A Global AI Hackathon | November 7 to December 7, 2026 | $5,000 in Prizes
Great ideas deserve the opportunity to become reality.
SLAY HACKS 2026 brings together students, developers, designers, researchers and innovators from around the world to explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence and build solutions that matter.
Over the course of one month, participants will have the opportunity to turn their ideas into working projects, tackle real world challenges and demonstrate what they can achieve with AI.
Whether you are an experienced developer or taking part in your first hackathon, we welcome you to bring your perspective, challenge conventional thinking and create something meaningful.
What Can You Build?We welcome original projects that use artificial intelligence to address real problems or create new possibilities.
You can explore areas such as education, healthcare, sustainability, business, productivity, generative AI, intelligent agents and responsible AI.
There are no restrictions on your creativity beyond the official hackathon rules. What matters is the problem you choose to solve and the value your solution brings.
Why Participate?Compete for $5,000 in prizes. Get your work recognized and compete alongside innovators from around the world.
Showcase your skills. Turn your ideas into working solutions and demonstrate your technical and creative abilities.
Learn by building. Explore AI technologies, experiment with new approaches and gain practical experience.
Connect with innovators. Become part of a community of people who share your interest in technology and innovation.
Who Can Participate?We welcome eligible students, developers, designers, researchers, independent builders and AI enthusiasts.
You can participate individually or with a team, subject to the official eligibility and team requirements.
You do not need to be an AI expert to take part. A willingness to learn, experiment and build is a great place to start.
Important DatesNovember 7, 2026: Hackathon begins.
December 7, 2026: Final project submission deadline.
December 8 to 14, 2026: Judging period.
December 16, 2026: Planned winner announcement.
All submission deadlines will follow the date, time and timezone displayed on the official Devpost page.
How Projects Will Be EvaluatedSubmissions will be assessed on:
Innovation and Originality: 25%
Technical Implementation: 25%
Real World Impact: 20%
AI Integration and Responsible Use: 15%
User Experience and Presentation: 15%
We value originality, meaningful use of AI, thoughtful execution and the potential to make a real difference.
Our VisionAt SLAY HACKS, we believe innovation grows when people are given the opportunity to experiment, collaborate and bring their ideas to life.
Our goal is to create a platform where emerging talent can demonstrate its abilities, explore new technologies and contribute to the future of artificial intelligence.
We are excited to see the ideas, effort and creativity that participants from around the world will bring to this challenge.
Join SLAY HACKS 2026One idea can be the beginning of something extraordinary.
Take on the challenge, bring your vision to life and show the world what you can build.
SLAY HACKS 2026
Build Bold. Think Beyond. Create with AI.
Register and learn more:
https://slayy-hacks.devpost.com/
Organized by the SLAY HACKS Student Community and Organization.
Requirements
We want to see ideas turned into working solutions.
For SLAY HACKS 2026, participants are expected to develop an original project that uses artificial intelligence to address a problem, improve an existing process, or create something new.
We encourage creative thinking, meaningful AI applications and thoughtful execution.
What Should You Build?Your project should demonstrate a clear use of artificial intelligence and have a purpose beyond simply showcasing technology.
You are welcome to explore generative AI, machine learning, AI agents, automation, natural language processing, computer vision, predictive systems and other areas of AI.
Projects should include a working prototype or a functional demonstration of the proposed solution.
What Should You Submit?Please include the following information with your Devpost submission.
1. Project Name and Overview
Provide a clear project title and a brief explanation of what you have built.
2. Problem and Solution
Describe the problem you are addressing, who your solution is intended for, and how it helps solve that problem.
3. AI Implementation
Explain which AI models, APIs, frameworks or technologies you used and how they contribute to the functionality of your project.
4. Working Demo
Provide a link to your application or prototype. Include access instructions where necessary. A demonstration video may be provided if a live demo is not available.
5. Screenshots
Include relevant screenshots that showcase your project's interface, features and functionality.
6. Source Code
Provide a link to your GitHub repository or another accessible code repository. Include basic documentation and setup instructions.
7. Project Demonstration Video
We recommend a short video of approximately 2 to 4 minutes introducing your project, explaining its
Prizes
Grand Prize
1st Place / Grand Prize: $2,000 cash prize plus top-tier sponsor perks, digital certificates, mentorship sessions, and global platform spotlight.
Runner-Up
Runner-Up: $1,200 cash prize plus digital swag and certificates
3rd Place / Third Place
3rd Place / Third Place: $800 cash prize plus digital swag and certificates
Best Beginner Hack
Best Beginner Hack: $500 cash prize awarded to the top-scoring project built entirely by first-time hackathon participants.
Participation Perk
Participation Perk: Official digital certificates awarded to all registered participants.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Dr.Aliza Bano
Researcher and Teacher
Judging Criteria
-
Innovation & Creativity
Innovation and Creativity has 30 points : (i) Is the project original, creative, and unique? (ii) Does it solve a real-world problem or approach a challenge from a fresh, innovative perspective? -
Technical Execution & Complexity
Technical Execution & Complexity has 30 Points: (i) Is the code functional, well-structured, and robust? (ii) How effectively did the team utilize APIs, frameworks, databases, or algorithms within the hackathon timeframe? -
Design & User Experience
Design & User Experience has 20 Points: (i) Is the interface intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing? (ii) How seamless is the overall user journey from start to finish? -
Presentation & Impact
Presentation & Impact has 20 Points: (i) How clearly does the demo video and project description explain the problem, solution, and potential impact? (ii) Is the project fully deployable and practical for end-users?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Invite others to compete
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