AI Hackathon
Engages participants in building AI-enabled solutions to real-world problems, strengthening technical skills and promoting innovation.
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Activity Summary
The AI Hackathon is a national competition for students, developers, researchers, and tech enthusiasts to explore the practical applications of artificial intelligence through guided problem-solving and innovation. Through mentorship, teamwork, and hands-on prototyping, participants will enhance their technical skills, develop AI-enabled solutions, and gain valuable experience in applying AI technologies to real-world challenges.
Schedule of Workshops
August 3-5, 2026
Venue
Coming Soon
Activity
National Competition
Who can join?
Students Category
- Students of the same institution
Open Category
- 18 to 35 years old
- The team must have at least three (3) programmers; ideally, all members should have a programming background
- An individual may only be part of one team
Event Schedules
- Location
- May 12 to August 5, 2026
May 12 - June 15, 2026
Applications Period
Submission of Application Forms
June 15, 2026
Deadline of Applications
August 3-5, 2026
Hackathon Bootcamp
AI solution development at venue
August 5, 2026
Awarding
Learn more about
AI Hackathon
What is the AI Hackathon?
The 2026 AI Hackathon brings together aspiring innovators to learn from practitioners, tackle real local challenges, and build AI-powered solutions aligned with the region’s priority areas of Blue Economy, Tourism, and Clean and Renewable Energy. More than a competition, the event serves as an entry point into the broader innovation ecosystem connecting high-potential teams to incubation pathways, government grant programs, and a mentor network that extends beyond the event itself, building a sustainable pipeline from idea to prototype to startup.
Who can join the AI Hackathon?
School-based Category
Students of the same institution
Open Category
18 to 35 years old
The team must have at least three (3) programmers; ideally, all members should have a programming background
An individual may only be part of one team
What are the requirements for joining?
Teams must submit the following :
2. A problem-solution concept aligned to the following themes:
Blue Economy
Smart and Sustainable Tourism
Energy Conservation
3. Parent’s Consent (below 18)
When is the deadline to apply?
Deadline of application for participants is on June 15, 2026.
When and where will the AI Hackathon take place?
Coming Soon
How is the AI Hackathon structured?
1. Interested applicants will submit their application forms from May 12, 2026, to June 15, 2026
2. Organizers will initially select 20 teams based on the quality of their proposed projects
School-based Category – Top 10 Teams
Open Category – Top 10 Teams
3. Selected teams will participate in the training workshop and are required to submit output.
4. Teams will attend a series of workshops and training for
Workshop 1 : Human-Centric AI & Problem Solving
Workshop 2 : Technical Architecture & Data Ethics
Webinar 3 : Agile Prototyping & Technical Execution
Workshop 4 : The Innovation Pitch & Scalability
5. Selected teams will be housed in a “venue” from August 3-5, 2026 where they are going to develop their AI solutions based on their project proposal.
6. Winning teams will be selected and awarded on August 5, 2026 during the Closing Ceremonies of AI Fest.
Is there a template for the project concept?
There is no separate template for the project concept. Instead, you will be asked to provide this information within the Google Form after completing your team profile.
How to create the project concept?
Each team must :
1. Select a theme
2. Briefly describe a problem that aligns with the chosen theme, and
3. Propose an AI-based solution (project concept) that addresses the identified problem.
Your project concept may include :
Proposed AI-based solution to the identified problem.
Objectives and Methodology of your proposed solution.
The datasets you plan to use and the sources of those datasets.
What happens after a team is selected?
Selected teams will :
Attend preparatory webinars on AI tools, ethics, and applications
Be assigned a mentor from the AI industry or academe
Join a 3-day live hackathon in Iloilo City, where they will develop and present their solutions
Compete for cash prizes and recognition during the AI Fest 2026 Closing Ceremonies on [Date]
What are the dates and topics of the preparatory webinars?
Date : Agile Prototyping & Technical Execution
What does participation include and exclude?
Inclusions :
AM and PM snacks, lunch, and dinner from August 3-5, 2026
Kit (T-shirt, IDs, swags, meal stubs)
Certificate of Participation
Exclusions :
Traveling expenses
Food and accommodation outside the official duration of the event
What are the benefits and prizes?
Benefits :
1. Receive mentorship from AI experts in both the academe and industry.
2. Gain exclusive access to specialized webinars and learning sessions.
3. Unlock career opportunities with leading AI companies actively scouting for talent.
Cash Prizes :
Student Category Champion – Php 40,000
Open Category Champion – Php 40,000
Consolation Prize – Php 5,000