AI Hackathon Festival
We’re returning in 2025! Save the date 14-17 August. Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Auckland - I
8-9 August 2024
AI Hackathon 2025
We’re hosting the 2025 AI Hackathon across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Join us and solve real-world problems with AI. You’ll learn new skills, create connections, make an impact and network with mentors.
Each hackathon team will pitch to a judging panel and regional winners will be announced. Our national judging panel will then select finalists to pitch their idea at the 2025 Aotearoa AI Summit, 18 September in Auckland.
Waikato
8-9 August 2024
Christchurch
8-9 August 2024
Wellington
8-9 August 2024
Auckland - II
9-10 August 2024
Otago
10-11 August 2024
All locations
8-9 August 2024 (Online)
How it works
Each location hosts a 48 hour hackathon. All pitches are recorded and winners are selected in each location. Our judging panel will then select finalists to pitch their idea at the Aotearoa AI Summit on 18 September in Auckland. The Summit audience will then vote for their favourite solution and the award winning team will be announced.
What is the challenge?
From protecting water resources, fighting climate change, reducing pollution, managing land use, preserving biodiversity and improving the ways we experience our own environments, we’re solving real-world problems.
Check out last year’s highlights
Including the prize haul!
May
Registrations open
Register for one of our Hackathon events throughout Aotearoa and the South Pacific. If you are an experienced hacker you can join online.
June
Essential information launch
July
Live Q&A sessions
August
Introduction to AI
This introductory course is designed for AI Hackathon participants without a programming background. It offers an overview of fundamental concepts and techniques in data science and artificial intelligence.
August
Environmental AI using Python
This course is designed for AI Hackathon participants who wish to use Python to solve problems through data science and AI techniques. It focuses on how to handle, analyse and model environmental data using Python
August
AI Hackathon
August
Judging Day
Our judging panel will select finalists to pitch their idea at the 2025 Aotearoa AI Summit, 18 September in Auckland.
18 September
Aotearoa AI Summit
Finalists will pitch at the Aotearoa AI Summit in Auckland. The audience will then vote and the national award winning team will be announced.
Meet our International Judges
Our panel of expert judges will select four finalists who will present at the Aotearoa AI Summit 2024 in September.
What else do I need to know?
Prior to our hackathon festival we will be hosting live Q&A sessions and providing useful resources to help you prepare.
Hackathons are a safe place for a diverse range of people to unite and solve problems. Building a team with a variety of skills will help ensure your success.
Do I need a team or can individuals enter?
When you register, let us know if you’re entering a team or as an individual.
Are you a year 12 or 13 student?
WIN a $5,000 scholarship!
The School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (SCMS) at the University of Waikato proudly announces the inaugural SCMS Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hackathon Award.
Proud Supporters
AI Hackathon 2024
Check out the 2024 events highlights
AI Hackathon 2023
Check out the 2023 event highlights
AI Hackathon 2022
Check out the 2022 event highlights
hear from our attendees
“Being a part of this experience was nothing short of phenomenal, as I had the privilege to collaborate with some of the sharpest minds out there. Together, we embarked on a quest to cook up innovative solutions and dive deep into the exciting world of AI, all while uniting our efforts to combat pressing global issues. The event saw teams pouring their hearts and souls into the challenges, resulting in a whirlwind of astonishing ideas and unwavering teamwork.”
“It was such an enriching experience for the last two intense days when we delved into our environmental problem, came up with the solution and presented the concept. It was lots of brain power, discussions, reflection and of course laughter with my wonderful team members.
There are heaps of learnings from the innovative minds in the rooms and expanding my connections with brilliant, passionate participants and supportive mentors. Thank you AI Forum NZ, She Sharp, and academyEX for curating such a meaningful and engaging event that bridges AI with real-world impact.”
GET READY TO BE A PART OF THE NEXT ONE
“The two-day event brought together brilliant minds passionate about AI technology and the environment, with a shared goal of finding innovative solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.
As a judge, I had the privilege of witnessing outstanding pitches and solutions presented by the participating teams. The level of creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills displayed by each team was truly inspiring.”
Copyright © 2023 AI Hackathon. Presented by AI Forum NZ.