SPEED September AI Challenge

Overview

The SPEED September AI Challenge is a premier virtual hackathon organized by Prometheus CS, targeting the next generation of innovators, developers, and creators in artificial intelligence and machine learning. This event focuses on leveraging AI to solve real-world problems. The challenge invites participants, including AI enthusiasts, data scientists, and creative designers, to build, collaborate, and showcase their skills on a global stage. It is designed to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence to create meaningful solutions. Participants are tasked with developing an educational tool that utilizes AI/Machine Learning to transform learning, teaching, or information absorption. The goal is to make knowledge more accessible, engaging, or personalized through innovative AI applications. Over $1,500 in prizes will be awarded across multiple categories, including cash prizes for the top three places and certificates for the top ten. Judging criteria include educational impact, creative use of AI/ML, technical execution, and the quality of the pitch and demo video.

What to build

An educational tool that leverages the power of AI/Machine Learning to transform how people learn, teach, or absorb information. The project should aim to make knowledge more accessible, engaging, or personalized.

Prizes

Key dates

• Start Date2026-09-01T00:00:00Z
• Submission Deadline2026-09-05T00:00:00Z
• Deadline2026-09-20T17:00:00PDT

Eligibility

All countries/territories, excluding standard exceptions.

How to enter

1. Click the "Sign Up" button to create your hacker profile and secure your spot in the challenge.
2. Browse official community channels to find teammates, or enter solo. Teams can be up to 4 members.
3. Design, code, and submit a working prototype along with a 2-minute video demonstration by September 5th.

Submission requirements

• A 2 minute demo video showcasing your project.
• Source Code (e.g., GitHub Repository).

Judging criteria

• Educational Impact (25 pts): How effectively does the tool solve a real problem in education? Does it genuinely help people learn, teach, or understand a concept better?
• Creative Use of AI/ML (25 Points): How clever and meaningful is the integration of machine learning? Projects where AI is core to the functionality, not just an afterthought, are preferred.
• Technical Execution (25 Points): Is the application functional, stable, and intuitive to use? Judges will look at the quality of the codebase, user interface (UI), and overall user experience (UX).
• The Pitch & Demo (25 Points): How well did the team communicate their vision? Points are awarded for a clear, concise, and engaging 2-minute video that clearly explains the "why" and "how" behind the project.