AI Hackathon 2026 Rules

1. Overview

1. The AI Hackathon is a team-based innovation challenge where participants build AI-powered solutions aimed at improving internal processes, automation, and productivity across Exadel.
2. The hackathon is part of Exadel Code Fest 2026.

2. Hackathon Timeline

• April 1 – April 14, 2026: Hackathon Registration
• April 14 – April 16, 2026: Team Formation
• April 17, 2026: Hackathon Kickoff
• April 17 – April 26: Hackathon Build Phase. Teams work on their solutions and prepare final deliverables:
  • working prototype
  • short presentation
  • recorded demo
  • project repository
    • All materials must be submitted by the end of this phase.
• April 27 – April 29: Jury Review. The jury will review submitted projects and evaluate the results.
• April 29: Award Ceremony. Winners of the AI Hackathon will be announced.

3. Team Participation

1. The hackathon is a team-based competition.
2. Team size: 2-3 people.
3. Participants must either:
   • Join an existing team
   • Form a new team
4. All participants are required to complete the registration form on the event website.
5. Participants without a team can connect with others via the Slack channel.

4. Hackathon Challenges

1. Hackathon challenges will be announced during the kickoff session on April 17. Teams will have one week to develop their solutions.

5. Deliverables

1. Each team must submit the following by the end of the build phase:
   • A functional prototype or proof of concept (MVP)
   • A short presentation (slides) explaining the idea, approach, and value
   • A recorded demo (video) showcasing the solution
   • A project repository (e.g., GitHub) with the source code
2. Incomplete submissions may not be considered for evaluation.

6. Technologies and Tools

1. Teams may use:
   • low-code or automation tools
   • RPA/low-code: n8n (preferred). Alternatives allowed with prior approval
   • Code: any stack/language compliant with corporate security
   • AI Code Assistants: permitted (Copilot, Codeium, ChatGPT/GPT-4o, etc.), under data/security rules

7. Submission & Evaluation Process

1. All teams are required to submit their final materials by the end of the build phase.
2. Each submission must include all required deliverables listed in Section 5.
3. Submissions must be completed by April 26, 2026, 23:59 CET.
4. The jury will review all submitted projects asynchronously during the evaluation period (April 27–29).
5. Projects will be evaluated based on the defined criteria, and winners will be selected accordingly.
6. The jury may ask additional questions during the review phase.
7. Projects will be evaluated by the jury panel based on:
   • Innovation
   • Impact
   • Technical implementation
   • Presentation quality (well and clear documented)

8. Code of Conduct

1. Participants are expected to collaborate respectfully and follow company policies. Any form of plagiarism or misconduct may lead to disqualification.