🚀 Beyond Chatbots: AI Agents Hackathon @ UAlberta (All Levels Welcome)
Build AI that remembers, takes initiative, and gets things done.
Most of us use AI every day. This is your chance to build your own: in one day, turn an idea into a working AI agent.
Join Brave AI for a free hackathon at the University of Alberta. Whether you're brand new to AI or already building with it, come learn, build, and meet people who share your curiosity.
🤖 What's an AI Agent?
A typical chatbot answers when you ask. An AI agent goes a step further: it keeps track of what matters, decides what to do next, and takes action to help you reach a goal.
Building one is more approachable than it sounds, and it's one of the best ways to understand where AI is heading.
🛣️ Pick Your Path
New to AI? We'll run a beginner workshop that covers the basics: what chatbots and AI agents are, how they work, and how to start building your own. No prior AI experience needed.
Already building agents? Bring your ideas and your favorite tools, and go as deep as you want. It's a chance to push a project further, try something new, and show what you can do.
🧠 The Challenge
Don't just build AI that responds. Build AI that acts.
Create an AI agent that does something useful on its own. It could help with school, work, careers, or everyday life. Start small or think big: the best projects solve a real problem, whatever their size.
What you build is up to you. Full workshop and challenge details will be shared with registered participants closer to the event.
⚡ What to Expect
Build something real: get hands-on and leave with a working prototype
Learn as you go: pick up new skills, whether it's your first AI project or your fiftieth
Connect & collaborate: team up with students, developers, and AI enthusiasts from across Edmonton
Show your work: present your project, get feedback, and compete for prizes
💡 Why Join
A project for your portfolio: something real to talk about in interviews and add to your resume
Skills that carry forward: useful whether you're aiming for an AI job, starting a company, or heading into research
Learn from builders: get feedback from a team that builds AI products every day
New connections: meet people who are just as curious about AI as you are
🏆 Prizes
🥇 Cash prizes for the top projects, including Best Overall and Best Technical Build
🌱 A special award for first-time builders
💼 Standout builders may be invited to interview for internships with Brave AI
👥 Who Should Join
This hackathon is for students and recent grads from any school and any program, developers, designers, aspiring AI engineers, and anyone curious about building with AI.
If you've used ChatGPT, you're ready. Coding helps but isn't required. Great teams need people who can think through a problem, shape the experience, and tell the story, not just write code.
Come solo or with friends. We'll help you find a team at the event.
🗓️ Event Schedule
9:30 – 10:00 AM Check-in & Networking
10:00 – 10:30 AM Opening Remarks & Challenge Introduction
10:30 – 3:30 PM Hacking with lunch break
3:30 – 4:30 PM Project Demos & Judging
4:30 – 5:00 PM Awards & Closing
Schedule is subject to change.
❓ FAQ
Do I need AI or coding experience?
No. Beginners are welcome, and our workshop will help you get started. If you can code, great. If not, there's still plenty you can contribute to a team.
I don't have a team. Can I still join?
Absolutely. Coming solo is completely normal, and we'll help you find teammates (if needed) at the event.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No preparation needed. Just register, and we'll share workshop and challenge details before the event.
What tools can I use?
Any programming language, framework, or AI tool you like.
What if I don't finish my project?
That's completely normal at a hackathon. Demo what you have. We're excited to see your ideas and your progress.
I'm not a UofA student. Can I come?
Yes. The event is open to students and recent grads from any school, developers, and anyone interested in building with AI.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Admission is free.
📍 Event Details
📅 Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM MST
📍 Location: University Commons (UCOMM) Atrium, University of Alberta, Edmonton
🎟️ Admission: Free
💻 Bring: your laptop and charger
🌱 About Brave AI & MOSS
Brave AI is building the future of AI-powered learning and career development. Our AI mentor, MOSS, combines personalized coaching, persistent memory, and proactive support, so mentorship doesn't stop when the conversation ends.
This hackathon is inspired by the same idea: AI that doesn't just answer, but helps people move forward. We can't wait to see what you build.
🚀 New to AI or already building agents, there's a place for you. See you on November 9!