About the challenge

Big things start with a small idea.

The STEM2Connect AI Hackathon 2026 is a global, multi-week program for students who want to learn AI by building something real. It is not a weekend sprint. We put learning, mentorship, and real-world impact ahead of high-pressure competition.

You do not need coding experience. If you can describe a problem and you are willing to learn, you can participate.

Over several weeks, you will work on your own or in a team of 2-3 to turn a focused idea into a working project. Live AI sessions cover problem validation, AI tools and APIs, design, and pitching, and every session is recorded. Mentors from industry, research, and engineering will help you scope your idea, solve technical roadblocks, get feedback from users, and prepare for Demo Day.

Tracks. Each track is a starting point, not a limit. Pick the problem you care about and make it yours.

Education: learning, accessibility, tutoring, and academic organization.
Healthcare: health education, patient resources, public health, and access.
Sustainability: climate, resource efficiency, environmental challenges, and living well.
Scientific Research: tools for analysis, organization, collaboration, and communication.
Community Impact: accessibility, inclusion, volunteering, and information sharing.

The one requirement. Every project must connect to at least one AI-related tool, API, dataset, or external service.

 

After Demo Day. Your project does not have to end here. High-performing and committed teams may receive continued mentorship and opportunities to grow their work into research, leadership, or community initiatives.

Get started

Step 1: Register. Click “Join Hackathon” on this page, then complete the STEM2Connect application at stem2connect.org/hackathon.

Step 2: Find your team. Bring friends, meet collaborators in [Discord / community link], or build on your own.

Step 3: Pick a track and a problem. Start small. A focused idea you can finish is better than a big one you can’t.

Step 4: Join the live sessions. The first session is on [date]. Recordings will be posted if you miss one.

Step 5: Build with your mentor. Check in regularly and use their feedback.

 

Step 6: Submit and present. Submit here on Devpost by October 28, 2026 with your GitHub repository (source code and documentation) and a short demo video showing your project working. Then present your problem, solution, and what you learned on Demo Day, Oct 28

Requirements

What to Build

Build a simple, functional project that addresses a real problem in one of the five tracks: Education, Healthcare, Sustainability, Scientific Research, or Community Impact.

Your project must use at least one AI-related tool, API, dataset, or external service. It can be a website, an app, a chatbot, a data tool, or something else entirely. It does not need to be complex. It needs to work, and it needs to solve the problem you set out to solve.

Teams can have 1 to 4 members.

What to Submit

Submit the following on Devpost by October 28:

GitHub repository. A public repository with your source code and a README that explains what your project does, how to run it, and which AI tools or APIs you used.

Demo video. A video of [3 minutes or less] showing your project working. Upload it to YouTube or Vimeo and paste the link in your submission. Show the project in action, not just slides.

Project description. Fill out the Devpost submission form with the problem you chose, how your project solves it, how you used AI, what you learned, and what you would build next.

Track. Select the track your project fits best.

Team members. Make sure every team member has joined the submission on Devpost.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

2 non-cash prizes
STEM2Connect Certificate
3 winners

Gain a special award of recognition from the STEM2Connect team - prestigious.

Admission Advantage into Selective AI and Engineering programs
2 winners

Gain mentorship from students in established STEM/Engineering programs to elevate your current idea. Access to opportunities and a tight-knit network.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Rafael Richard

Rafael Richard

Judging Criteria

  • Originality/Creativity
    Projects that offer a different perspective on looking at solutions - one that has not been explored much - will be favored more.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Invite others to compete

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