Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- Iris Hacks
- Opens
- 8/8/2026
In short
Iris Hacks IV is a 2-day virtual hackathon for students aged 13+ to learn about AI and coding, compete for cash prizes up to $250, and create impactful projects.
Iris Hacks IV
By Iris Hacks
CompetitionOpens 8/8/2026Opens in 8 days
Aug 8 – 9, 2026
Dates
$400
Total prizes
Virtual
Location
Students, 13+
Who can participate
55
Participants
Overview
Iris Hacks IV is a free, virtual hackathon designed to introduce students to the world of AI and coding. Over two days, participants will engage in hands-on workshops covering Python, AI/ML, web development, and more. The event emphasizes mentorship and teamwork, encouraging students to innovate and create. The challenge focuses on how AI can create real impact. Participants will develop projects using Python, AI/ML, web development, or a combination, utilizing online tools taught during the hackathon. The goal is to build a web application using AI tools of their choice that solves a problem or creates something innovative and useful. Iris Hacks aims to inspire a love for technology and make programming fun and accessible for students. It provides a platform for learning, creating, and competing, with opportunities to win exciting prizes. Stay tuned for more information on specific awards and updates.
What to build
Develop a project using Python, AI/ML, web development, or any combination of these technologies, utilizing online tools taught during the hackathon. Participants will use AI tools of their choosing to build a web app. Projects should aim to solve a problem or create something innovative and useful using the power of AI.
Prizes
1st Place Overall
Awarded to the project that showcases the best innovation and impact overall. The project should have a clear purpose and a well-thought-out solution to an existing problem.
$250 cash prize + $300 in Featherless credits
2nd Place Overall
$100 cash
3rd Place Overall
$50 cash
Key dates
- Hackathon BeginsAugust 8, 2026
- Hackathon EndsAugust 9, 2026
Eligibility
Participants must be ages 13 or older and currently students. Companies and professional organizations are excluded from participation. The hackathon is open to participants from all countries and territories, excluding standard exceptions.
How to enter
- Register on the hackathon website (irishacks.org).
- Join our communication channels (Discord) for updates and support.
- Attend the opening ceremony to kickstart your journey.
- Submit a link to your project's code page.
- Submit a detailed description of your project.
Submission requirements
- A link to your project's code page.
- A detailed description of your project, including the technologies used, the problem it solves, and any challenges faced.
Judging criteria
- Innovation and Originality: Evaluates the uniqueness and creativity of the AI application, looking for novel problem-solving approaches.
- Impact and Relevance: Assesses the project’s potential to address real-world issues, prioritizing practicality and significance.
- Presentation and Communication: Focuses on the clarity and effectiveness of presenting the project, including organization, visual aids, and overall delivery.
- Execution and Functionality: Measures how well the project functions in practice, evaluating stability, user interface, and overall completion.
Sponsors & partners
FeatherlessJulian Toha