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AI-GNITION 2026 AI Hackathon campaign featuring two students collaborating on a laptop

AI-GNITION 2026 AI Hackathon

Explore AI, meet industry professionals and build with a team at SIM's multi-phase youth hackathon.

Build what's next Explore the challenge
When26 Sep-14 Nov
WhereSIM Clementi Campus
FormatMulti-phase event
Teams5 participants

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 7 SEP 2026 · 11:59PM · $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.

Two students moving their AI project forward in a neon-lit technology space
Phase 01Launch

26 Sep (Sat)

Registration, networking, AI booths, keynote, industry fireside chat, pathway sharing and problem statements.

Phase 02Workshop

3 Oct (Sat)

A full-day workshop supporting teams as they prepare to develop their AI solutions.

Phase 03Development

4-23 Oct | Remote

Teams develop and refine their projects remotely after the workshop.

Phase 04Finals

14 Nov (Sat)

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.

Who it is for

WHO CAN JOIN.
STUDENT TEAMS.

Three student teammates celebrating a successful AI prototype
01

Polytechnic

Polytechnic students.

02

Junior College

Junior College students.

03

International School

International School students.

04

ITE

Institute of Technical Education students.

Five participants per team. Event capacity is 100 teams, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Prizes & recognition

BUILD FOR
WHAT COMES NEXT.

The top three cash prizes are confirmed. Additional prize categories and details remain to be announced.

1st prize$1,000

Champion team

2nd prize

$500

Runner-up team

3rd prize

$300

Second runner-up team

Other awards

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.

Need to know

QUICK
ANSWERS.

Who can take part?

Students from Polytechnics, Junior Colleges, International Schools and ITE can take part.

How large is each team?

Each team has five participants.

When does registration close?

Registration closes on 7 September 2026 at 11:59pm.

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.

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 TO
REGISTER?

Official registration is open. Complete the Microsoft registration form by 7 September 2026 at 11:59pm.

Official registration is open

SECURE YOURTEAM'S PLACE.

Five students per team. Capacity is limited to 100 teams on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open registration form