About this opportunity
Free to enter, open to the world, and run over a single focused weekend. If you have been meaning to build a practical AI solution with serious research behind it, this hackathon gives you the challenge list and the
Application timeline
The Women in AI Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship club is a research driven academic community supporting women in artificial intelligence. Its AI Innovation Hackathon 2026 is an official international online hackathon under the theme Building AI-Powered Products. What the hackathon offers:
- 60 approved research backed challenges spread across five specialized tracks: AI and machine learning methodology, biomedical AI with image and signal analysis, explainable AI, cybersecurity, and scholarly publication readiness.
- A two-stage format, with Stage 1 idea screening closing 19 October 2026 at 6:00 PM IST under a strict cut off, and only shortlisted teams becoming eligible for Stage 2.
- The main development round on 20 October 2026, with winners revealed at the closing session at 8:00 PM IST the same evening.
- Certificate information for participants and global exposure for presented solutions across a community of students, researchers and innovators.
- No cash prize is published on the hackathon page. Who can take part:
- Students, developers, designers, researchers and entrepreneurs building practical AI solutions, open internationally and free to enter.
- Teams of one to four participants, joining individually or together, with each team nominating a single team leader.
- A participant can belong to only one registered team.
- Stage 1 requires a structured solution proposal against one of the released problem statements. Worth knowing: the core implementation has to be produced during the hackathon development window, and pre-built entire applications are strictly disqualified. Registration, the Stage 1 idea screening form and the Stage 2 final submission form are all linked from the hackathon page.
What you receive
- Free participation in an official international online hackathon
- 60 approved research backed challenges across five specialized tracks
- Certificates and winner recognition at the closing session
- Global exposure for presented solutions across a community of students, researchers and innovators
Who can apply
- Open internationally to students, developers, designers, researchers and entrepreneurs building practical AI solutions
- Teams of one to four participants, with each team nominating a single team leader
- A participant can belong to only one registered team
- Stage 1 requires a structured solution proposal against one of the released problem statements
Who should not apply
- Pre-built entire applications are strictly disqualified
- The core implementation must be produced during the hackathon development window
How to apply
- Register through the Register Now route on the hackathon page
- Pick one of the released problem statements and prepare a structured Stage 1 solution proposal
- Submit Stage 1 idea screening before 19 October 2026 at 6:00 PM IST
- Shortlisted teams build during the main development round on 20 October 2026 and submit through the Stage 2 form
Selection process
- A jury reviews Stage 1 submissions on 19 October 2026 and shortlists teams for Stage 2
- Winners are revealed at the closing session on 20 October 2026 at 8:00 PM IST
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
Is there a cash prize?
No cash prize is published on the hackathon page. The page lists certificate information and winner recognition at the closing session.
Can I compete alone?
Yes. Teams run from one to four participants, and each team nominates a single team leader.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
