Brampton AI Innovator: Hackathon | For Builders
Take on a Real Problem. Build a Smarter Solution.
Multidisciplinary builders will tackle real challenges submitted by Brampton businesses. Teams will explore the challenge, develop a potential AI solution or prototype, receive feedback and pitch their approach.
Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026, in person in Brampton, Ontario (venue to be announced), about eight hours each day. Both days are required to continue into the build phase and to complete a paid placement.
Who Should Join?
Open to post-secondary students from any college or university and Brampton residents (18+) across:
- Developers
- AI/ML Talent
- Engineers
- Data & Analytics
- Product
- UX/Design
- Business
- Entrepreneurs
- Startup Builders
You don’t need to be an AI expert — great solutions need technical, product, customer and business thinking.
Participants must be 18+ by November 21, 2026 and available for both hackathon days.
What will you do?
- Work on a real company challenge
- Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team
- Develop and test a potential solution
- Receive business and program feedback
- Pitch your solution
- Potentially continue into the build phase (December 2026 to August 2027). You do not need to “win” to continue.
Experience Ventures (Only For Students)
Paid placements are available for eligible students at TMU, Algoma University and Sheridan College through TMU’s Experience Ventures program. Placements are limited. To receive one, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, be legally entitled to work in Canada, and not have had another Experience Ventures placement in the same fiscal year. International students can take part in the hackathon without a paid placement. Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative.
How To Apply
The application takes about 10 minutes. Students without a Brampton connection are welcome to apply. A connection counts in your favour, whether you live, study or work here, grew up here or have family here.
What You Get
Hands-on experience building AI for a real Brampton business. Mentorship at the hackathon and office hours through the build phase. Monthly sessions led by practitioners on AI agents, automation, responsible AI and running a company. Short orientation modules and an applied AI primer before the hackathon. The option for eligible TMU students to apply for a paid build phase placement through TMU's VentureMatch program. Incorporation, venture funding and legal guidance for teams that start a company.
Participant Details
Cost: Free
Application deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026 (decisions by email by Tuesday, November 10, 2026)
Team format: Everyone applies individually, teams of two to five form on day