Ignition: AI Hackathon 2026

About

A two-day hackathon focused on AI-powered prototyping, where teams will create working demos from scratch, receive mentorship, and compete for prizes, fostering innovation and collaboration among builders from diverse fields.

Benefits

• 🏆Prize Money
  A total prize pool of 1100 CHF for the best projects
• 🤝Mentorship
  Access to mentors providing feedback throughout the event
• 🚀Rapid Prototyping
  Participants will create a working demo within 36 hours
• 🌐Networking Opportunities
  Chance to meet and collaborate with other builders and potential co-founders
• 🎤Live Demos
  Opportunity to showcase projects through live demonstrations without slides.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to teams of builders from various backgrounds including business, design, data, and engineering
• Participants can sign up as a team or join solo and be matched with others
• Projects should ideally have a positive real-world impact, whether social, environmental, or otherwise
• Limited to 20 teams, ensuring a competitive environment
• No specific prior experience required, but a willingness to build and innovate is essential.

Participation Commitments

• Must attend the entire event from May 9 to May 10, 2026
• Teams must deliver a working demo by the end of the hackathon
• Participants are encouraged to engage with mentors for feedback during the event
• All projects should aim for a positive real-world impact.

Target Region

Switzerland

Target Sector

Technology and Innovation