GatewayGS Hackathon 2

Overview

The GatewayGS Hackathon 2 is an online, public event focused on developing AI tools to address real-world problems. This hackathon is designed to be open-ended, allowing participants to choose any problem they wish to solve, as long as AI plays a significant role in the solution. The event emphasizes creativity in problem selection, practical real-world impact, and thoughtful application of AI technologies such as LLMs, APIs, automation, data, and agents. Participants are encouraged to build working projects that clearly identify a problem, use AI as a core component, and demonstrate technical thoughtfulness, creativity, and potential impact. Acceptable project types include web/mobile applications, AI agents/automation workflows, and developer tools/APIs. Any programming language, framework, model, or platform can be used, including open-source tools and APIs. The judging criteria focus on the clarity of the problem statement, the usefulness and appropriateness of AI in the solution, technical execution, uniqueness of the approach, and user experience. The hackathon is beginner-friendly, welcoming participants with no prior hackathon experience, while also offering challenges for experienced builders. Submissions must include a project title, short description, problem statement, solution overview, AI usage explanation, a demo (video, live link, or screenshots), and a link to the source code. The deadline for all submissions is September 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM EDT.

What to build

Build a working project that uses AI in a meaningful way to solve a real-world problem of your choosing. Your project should: - Clearly identify a problem or pain point - Use AI as a core component of the solution (not just a superficial add-on) - Demonstrate technical thoughtfulness, creativity, and potential impact Acceptable project types include (but are not limited to): - Web or mobile applications - AI agents or automation workflows - Developer tools or APIs You may use any programming language, framework, model, or platform. Open-source tools, APIs, and sponsor tools are all allowed.

Prizes

Key dates

• Deadline2026-09-16T17:00:00-04:00

How to enter

1. Form a team (or work solo)
2. Identify a problem you care about or have personally observed
3. Design and build an AI-powered solution using any tools or platforms you choose
4. Submit your project with a short explanation of the problem, solution, and AI usage

Submission requirements

• Project title and short description
• Problem statement – what problem you are solving and why it matters
• Solution overview – how your project works
• AI usage explanation – how AI is used and why it improves the solution
• Demo – video, live demo link, or screenshots showing your project in action
• Source code or repository link (public or private with access)

Judging criteria

• Problem: - Clear problem statement and who it affects - Why it matters (severity, frequency, stakes) - Potential real-world usefulness
• AI Usefulness & Appropriateness: - AI is a core part of the solution (not a gimmick) - Model/tool choice makes sense for the task - Clear explanation of what AI does vs. what code/rules do
• Technical execution: - Working prototype/demo - System design is coherent (data flow, components, reliability) - Handles basic edge cases and failure modes
• Uniqueness: - Novel approach, unique insight, or strong twist on an existing idea - Clear advantage over “simple prompt + UI” solutions
• User experience: - Easy to understand and use - Clean demo, clear onboarding, and sensible outputs - Communicates results in a helpful way