​The Principled Business Hackathon

​October 27, 2026 · Austin, TX

Pitch Finals + Awards: Principled Business Summit, October 28–30

​Capitalism's next 250 years won't be defended in a panel. Build the case.

​Join founders, technologists, investors, and business leaders for a full day of building, experimenting, and turning ideas into working products with AI.

​The Principled Business Hackathon is part of the 2026 Principled Business Summit, our flagship event bringing together hundreds of business leaders around the theme “Capitalism: Here to Stay.”

​The challenge is simple: build something that makes free enterprise work better for owners, workers, customers, or the broader business ecosystem.

​You don't need to be a developer to participate. You can code, design, research, validate the market, find customers, pitch, or help lead the team. Coming solo? That's completely fine. We'll help match participants into teams based on ideas, skills, and what you're interested in building.

​What to Expect

​October 27 · Build Day
A full day dedicated to turning ideas into working products, from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM in Austin.

​Teams will work alongside mentors and other builders, using AI and no-code tools to move from idea to prototype.

​October 28–30 · Principled Business Summit
The best projects will advance to the Hackathon Pitch Finals during the Summit, where teams will present what they built to the Summit audience and a panel of judges.

​Winners will be recognized and receive awards during the Summit.

​What You Get

• ​20% off your Principled Business Summit ticket

• ​A full day of hands-on building

• ​Free mentorship from experienced operators, founders, and technologists

• ​Access to AI and no-code tools and credits

• ​The opportunity to build something real and take it home with you

• ​A platform to pitch your product to founders, investors, executives, and business leaders

• ​Recognition and prizes during the Principled Business Summit

​What Can You Build?

​Your project can be anything that advances the case for free enterprise through something useful, practical, or innovative.

​For example:

​A referral engine for adjacent businesses
An AI-powered platform that helps non-competing businesses serving the same customers identify referral opportunities and automate the matchmaking process.

​An AI board of directors
A conversational tool founders can use for brainstorming, honest pushback, second opinions, and strategic thinking, with a path to real-world advice from experienced business leaders.

​These are just examples. Your idea is up to you.

​Who Should Join?

​Founders · Entrepreneurs · Developers · Designers · Investors · Operators · Marketers · Researchers · Students · AI enthusiasts · Anyone with an idea worth building

​You don't need to arrive with a finished concept or a technical background. Bring an idea, a skill, or simply the desire to build.

​Spaces are limited. Submissions close October 18.

​Questions? Contact alexka@principledbusiness.org