Sponsored by Lovable — Each participant will receive 100 Lovable credits, valued at approximately $20–$30.
A one-day inclusive AI hackathon designed for humans first - no coding or experience required.
We invite developers, designers, founders, creatives, students, and total beginners to come together to build, explore, and connect. This isn’t your typical coding hackathon - it’s a structured, supportive experience where everyone can contribute, whatever their background.
Co-hosted by NovaForge AI Venture Lab and My Creative Break with support from Lovable, pairing cutting-edge AI tools with expert facilitation so your team is supported every step of the way - from icebreakers to brainstorming to the final pitch.
Why We're Doing This
More than building AI projects, this event is about three things:
- Creating a welcoming entry point into AI and innovation for a diverse audience
- Encouraging collaboration between technical and non-technical participants
- Building meaningful connections while creating solutions that address real human needs
You’ll leave with new skills, new connections, and a real sense that you can contribute to the AI ecosystem — regardless of your background.
The Theme — Inclusive Tech: AI Tools for Underserved Communities
A one-day build sprint where developers, designers, creatives, founders, and curious beings create AI tools that expand access, equity, and opportunity for the people technology too often leaves behind.
Teams will build AI-powered solutions that address real human needs across six focus areas, with equal emphasis on usefulness, creativity, design, and technical execution. Pick a track that speaks to you:
- Accessibility — tools that make everyday life easier for people with disabilities
- Healthcare Access — closing gaps in mental health, care navigation, and well-being
- Civic & Community — community safety, participation, and local services
- Financial Inclusion — expanding access to financial tools and literacy
- Education & Literacy — learning support for under-resourced learners
- Language & Newcomers — breaking language barriers for immigrants and newcomers
What You Get
This is designed for people who want to explore AI, collaborate with others, and turn ideas into action — whether you’re an experienced builder or completely new to the space. Participants leave with:
- New connections across Toronto’s AI and startup community
- New skills and hands-on AI experience
- Increased confidence to keep building
- A real project you helped create
- Exposure to mentors, judges, and the startup ecosystem
- Something meaningful, built with others — and you’ll be guided through all of it
What to Expect
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Guided team formation - come solo or with a team, no one gets left behind
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Facilitated icebreakers and connection activities
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Structured build sprints with mentor support throughout
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Pitch-prep mentoring before your final presentation
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Food, coffee, and energy resets built in
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A low-pressure, encouraging environment
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Networking with builders, founders, and creatives
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Prizes across multiple categories
Who is this for?
Anyone curious about AI, not just technical folks:
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Developers & engineers
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Designers & creatives
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Founders & entrepreneurs
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Students & early-career professionals
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First-time builders & AI-curious beginners
Luma: https://luma.com/novaforge-stwz
Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/build-for-people-al-human-creativity-inclusive-ai-hackathon-tickets-1991724353156
Requirements
Teams will build AI-powered solutions that address real human needs, with equal emphasis on usefulness, creativity, design, and technical execution.
Prizes
Prizes
Winning teams will be recognized across multiple categories, with prizes to help you keep building after the event - full details will be announced soon.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Trevor Perry
Storyteller, Instigator, Agitator; Chief Provocateur for The School of Dangerous Ideas
Martin Hung
Managing Director at OFI Technology Consulting Inc. (@ohkayawesome)
Rita Zhang
Founder & Product Designer; Founder of Women in Business and Technology; 7x hackathon winner (@rit.zhang)
Iffy Kazim
Profit and Performance Strategist, Apex Business Growth
Naga D Pothuraju
Senior Engineering Manager, TikTok
Judging Criteria
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Judging Criteria
Projects will be evaluated on a balanced set of criteria, shared with teams in advance: Innovation and Creativity, Human Impact, User Experience and Design, Technical Execution, Presentation and Storytelling
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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