Overview
The YouCam API Skin AI & eCommerce VTO Hackathon is an online software competition inviting builders, creators, and visionaries to develop useful new experiences for skincare, beauty, fashion, and eCommerce. Hosted by Perfect Corp, the challenge is to create a functional web or mobile prototype that integrates at least one YouCam API and demonstrates clear consumer or retail value. Projects should address a real-world need with an intuitive, complete experience, rather than simply wrapping an API call. Scalable products and Agentic AI workflows are welcome.
Challenge tracks
Choose the topic that best fits your project:
- Skin AI: Use YouCam Skin AI, on its own or with other YouCam APIs, to help people understand their skin and decide what to do next. The page highlights moments such as choosing a product, responding to a breakout, or assessing whether a skincare product is working.
- eCommerce VTO: Create a seamless Virtual Try-On experience that brings beauty and fashion decisions together, helping users explore how different looks work as part of their overall self-image.
YouCam APIs provide AI Skin Analysis and generative Apparel Virtual Try-On through a REST API. The page notes that these models are used by more than 800 beauty and fashion brands.
Participation and resources
The hackathon runs online from September 29 through November 2, 2026. Participants must be above the legal age of majority in their country of residence; some countries and territories are excluded under the rules. Each registered participant can claim 1,000 free API units. To get started, register on Devpost to receive a redeem code by email, sign up for YouCam API and verify your email, then enter the code under Account > Redeem Code. The units are added immediately. Participants who share their project online may also earn bonus API units.
What to submit
Submit a project description explaining its features, functionality, and consumer or retail value, along with screenshots and a URL to the code repository. The repository must include the source code, assets, and instructions needed to run the project; it may be public with relevant licensing or private and shared with the organizer. Include a one-to-three-minute public demo video showing the project working on its intended device and explaining which YouCam API it uses. YouTube is preferred; Vimeo and Youku are also accepted. Winners must participate in an exit interview if selected and agree to be included in a blog article.
Prizes and judging
The total listed prize pool is $6,000. First place receives $2,500, second place $1,000, and third place $500, with each also receiving a featured blog and a product or developer marketing meeting. A Women in Tech Special Award and a student-only Rising Star Award each offer $1,000.
Judges assess the quality of YouCam API integration and technical implementation, product design and completeness, potential impact for a real audience, and the creativity and understanding behind the idea. Wendy Yen is listed as a judge. Questions can be sent to the hackathon manager at wendy_yen@perfectcorp.com.
