The USAII Global AI Hackathon 2026 was a virtual student competition organized by the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute. Teams of two to five developed responsible AI solutions for real-world challenges in high school, undergraduate, or graduate and doctoral tracks.
The one-week build ran online from June 14 to 21, 2026, following an AI readiness qualifier. The official site now states that the inaugural competition has concluded and that winners were announced.
Benefits & funding
- Each of the three tracks had a US$5,000 prize pool: US$2,500 for the grand prize, US$1,500 for runner-up, US$500 for third place, and US$250 each for the Responsible AI and Social Impact awards.
- Students completing the qualifier received a 15% USAII certification discount; hackathon completers received 25%; category winners received 100%.
- Participants received recorded learning sessions and guidance from mentors, judges, and industry speakers.
Eligibility
- The competition was open to students worldwide, with no stated residency requirement.
- Eligible routes were secondary-school students in Grades 9–12, students enrolled in an undergraduate program, and people enrolled in or holding a Master’s or PhD degree.
- Teams had to contain two to five people; mixed-level teams entered the highest track represented.
- Working professionals enrolled in degree or doctoral programs were excluded, as were USAII employees and contractors and their immediate families, event judges, mentors and speakers, and people previously disqualified from a USAII event.
- Participants had to be at least 14 years old. Those subject to minor-consent rules needed permission from a parent or guardian.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
High School · Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled · Master · PhD Enrolled · PhD
Age requirement
≥ 14 yrs
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Application process
- 1Each participant registered individually on Devpost by June 6, 2026.
- 2The team then registered for the AI readiness qualifier, using at least one email that matched the Devpost registrant list.
- 3The team completed the qualifier between June 7 and 10; advancing teams received a qualifier code on June 11.
- 4Qualified teams built their project from June 14 to 21 and entered the qualifier code with their Devpost submission.
Program timeline
Registration deadline
June 6, 2026
AI readiness qualifier
June 7–10, 2026
Qualifier codes sent to advancing teams
June 11, 2026
Hackathon kickoff and build period begins
June 14, 2026
Project submission deadline and build period ends
June 21, 2026
Judging rounds
June 22–25, 2026
Global awards showcase
June 27, 2026