About the challenge

The world doesn't need another AI demo.

Every day, thousands of AI projects are launched. Most never move beyond a prototype, a landing page, or a collection of prompts. What the world truly needs are AI products that solve real problems, save time, create value, and earn a place in people's daily lives.

AI Builders Hackathon is designed for builders who want to go beyond experimentation and create software that matters.

Over the course of the challenge, participants will design, build, and launch AI-powered applications, agents, workflows, and platforms that address real-world needs. Whether you're creating a productivity tool, developer platform, research assistant, business automation system, education solution, healthcare application, or an entirely new category of software, the focus remains the same: build something useful.

We are not looking for pitch decks, concept videos, or AI wrappers with minimal differentiation. We are looking for products that demonstrate thoughtful problem solving, strong technical execution, excellent user experience, and clear value for users.

The best submissions will be those that people can actually use, adopt, and recommend. Projects should showcase how AI can move beyond novelty and become a meaningful part of everyday workflows.

This is your opportunity to build the product you've always wanted to exist, validate your ideas with experienced judges, gain visibility within the AI community, and compete alongside some of the most ambitious builders from around the world.

If you can build something that makes people say, "I would use this tomorrow," you're exactly who this challenge is for.

Get started

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 with:

  • Project description
  • Demo video
  • Source code repository
  • Presentation or documentation

7. Present your project to judges and compete for prizes, recognition, and opportunities.

Who Can Participate?

• Students

• Developers

• Designers

• Startup founders

• AI enthusiasts

Whether you're new to AI or an experienced builder, everyone is welcome to participate and create something impactful.

Requirements

What to Build

Build an AI product that solves a real problem.

We encourage teams to focus on creating products that people would genuinely want to use beyond the hackathon.

Your project may 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 an entirely new category of AI-powered product.

What to Submit

To complete your participation in the AI Builders Hackathon, each team must submit the following materials before the submission deadline.

1. Project Submission Form

Complete the official submission form with your project details, including team information, project name, description, and all required links.

2. Working Product

Your submission must include a functional prototype, application, platform, agent, or software solution that demonstrates the core capabilities of your project. Judges should be able to understand and evaluate how your product works.

3. Source Code

Provide a public GitHub repository containing the source code for your project. The repository should include clear documentation, setup instructions, and any information required to review your work.

4. Demo Video

Submit a video of up to 5 minutes showcasing your project. The video should clearly explain:

• The problem being solved

• How the solution works

• Key features and functionality

• The role of AI within the product

• A live demonstration of the product in action

5. Presentation Deck

Submit a presentation deck of up to 10 slides covering:

• Problem Statement

• Solution Overview

• Target Users

• Product Features

• Technical Architecture

• AI Technologies Used

• Impact and Value Proposition

• Future Roadmap

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$5,000 in prizes
Best SaaS Product
$5,000 in cash
1 winner

Top IDEA will get Exposure

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

OSC

OSC

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation & Creativity (20%)
    Judges will assess the originality and uniqueness of the idea, including how creatively AI technologies are applied to solve a problem.
  • Technical Implementation (25%)
    Projects will be evaluated on the quality of their technical execution, including the design and implementation of AI models, agents, workflows, and system architecture.
  • Problem Solving & Impact (25%)
    Judges will evaluate how well the solution addresses user needs, its practical applicability, potential real-world impact, and the clarity with which benefits and outcomes are demonstrated.
  • User Experience & Design (15%)
    Judges will assess the quality of the user interface, ease of use, workflow design, accessibility considerations, and the overall polish and usability of the product.
  • Presentation & Demo (15%)
    Teams will be evaluated on how effectively they communicate their project vision, solution, and technical decisions.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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