26 Sep (Sat)* | 10:30am-4pm
Registration, networking, AI booths, keynote, industry fireside chat, pathway sharing and problem statements.
Singapore Institute of Management presents
AI-GNITIONAI AGENTHACKATHON
Explore AI, meet industry professionals and build with a team at SIM's multi-phase youth hackathon.
The big idea
FROM AI THAT ANSWERS
TO AI THAT ACTS.
AI-GNITION promotes AI awareness, opens pathways to AI careers and further education, and makes learning inclusive through workshops, industry connections and peer collaboration.
REGISTRATION CLOSES 15 SEP 2026 · 6PM · $1,800 CASH PRIZES · 5 STUDENTS PER TEAM · BUILD AN AI SOLUTION · PITCH AT THE FINALS ·
The build journey
4 PHASES.
ONE AI-GNITION.
Launch at SIM Clementi Campus, learn in the workshop, build remotely and return for the finals. All dates are TBC.
3 Oct (Sat)* | 10am-5pm
A full-day workshop supporting teams as they prepare to develop their AI solutions.
4-23 Oct* | Remote
Teams develop and refine their projects remotely after the workshop.
14 Nov (Sat)* | 10am-3pm
The multi-phase programme concludes with the hackathon finals.
Why AI-GNITION
DISCOVER AI.
SEE WHAT'S NEXT.
01
AI Awareness
Promote awareness of artificial intelligence among youth.
02
Career Pathways
Connect students with AI professionals, roles, education pathways and industry opportunities.
03
Inclusive Exploration
Build interest through workshops, an AI-themed contest and peer collaboration.
Featured voices
MEET THE
AI EXPERTS.
Meet the industry leaders bringing practical AI, agent systems and business transformation experience to AI-GNITION.
01Eslitec
Sebastien Khoo
Regional DirectorView LinkedIn
02Nexius Labs
Darryl Wong
Co-Founder / Agents & SystemsView LinkedIn
03Nexius Labs
Melverick Ng
Co-Founder / Strategy & TransformationView LinkedInWho it is for
500 PARTICIPANTS.
100 TEAMS.
Polytechnic
Year 2 and Year 3 students.
Junior College
Year 1 students.
International School
Years 11 and 12 students.
ITE
Institute of Technical Education students.
Five participants per group. Target capacity: 100 groups and 500 participants.
Prizes & recognition
BUILD FOR
WHAT COMES NEXT.
The top three cash prizes are confirmed. Additional prize categories and details remain to be announced.
Champion team
$500
Runner-up team
$300
Second runner-up team
TBD
Additional prize categories to be announced.
Organisers & partners
POWERED BY
THE AI ECOSYSTEM.
Partners and sponsors referenced in the working programme. The final sponsor lineup remains subject to confirmation.
Host
Event Organiser
Event partner
Need to know
QUICK
ANSWERS.
Who can take part?
Polytechnic Year 2-3, Junior College Year 1, international-school Years 11-12 and ITE students are the target audiences.
How large is each team?
Each group has five participants. The event is planned for 100 groups, with a total target capacity of 500 participants.
When does registration close?
Registration closes on 15 September 2026 at 6:00pm.
When and where does it happen?
The launch is planned for 26 September at SIM Clementi Campus, followed by a 3 October workshop, remote development from 4-23 October and finals on 14 November. All dates are TBC.
What happens at the launch event?
The programme includes networking, AI booths, a keynote, an AI industry fireside chat, SIM pathway sharing, sponsor sharing and the introduction of two problem statements.
Who are the event partners?
AI-GNITION 2026 is presented by SIM with Nexius Labs and Eslitec, alongside participating industry partners and sponsors.
Your move
READY FOR
AI-GNITION?
Register your interest before 6:00pm on 15 September 2026. The working programme dates remain subject to confirmation.