Dive into AI: Collaborate, Learn, and Create AI that’s Good for all of us
We're excited to be one of the designated host locations of the 2025 AI Hackathon Festival. Join us August 12th -13th at Media Design School to solve real-world problems.
With only 5 years left to achieve the 2030 SDGs and 84% of targets off-track, the AI Hackathon brings together diverse minds to create technological solutions for our most pressing global challenges. You'll learn new skills, create connections, make an impact and network with mentors in our safe space to play and promote AI for Good.
Each hackathon team will pitch their solution to a judging panel and regional winners will be announced. Our national judging panel will then select 4 finalists to pitch their idea at the 2025 Aotearoa AI Summit, 18 September in Auckland, where the audience votes for the national winner.
Times:
August 12th starts 9.00am
August 13th finishes 5.00pm
Prices:
MDS Student Ticket: Free
General Ticket: $25.00 + $2.00 fee
Mentor Ticket: Free
Registrations Close: 11 August:
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 addressing food insecurity in a food-exporting nation, enhancing digital accessibility for all communities, upskilling our workforce for an AI-driven future, fostering cross-border collaboration, and honouring indigenous environmental custodianship, we’re solving real-world problems.
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.
Register for 29 July Live Q&A: https://ai-activator.circle.so/c/ai-hackathon-festival-2025/live-qa-session-29-july
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.”
“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.”
