Artificial intelligence innovators worldwide now have a fresh opportunity to turn ideas into profitable ventures as XPRIZE and Google launch the Build with Gemini XPRIZE Hackathon 2026, a global competition with a $2 million prize fund.
- Artificial intelligence innovators worldwide now have a fresh opportunity to turn ideas into profitable ventures as XPRIZE and Google launch...
- Announced during Google I/O 2026, the initiative invites developers, entrepreneurs, students and problem solvers to create AI-powered businesses within a...
- According to XPRIZE, entries will be assessed not only on technical quality but also on commercial performance and social impact.
- Beyond the top prizes, fifteen runner-up teams will each receive $50,000.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI — everything you need to know is covered below.
Announced during Google I/O 2026, the initiative invites developers, entrepreneurs, students and problem solvers to create AI-powered businesses within a 90-day build window. Organisers say the programme aims to push participants beyond prototype development to launch products that attract users and generate revenue.
Focus on Real-World AI Solutions
The competition challenges participants to build practical AI tools across five major sectors. These include Education and Human Potential, Entrepreneurship and Job Creation, Small Business Services, Money and Financial Access, and Professional Services Access.
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According to XPRIZE, entries will be assessed not only on technical quality but also on commercial performance and social impact. Teams must demonstrate that their products can operate in real environments with actual users rather than relying on concepts or projections alone.
Peter Diamandis, founder and executive chairman of XPRIZE, said advances in AI have lowered the barriers to software creation, allowing more people to solve everyday challenges through technology. He noted that the hackathon seeks to widen access to innovation opportunities across industries and communities.
$500,000 Grand Prize Up for Grabs
The winning team will receive a grand prize of $500,000, while the second-place entry will earn $200,000. Organisers will also award three additional prizes of $100,000 each for third- to fifth-place entries.
Beyond the top prizes, fifteen runner-up teams will each receive $50,000. Another five category winners are expected to each collect a separate $50,000 award across the competition’s focus sectors. Each project, however, can only receive one prize.
The programme is powered by Google’s AI ecosystem, including Gemini, Google AI Studio, Cloud Run, Stitch and Flow. Participants are expected to use at least one Google Cloud product in their submissions.
Registration Now Open Worldwide
Registration for the hackathon is currently open, with submissions scheduled to close on August 17, 2026. The event is fully online and accessible to eligible participants globally.
Projects will undergo screening and verification before finalists are selected for a live competition in Los Angeles on September 25, 2026. Hacker Fund, known for organising large-scale hackathons, will oversee the verification process.
Organisers say the competition reflects growing global interest in AI tools capable of supporting businesses, education, finance and public services. With thousands of participants already registered, the Build with Gemini XPRIZE Hackathon is shaping up to become one of the year’s largest AI innovation contests.
Interested applicants should click here to apply.