AI for Civic Innovation Hackathon 2026

Build with AI. Create Impact. Strengthen Communities.

The AI for Civic Innovation Hackathon brings together students, developers, designers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and civic innovators from across Pakistan to develop AI-powered solutions that address real public challenges.

Organized by Code for Pakistan in collaboration with Grey Software, Scrimba and FAST NUCES Islamabad, this hackathon provides participants with the opportunity to apply artificial intelligence to problems that affect citizens and communities every day.

Participants will work in teams to design and prototype innovative solutions focused on one of the following themes:

Democracy, Inclusion & Civic Participation

Build solutions that strengthen citizen engagement, improve access to information, promote inclusion, and support meaningful participation in civic life.

Technology for Civic Good

Leverage AI and emerging technologies to address social challenges and improve the delivery of services that positively impact communities.

Open Data & Access to Information

Develop tools that improve transparency, accountability, and public access to information through the use of open data and AI-powered insights.

Why Participate?
  • Solve meaningful real-world challenges
  • Learn from mentors and industry experts
  • Build your portfolio with an impactful project
  • Network with technology, government, and development-sector stakeholders
  • Compete for exciting prizes and recognition
  • Showcase your skills on a national platform

Whether you're an experienced developer or just beginning your AI journey, this hackathon is an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and create solutions that make a difference.

Join us in building technology that serves people and strengthens communities.

Requirements

Each team must submit:

1. Working Prototype

A functional prototype, proof of concept, or demonstration of your solution.

2. Project Description

A clear explanation covering:

  • The problem being addressed
  • Why the problem matters
  • How your solution works
  • Who will benefit from the solution
  • Potential impact and scalability
3. AI Component

Your solution must include a meaningful use of Artificial Intelligence. Clearly explain:

  • Which AI tools, models, or techniques were used
  • Why AI was appropriate for solving the problem
  • How AI improves the solution
4. Demo Video (Required)

Submit a video of up to 3 minutes demonstrating:

  • The problem
  • The solution
  • Key features
  • How users interact with the prototype
5. Presentation Deck  

A short pitch deck summarizing the problem, solution, impact, and future roadmap.

6. Source Code Repository

Provide a GitHub or other repository link of the project.

Judging Considerations

Projects will be evaluated on:

  • Innovation and creativity
  • Civic and social impact
  • Technical implementation
  • Effective use of AI
  • Feasibility and scalability
  • User experience and design

Teams may consist of up to four (4) members.

All work submitted must be created during the hackathon period and comply with the event rules.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$890 in prizes
First Prize
$357 in cash
1 winner

First Prize winners will receive a cash prize of PKR 100,000

Second Prize
$266 in cash
1 winner

Second Prize winners will receive a cash prize of PKR 75,000

Third Prize
$178 in cash
1 winner

Third Prize winners will receive a cash prize of PKR 50,000

Audience Favourite
$89 in cash
1 winner

Audience Favourite category winners will receive a cash prize of PKR 25,000

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Arsala Khan Bangash

Arsala Khan Bangash
Grey Software

Judging Criteria

  • Evaluation Criteria
    Submissions will be evaluated based on problem relevance, civic impact, innovation, AI integration, technical execution, user experience, scalability, and the team's ability to clearly communicate their solution.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Invite others to compete

Hackathon sponsors

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