About this opportunity
The Open Agent Hackathon 2026 is hosted by GenAI Works, fully online over 144 hours from 22 to 27 October 2026. The challenge is to build an agent that does real work, tested on the gap between a quick prototype and something a stakeholder can trust in production.
Prizes. The prize pool is up to $20,000 across themed tracks.
One sample track, Solving Fragmented Intelligence, carries $4,350 split as $2,000 for first place, $1,350 for second and $1,000 for third. Judging is run by practitioners from across the GenAI Works community.
Cost and access. Registration, the platform workspace, mentor office hours and submission are all free.
One sign up covers the event, Discord and community updates. The FAQ confirms you may use closed source models and paid APIs.
Builders join solo or in teams of 1 to 5, and 2,516 builders were registered at capture. Who can take part.
The event is open worldwide and fully online, so Nigerian and African developers, founders and product people can join from anywhere. Registration closes on 22 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC, the build period then runs to 27 October 2026, with details and sign up on the official event page, https://hackathon.
genai. works/event/open-agent-hackathon-2026.
What you receive
- Prize pool of up to $20,000 across themed tracks
- 144 hours fully online, solo or in teams of 1 to 5 builders
- Free registration, platform workspace, mentor office hours and submission
- One sign up covering the event, Discord and community updates
- Closed source models and paid APIs are allowed
Who can apply
- Open to builders worldwide, fully online
- Solo or teams of 1 to 5 builders
- Registration closes 22 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC
How to apply
- Register on the official event page before 22 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC
- Build during the 144 hour period from 22 to 27 October 2026 and submit before submissions close on 27 October 2026
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
Does it cost anything?
No. Registration, the platform workspace, mentor office hours and submission are all free.
Can I use closed source models or paid APIs?
Yes, the event FAQ confirms closed source models and paid APIs may be used.
When does it run?
Registration closes on 22 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC and the 144 hour build period runs from 22 to 27 October 2026, fully online.
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.
