Global AI Techathon: Free AI Hackathon for Students 13–18
A Global AI Techathon where young people aged 13-18 build solutions for real-world problems
How the Global AI Techathon works
The Global AI Techathon is a free annual learning challenge for students aged 13–18. Young people work in supervised teams through schools, universities and community hosts to understand a real-world problem, explore responsible uses of AI and data science, build a solution and present their project.
It runs from January to April each year, hosted virtually in a hybrid format, with teams using AI and data science for social good.
Learn
Guided sessions introduce the Techathon, AI concepts, and responsible innovation.
Build
Teams collaborate to design and develop solutions with mentor support.
Pitch & Celebrate
Projects are shared locally and globally, with recognition for creativity and impact.
Programme format
- January-April annually
- 13-18 age range
- All skills levels welcome
- Free
- Delivered in-person or hybrid formats
- Language: English
Who can take part
Young People
Students aged 13–18 from any background. No prior AI experience is required.
Schools and Educators
Schools, libraries, and organisations hosting student teams locally.
University Partners
Our University Partners host local AI Design Sprints on campus, inspiring the next generation of AI innovators.
Mentors and Partners
Professionals supporting student teams or the programme globally.
Global Techathon highlights
See how young people collaborated, built, and pitched real solutions.
Safe and supported participation
Designed for young people, with adult supervision and clear safeguarding principles.
Communication spaces are moderated, and a clear code of conduct applies throughout.
Schools and parents can support teams locally.
Every Teens in AI programme is delivered within clear safeguarding, conduct and online-safety standards. Read our Responsible AI and Safeguarding Statement.
“It was an inspiring experience that strengthened my problem-solving skills while collaborating on creative AI solutions. I gained hands-on experience in teamwork, innovation, and connecting with like-minded peers. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to continue exploring AI through future programmes.”
What participants say on Google
Programme at a glance
Step 1: Inspire and Prepare
Inspiration Week plus Techathon introduction
Step 2: Boost Skills and Refine
Bootcamp Week workshops to build technical and creative skills
Step 3: Build Locally
Design Sprints in schools and communities (local or virtual)
Step 4: Showcase and Celebrate
Global Techathon and Demo Day (projects shared and recognised)
Featured in
Get involved
For Young People
Take part in a global Techathon, build skills, and collaborate with peers worldwide.
- No AI or coding experience needed
- Work in a team on a real-world challenge
- Share your project and celebrate your impact
- Students can progress to the Global AI Techathon after completing AI Adventures courses
For Schools And Organisations
Host a Local AI Design Sprint and support teams in your community.
- Run it in a school, library, or community space
- Use our resources to guide teams step-by-step
- Celebrate locally and join the global moment
For Universities
Become a Founding University Partner and inspire the next generation of AI innovators.
- Host a Local AI Design Sprint on your campus
- Engage local schools and colleges through AI education
- Receive organiser training, resources and ongoing support
For Mentors
Support teams with technical, design, or industry expertise during the build and pitch stages.
- Coach teams through ideas, prototyping, and presentation
- Help students think critically and responsibly
- Flexible commitment, guided by our mentor briefing
- Support progress against your organisation’s internal goals and KPIs
For Partners
Position your organisation at the forefront of ethical AI innovation.
- Build brand visibility through global, high-impact engagement
- Engage and inspire employees through mentoring and judging roles
- Access a diverse pipeline of emerging, global tech talent
- Align with ESG, education, and responsible AI priorities
- Strengthen your reputation with the next generation of innovators
FAQs
Students aged 13 to 18 from any background can take part. No prior AI or coding experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome.
Yes. Taking part in the Global AI Techathon is free for students.
The Techathon runs from January to April each year. Exact dates vary by location, and full details are shared after sign-up.
Students work in teams on a real-world challenge, supported by mentors, through schools, universities and community hosts. Projects are then shared locally and globally.
The Techathon is delivered in person or in hybrid formats. Sessions are in English.
Through the Techathon journey, you will gain:
- AI foundations: What AI is, how it works, and where it’s used
- AI ethics & risks: Understanding bias, fairness, and safety
- Design thinking: Solving real-world problems creatively
- Prototyping skills: Using no-code tools like Canva and Thunkable
- Teamwork & storytelling: Presenting your solution with impact
- Inspiration Week: A week of one-hour inspirational learning sessions delivered by various keynote speakers on topical issues
- Bootcamp Week: A week of hands-on workshops to develop technical, creative and problem-solving skills.
- Local Design Sprints: The dates that the AI Design Sprints are taking place around the world
- Virtual Panel: A Virtual Panel with keynote speakers hosted and moderated by Teens in AI
- Global Techathon Weekend: The dates when the Virtual Global Techathon will take place, featuring the winning teams from each local AI Design Sprint around the world with mentorship and prototyping
- Global Demo Day: The final judging round of the Global AI Techathon
During this programme, teens from around the world participate in local design sprints. Teams develop and pitch a project addressing one of the assigned United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The winning teams from each local sprint progress to the Global Techathon, where they refine their projects, receive mentorship, and showcase their solutions on a global stage.
Winning teams from local design sprints advance to the Global Techathon. They join virtual sessions with international mentors and speakers to refine their prototypes, iterate on their solutions, and receive feedback through peer reviews and expert guidance, preparing their projects for the final showcase.
On Global Demo Day, finalist teams pitch their projects for the chance to be named the overall Global Winner. Expert judges provide guidance and evaluation to help determine the top project.
Ready to take part?
Join young people from around the world in the Global AI Techathon.