Dream AI Hackathon 2026
🚀 Dream AI Hackathon 2026
One day to build an AI product worth launching.
Dream AI Hackathon 2026 brings together builders, founders, students, and professionals in San Francisco for a full day of building.
Identify a real problem. Build a working AI-powered MVP. Turn it into a compelling startup pitch—all in one day.
This is not just an idea competition. We want to see what you can actually build.
🎟️ Registration & Ticket Info
Great news — registration is completely free for all participants! 🎉
We can’t wait to see you there
💻 What you’ll build
Create a new AI-powered product or add a substantial new capability to an existing project.
Existing models, APIs, libraries, infrastructure, and codebases may be used as a starting point. Teams must clearly explain what existed before the hackathon and what they built during the event.
Judges will evaluate the work completed during the hackathon, the quality of the product, and its potential as a real startup.
🙌 Who this is for
This hackathon is designed for:
University students and recent graduates interested in AI and entrepreneurship
Aspiring founders looking to turn an idea into a working product
Early-stage startup teams, from idea stage through pre-seed or seed
Engineers, designers, product managers, researchers, and other working professionals interested in building and validating a new AI-powered solution
Whether this is your first hackathon or you are already building an early-stage startup, you are welcome to apply.
Projects should be newly created or meaningfully developed during the hackathon. Judging will focus primarily on the progress made during the event.
🤝 Team format
Recommended team size: 3–5 people. Solo participation is also welcome.
You may apply individually or with an existing team. If applying with a team, each member must submit a separate application and receive approval.
Participants who are interested in joining a team will have an opportunity to connect with other participants during an on-site team formation session at the beginning of the hackathon. Team placement is not guaranteed.
🎁 Prizes & opportunities
1. Startup Support & Investment Opportunities
Selected standout teams may be eligible for startup funding and venture-building support from LIKELION US, as well as potential investment opportunities through funds backed by LIKELION US.
2. The Top 3 Winning Teams Will Receive:
Founder Institute Fellowships — Full participation in an upcoming FI Core Program (SF cohort) at no cost upon successful graduation. Graduates will also receive access to over $2M in startup perks and benefits. [Learn more]
3. Cash Prizes
Sponsored by Sazze Partners
1st Place: $1,500
2nd Place: $1,000
3nd Place: $500
The evening networking reception will be open to invited guests and selected hackathon participants. Additional details will be shared after approval.
💝 Benefits for All Participants
Every participant will receive $50 in Nebius credits and access to the evening networking reception, where they can connect with fellow builders, founders, mentors, and investors.
⏲ Event Schedule
9:00 AM — Check-in & Team Formation
9:30 AM — Opening & Hackathon Kickoff
10:00 AM–4:30 PM — Hackathon Sprint (Mentors available from 1:00 PM)
12:30 PM — Lunch
4:30 PM — Submission Deadline
5:10 PM — Finalist Presentations
6:20 PM — Awards & Closing
7:00 PM — Evening Networking Reception 🎈🪅🪩
9:00 PM — Event Concludes
*Schedule is subject to change.
📸 Dream AI Hackathon 2025 Highlights
A look back at the builders, projects, and community that made last year’s hackathon memorable.
💌 Contact
Questions? Reach out to us at simba@likelion.net.
🙌 Get Involved
Volunteer
Help bring Dream AI Hackathon 2026 to life.
👉👉👉 [Apply to volunteer]
Mentor
Guide teams as they build and refine their products.
👉👉👉[Apply to become a mentor]
Showcase your startup
A limited number of startup showcase tables will be available during Dream AI Hackathon 2026. Selected startups will have the opportunity to showcase their products and connect with builders, founders, and mentors.
If your startup is interested in participating, please contact simba@likelion.net for details.
💙 Sponsors
We’re grateful to our sponsors for supporting Dream AI Hackathon 2026 and helping builders bring their ideas to life.
Co-hosted by
LIKELION US
A student builder community connecting AI education, industry projects, and hackathon execution. With a network spanning 58 universities across 30+ states, LIKELION US helps emerging tech talent move from learning to building.
Founder Institute
A global startup accelerator headquartered in Silicon Valley, Founder Institute has built one of the world’s most proven networks for turning ideas into fundable startups - and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured programs and global mentor network have supported more than 9,000 startups that have collectively raised over $1.9B in funding.
Apply to the Fall 2026 cohort led by General Partner at VC firm; Serephina Ha.
Sazze Partners
A Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm supporting Korean and Korean-founded startups with global ambition through founder support, fundraising guidance, go-to-market strategy, and ecosystem connections.
Venue details, the final schedule, judging criteria, prizes, and participant instructions will be shared with approved participants.
Accepted participants will receive access to the official event Slack and final event instructions after confirming their attendance through Luma.
This event may be photographed or recorded.