01Eslitec
AI-GNITION 2026 AI Hackathon
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.
TEAM CHALLENGE SELECTION 3–6 OCT 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, consult the partners, select your challenge and build towards the finals. Follow Telegram for operational instructions and updates.
- 01
Launch
26 September
- 02
Workshops & consultations
3–6 October
- 03
Development
7–23 October · Remote
- 04
Finals
14 November · SIM Clementi
Phase 02
Workshops &
consultations
3–6 October
Learn the tools. Consult the partners. Choose your challenge.
- 1Attend workshops
Learn from industry experts
- 2Join consultations
Discuss problem statements
- 3Choose your challenge
Find the right fit for your team
Phase 02 schedule
All times in Singapore (SGT)
| Date | Time (SGT) | Session | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 October | 09:00–13:00 | IBM Bob workshop | Learn the tools with industry partners. |
| 3 October | 14:00–18:00 | MantaGo workshop | Learn the tools with industry partners. |
| 5 October | 19:30–20:30 | Nexius consultation | Meet the team and discuss the problem statement. |
| 6 October | 19:30–20:30 | Eslitec consultation | Meet the team and discuss the problem statement. |
Problem statement assignment
Handled outside this site. Record your assigned statement in the Team portal.
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.
01
02Nexius Labs
Darryl Wong
Co-Founder / Agents & SystemsView LinkedIn
03Nexius Labs
Melverick Ng
Co-Founder / Strategy & TransformationView LinkedInWho it is for
WHO CAN JOIN.
STUDENT TEAMS.
Polytechnic
Polytechnic students.
Junior College
Junior College students.
International School
International School students.
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.
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
Sponsor
Sponsor
Technology Sponsor
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 closed on 21 September 2026 at 11:59pm. Registered teams can access their workspace through the team portal.
When and where does it happen?
The launch is on 26 September at SIM Clementi Campus. Nexius consultation is on 5 October and Eslitec consultation is on 6 October, both from 7:30–8:30 PM. Problem statements are assigned outside this site. Once your team knows its assignment, record it in the Team portal.
Development runs from 7–23 October. The Top 10 are announced on 2 November, followed by the finals at SIM Clementi Campus on 14 November. Follow Telegram for operational details.
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 roadmap · 2026
DATES AT
A GLANCE.
Keep this timeline and follow Telegram for operational details.
Registration closes
Launch
Workshop
Nexius consultation
Eslitec consultation
Development
Top 10 announcement
Finals
Your move
READY TO
BUILD?
Registration has closed. Approved teams can review challenges, save their work and submit through the team workspace.
Team workspace is open
CONTINUE YOURTEAM'S PROJECT.Record your assigned problem statement in the Team portal. Your existing code works until your approved email roster is ready.