Overview
GDG AI HACK 2026 is a free, in-person AI hackathon taking place in Milan, Italy from May 8 to May 10, 2026 at Randstad Box. Organized by GDG PoliMi and GDG Cloud Milano, the weekend brings together university students, recent graduates, and PhD students to form teams and build AI based projects. The event features three main tracks focused on AI for Education, Vision and Spatial AI, and On-Device AI, with additional side challenges from industry sponsors. A total prize pool exceeding €15,000, mentoring from industry experts, and hands-on sessions are available to participants. The hackathon is entirely free to attend, with meals provided during the weekend and opportunities to network with peers and potential future teammates.
Agenda
- Friday May 8: Welcome drinks at Google Milan to kick off and allow participants to meet potential teammates.
- Saturday May 9: Hackathon kickoff at Randstad Box with challenge briefs, team formation, and starting the build phase that lasts through the night.
- Sunday May 10: Final presentations and awards ceremony at Randstad Box. Teams present their projects to judges and prizes are awarded across tracks.
- All days include meals and snacks, with venue access for late-night work if desired.
Tracks
- Braynr: Learn Different — Education-focused AI, cross-disciplinary teams that include designers, data scientists, and education experts.
- Luxonis: See Beyond — Vision and Spatial AI with on-site hardware like OAK cameras and DepthAI SDK to build edge AI solutions.
- MSI: Cut the Cord — On-Device AI and privacy focused solutions with models running locally without cloud dependency.
Format
- In-person event at Randstad Box, Milan. Free to attend with a cap of around 160 participants across 40 teams.
- Teams can be formed beforehand or at the event; solo participants can be matched with teams before start.
- Any programming language or framework is welcome. Tools from sponsors such as Google Gemini API, Replit, ElevenLabs, Luxonis, MSI, and others are provided or available for use during the hack.
Who should attend
- University students, recent graduates, and PhD students from CS, design, data science, IoT, AI, UX, and related fields.
- Individuals or small teams (up to 4 people) who want to build impactful AI projects and learn from mentors.
- Anyone interested in exploring AI applications across education, vision, and on-device AI domains.
FAQ Highlights
- Can we know the challenge beforehand? No. The briefing is provided at kickoff.
- Can I participate without a team? Yes. Apply solo and organizers will help with team formation before the event.
- Is there a pre-existing project requirement? No, but having a portfolio helps.
- How many spots are available? 160 participants across 40 teams.
- What to bring? Laptop, charger, adapters; optional items for comfort; no special hardware required beyond what you plan to use for your project.
- Are meals included and is the event free? Yes, meals are provided and participation is free.
- How are results communicated? Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; outcomes are announced by end of April. Check email and spam folders.
- What tools are available? Google Cloud credits and Gemini API, Replit cloud IDE, ElevenLabs, Luxonis OAK cameras, and Braynr education tools, among others.
Venue and Prizes
- Venue: Randstad Box, Via S. Vigilio 5, Milan, Italy. Accessible by public transit.
- Prize pool: over €15,000 in cash, hardware, software licenses, and cloud credits across tracks.
- Organizers: GDG PoliMi and GDG Cloud Milano, with industry partners and community sponsors supporting the event.
Practical details
- Start date: 2026-05-08; End date: 2026-05-10.
- Location: Milan, Italy (Randstad Box).
- Online format: In-person only for the main event; some content and FAQs may be mirrored in accessible formats.
For more details about tracks, schedule, and how to apply, visit the event page and the dedicated sections on the site.
