 on campus at UCLA, inviting participants, mentors, and sponsors to engage in learning, development, and innovation. Building on the success of previous in-person hackathons, the event aims to foster a creative environment for hackers to shape the future of AI. Participants are encouraged to apply at ai.lahacks.com and must be accepted, RSVP'd, and attend in person to participate. The hackathon focuses on pushing the boundaries of AI technology to solve real-world challenges, with projects expected to align with specified tracks and demonstrate innovative use of technology. The event provides a platform for college students to develop and showcase their technical skills, product thinking, and originality. It's an opportunity to collaborate, learn from mentors, and contribute to the next generation of technological innovation. For those interested in mentoring, judging, or sponsoring, the team can be reached at ai.lahacks.com.

What to build

Participants must build a project that aligns with one of the provided tracks and demonstrates innovative use of technology to solve real-world challenges. Projects should go beyond simple integrations or templates, show clear engineering effort, thoughtful system design, and meaningful technical implementation, while also addressing a clear problem with a believable real-world impact.

Prizes

Key dates

• Hackathon DatesOct 17 – 18, 2026
• Submissions OpenSoon

Eligibility

Participants must be above the legal age of majority in their country of residence and currently enrolled college students. Individuals from all countries/territories are eligible, excluding standard exceptions.

How to enter

1. Visit ai.lahacks.com to learn more and apply.
2. Be accepted to the hackathon.
3. RSVP to confirm your attendance.
4. Attend the hackathon in person.
5. Submit your project via Devpost by the deadline.

Submission requirements

• Project Description: A brief explanation of what your project does, the problem it solves, the track it falls under, and how it applies to submitted company challenges.
• Code Repository: A public GitHub repository (or equivalent) containing well-documented source code.
• Demo Video (2-3 min): A walkthrough showcasing the project's features, functionality, and how it works.
• Devpost Submission: A complete Devpost page with a clear summary, technologies used, and any additional resources (e.g., Figma designs, API docs).
• Presence in person for the judging phase to be eligible for prizes.

Judging criteria

• Technical Depth: Assesses technical sophistication, clear engineering effort, thoughtful system design, and meaningful technical implementation beyond simple integrations or templates.
• Product Thinking & Impact: Evaluates understanding of the problem and user, thoughtful product design, a clear use case, and believable real-world impact.
• Execution & Polish: Judges working functionality, a smooth demo, and a cohesive product experience achieved during the hackathon.
• Originality & Insight: Looks for fresh ideas, creative thinking, clever implementations, or unique insights that make the project stand out.

Resources

• Official Application Page
• Full Rules
• Hackathon Manager Email