HackAIthon themes and challenges

About the themes and challenges

During HackAIthon, you will collaborate with peers, mentors, subject matter experts, and community members to explore meaningful themes and co-create solutions that drive positive change.

Your task in the hackathon is to tackle real-world challenges and create solutions that either harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) or help manage its risks, aligned with at least one of our five themes.

Eight challenges will be announced at the start of the HackAIthon event on Friday, 13 March 2026.

The five themes

We'll make the challenges for each theme available here at the start of HackAIthon.

You can attend pre-hackathon sessions to get an insight into the HackAIthon themes to help you prepare for the challenges.

Illustration of several people placing their hands together in the center, forming a circle.

Strengthen communities

A glowing light bulb on a dark surface, wearing a graduation cap with a tassel, symbolizing learning and bright ideas.

Educate and empower

A pink piggy bank wearing black glasses sits on top of a closed book, with stacks of coins and stationery items in the background, symbolising saving and financial learning.

Thrive financially

A small globe resting on mossy ground beside a young green plant, with soft sunlight in the background, symbolizing environmental care and growth.

Care for earth

A hand places a smooth stone with a smiling face on top of a small stack of decorated stones against a blue background, symbolizing balance and well‑being.

Nurture wellbeing

The challenges

After the eight challenges are released at the start of HackAIthon:

  1. You and your team will choose one or more to develop a solution.
  2. For your chosen challenge/s, develop a prototype, campaign, policy proposal, app, or another creative solution that meaningfully addresses the problem. Your solution should be impactful, innovative, and feasible.  
  3. You should use freely available data, where relevant, and consider inclusivity in your design. 

Your imagination is the only limit.

  • Think beyond just screens and code — embrace physical, hybrid, and creative possibilities.
  • We invite bold, tangible, and scalable ideas that spark excitement and curiosity.

You are free to experiment with technology, gamification, AR/VR, AI, and data-driven solutions to craft experiences that surprise and delight.