The 2026 WAI Canada Hackathon is a virtual innovation sprint running from October 26 to November 13, 2026, culminating in final presentations and a solution showcase on November 13, 2026. This year’s hackathon empowers participants to harness AI for social good, inclusivity, sustainability, and public health & well-being, building solutions that make a tangible impact, from adaptive learning for neurodiverse learners to precision healthcare systems that detect anomalies early and accelerate drug discovery.
Teams can choose to develop a conceptual program, product prototype, or business model.
WaiHACKATHON
Canada 2026
Registrations are open From October 5 to November 13, 2026!
Submitting an abstract is optional at the time of registration, but it must be submitted by November 1, 2026.Note: If you decide to submit the abstract after the registration
please send it by email at: hackathon-canada@womeninai.co
WAI Canada Hackathon 2024 Highlights
OUR MECHANISM​
​
WAI Canada Hackathon allows participants to develop practical and applicable skills involving AI, innovation, and societal problem solving. It provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and professionals in the industry through mentorships, workshops, pitch presentations and judging. At the end of the hackathon, participants will present their pitch decks and models to industry expert judges.
Important Dates
October 5 to October 23, 2026
Call for Abstracts
Submitting an abstract is optional at the time of registration
but it must be submitted by November 1, 2026
October 26 to
November 13, 2026
Hackathon
Challenge
-
Prepare
the Hackathon use case and solution
-
Connect with Mentors
-
Attend
the Technical
workshops
Nov 13, 2025
Final Hackathon Event
Present your project
to the jury
How to Participate?
​
-
Registration Deadline: October 23, 2026.
-
You are required to submit your application, with the details of your group of size 1-3, along with the abstract of the problem and solution you are submitting.
-
Your solution must be plagiarism-free and aligned with this year’s challenge themes.
-
Submitting an abstract is optional at the time of registration, but it must be submitted by November 1, 2026.
-
If we require you to change your problem or solution, we will contact you via email before the Challenge opens formally on October 26, 2026.
-
You will be paired with a mentor, to help you guide throughout the development of your proposed solution
-
The Challenge period will be from October 26 to November 13, 2026, during which you will attend weekly mentoring sessions and relevant technical workshops.
-
On November 13, 2026, there will be a final Hackathon Ceremony where you will submit and present your use case and solutions to the Jury Members
All Hackers Welcome!
​
WAI Canada Hackathon is open to all peers in North America committed to WAI Canada’s mission. Participants of any skill set and industry are welcome to collaborate in a team to develop a pitch deck that addresses social issues or market gaps, in line with the World Economic Forum’s vision for the Fourth Industrial Revolution for the Earth or commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Teams can choose to develop a conceptual program, product prototype, or business model. Participants can have code, low code, or no code experience.
Participants must:
-
Be fully committed to completing the Hackathon
-
Have general knowledge about OR interest in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, or Technology
-
Have an entrepreneurial and team building spirit
During the hackathon, you will experience an intensive but at the same time engaging and diverse format which involves working with your team and peers. You will be learning from speakers and industry experts, spending individual sessions with mentors aligned with particular topics and expertise, and finally participating in entertaining activities which will help you to reassess how you imagine.
​
Sponsor Us!
​
-
Showcase your commitment to advancing inclusive AI for a common future
-
Feature your marketing material through WAI media channels
-
Attract talented and innovative leaders from various disciplines
-
Connect with other industry leaders who value the reduction of inequality in the tech industry
Join Us!
WAI Canada Hackathon is seeking additional team members / volunteers for our upcoming WaiHackathon to support our content efforts during the event.
Involvement is completely remote and flexible. Great opportunity for innovators, technologists, and students alike!
​
Apply to be our Volunteer and mention Hackathon.