​Oxford and Cambridge AI Race 🏆

​Two universities. One day. Build what comes next. The Oxford-Cambridge rivalry is moving from the river to AI.

​Join us on 25th October at King’s College, Cambridge, for a one-day hackathon and policy competition.

This event brings together students, researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs from Oxford and Cambridge to tackle real-world challenges through AI, technology and public policy.

​🏆 Compete to win:

• ​Cash prizes of up to £2000 across winning teams

• ​Fast-track access to the Solana Scholars Programme

• ​Tickets to the Solana Breakpoint Conference

​🤖 The challenge: Build AI that matters (technical skills are not required, all disciplines welcome)

​Bring your technical, research or policy expertise to one shared competition exploring how AI can solve real-world problems, and how those solutions should be governed.

​There are two tracks:

​Build Track:

Projects could accelerate scientific discovery, improve research workflows, tackle institutional challenges or explore AI × Solana applications such as agent payments, identity, provenance and verification.

​Policy Track:

Policy participants can develop practical governance proposals alongside the technologies being built.

​We encourage teams to combine disciplines, connecting working prototypes with thoughtful approaches to implementation and governance.

​No prior AI or blockchain experience is required. Use Solana where it adds value to your idea.

​What to expect

• ​A keynote on what the next generation of AI researchers should build.

• ​Panels on technology policy and the journey from prototype to funded startup.

• ​A hands-on build sprint with support from mentors.

• ​Live pitches, demos, judging and awards.

• ​Opportunities to connect with academics, founders, investors and fellow builders.

• ​Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and networking.

​Technical, non technical and policy backgrounds are equally welcome.

​Apply with a team or individually

​Existing research can be the starting point for your project.

AI-assisted coding is encouraged: we want to see what you can build, test and explain.

​The day at a glance

​09:00 — Registration, breakfast and coffee
09:30–11:30 — Welcome, keynote, panels and competition launch
11:30–18:30 — Build sprint, mentoring and lunch
18:30–19:45 — Pitches, demos, judging and awards
19:45–21:30 — Dinner, drinks and networking

​For students coming from Oxford University, return transport to and from Cambridge will be provided for the day.

​Programme subject to change. Speaker lineup, prize details and participant transport or travel support will be shared ahead of the event.

​📍 King’s College, Cambridge
📅 25 October 2026

​Organised by Kings Politics Cambridge, AI3, Solana Superteam UK, and Oxbridge AIx

Supported by Cambridge Entrepreneurs Society, Oxford Entrepreneurs, OxVC, and OXAI.