Build Your First AI App 2026 is a beginner-friendly, online AI hackathon hosted by Yasir Insights. The mission is simple: learn by building. Whether you're a student exploring artificial intelligence for the first time or a beginner developer with an exciting idea, this hackathon is your opportunity to turn that idea into a working AI application. No advanced AI background or previous hackathon experience is required.
Participants can choose a real-world problem and build an AI-powered application in areas such as: * AI Chatbots: Create bots that answer questions or assist users. * Document Q&A: Build applications that answer questions about uploaded documents, notes, PDFs, or study materials. * AI Study Assistants: Develop tools to help students understand concepts, summarize notes, generate quizzes, or prepare for exams. * AI Productivity Tools: Create assistants that organize information, automate tasks, or manage to-do lists. * AI for Social Good: Use AI to address challenges in community, education, accessibility, or everyday life.
The event is open to eligible students and beginner developers who wish to gain practical experience. Participants may work individually or collaborate in teams. The hackathon encourages the use of free-tier AI services, open-source technologies, Python, Streamlit, Gradio, Hugging Face Spaces, and other free development tools. Participation is completely free; no software purchases or API credits are required.
Important Dates: * Hackathon Begins: October 27, 2026 * Project Submission Deadline: November 27, 2026 * Judging Period: November 28, 2026 - December 6, 2026
Submission Requirements: Projects must be functional AI-powered applications addressing a clear problem. Submissions require a project title, description, working prototype (demo or deployed app), source code repository, AI implementation details, a demo video or screenshots, a README file, and a description of personal contributions and learnings.
Prizes & Recognition: All eligible participants who complete the requirements will receive a digital Certificate of Participation from Yasir Insights. Outstanding projects may receive additional recognition based on judging arrangements.
Judging Criteria: Projects will be evaluated on Creativity & Originality, Implementation & Functionality, Usefulness & Real-World Impact, and Presentation & Documentation.