About the challenge

This hackathon is an open-ended AI problem-solving challenge. Participants are free to identify a real-world problem of their choosing and design a solution using modern AI tools and techniques.

Rather than restricting teams to a narrow theme, the event emphasizes:

  • Creative problem selection

  • Practical, real-world impact

  • Thoughtful use of AI (LLMs, APIs, automation, data, agents, etc.)

  • Clear articulation of why the solution matters

Projects can span any domain (healthcare, education, productivity, climate, finance, accessibility, etc.), as long as AI plays a meaningful role in the solution.

Teams will be evaluated on problem clarity, technical implementation, innovation, and potential impact.

Get started

  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 usagd

No prior hackathon experience is required. This event is designed to be welcoming to beginners while still offering depth and challenge for experienced builders.

Requirements

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.

What to Submit

Each team must submit the following on Devpost:

  • 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)

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

1 non-cash prize
amazon gift card
1 winner

50$ amazon gift card

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

David Cao

Judging Criteria

  • Problem
    Clear problem statement and who it affects Why it matters (severity, frequency, stakes) Potential real-world usefulness 20 points
  • 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 20 points
  • Technical Execution
    Working prototype/demo System design is coherent (data flow, components, reliability) Handles basic edge cases and failure modes 30 points
  • Uniqueness
    Novel approach, unique insight, or strong twist on an existing idea Clear advantage over “simple prompt + UI” solutions 15 points
  • User Experience
    Easy to understand and use Clean demo, clear onboarding, and sensible outputs Communicates results in a helpful way 15 points

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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