GDG Markham Oktober Hackathon 2026

GDG Markham Community AI Hackathon 2026 Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 Time: 8:30 AM–6:30 PM Location: 88 Doncaster Ave. Thornhill, ON L3T 1L3 Format: In-person event, one-day hackathon Expected attendance: 60–100 participants Team size: 3–5 persons per team Develop technological solutions for challenges affecting Markham Join GDG Markham for a one-day community hackathon that brings together residents, youth, developers, designers, students, product thinkers, and technology enthusiasts to address real challenges in our city. The event will kick off with short reverse pitches from Markham residents and community representatives. Each speaker has one minute to describe a problem, concern, or opportunity they would like builders to explore. Participants will then choose a challenge, form an interdisciplinary team, and spend the day creating a functioning technology prototype with support from experienced mentors. You do not need to arrive with an idea or a team. Individual participants are welcome, and the organizers will support team formation during the event. Who should participate This event is aimed at: Software developers and engineers Students and youth Designers and user experience experts Product managers and entrepreneurs Fans of AI and cloud technologies Researchers, storytellers, and community advocates Participants attending a hackathon for the first time Markham residents with community challenges they wish to share You do not need to be an advanced programmer. Successful teams also need individuals who can research problems, understand users, design experiences, test ideas, and present solutions. Three ways to participate Community Pitch Speaker Share a one-minute reverse pitch about a problem, concern, or opportunity you would like builders in Markham to address. Your pitch should explain: What the problem is Who it affects Why it is important for Markham You do not have to make a technical solution proposal or join a build team. A maximum of 12 Community Pitch Speakers will be selected. Technology Co-Builder Work side by side with youth, residents, and other participants to turn a selected challenge into a working prototype. We are looking for about 12 technology enthusiasts with experience or interest in areas such as AI, web development, mobile development, cloud technology, design, or product development. Team Participant Join an interdisciplinary project team and contribute through development, design, research, testing, product thinking, storytelling, or presentation. Approximately 10–20 additional participant spots will be available. Beginners and participants attending a hackathon for the first time are welcome. Technology Teams can use technologies such as: Gemini and Google AI Studio Firebase Flutter Android Google Cloud Google Maps Platform Other complementary development and design tools Participants may also use other technologies alongside Google products. The prize for the best use of Google technology requires meaningful use of at least one Google technology. Proposed Schedule 8:30–9:15 AM — Registration and breakfast 9:15–10:00 AM — Welcome, orientation, and technology introduction 10:00–10:45 AM — Community reverse pitches and team formation 10:45 AM–12:30 PM — Build session and mentor support 12:30–1:15 PM — Lunch 1:15–4:00 PM — Building, testing, and submitting projects 4:15–5:30 PM — Project demonstrations and evaluation 5:30–6:00 PM — Awards and closing 6:00–6:30 PM — Networking The schedule may be slightly adjusted before the event. Awards Projects will be considered in five award categories: Best Overall Project Best Use of Google Technology Best Community Impact Best Beginner Team Audience Choice Award Projects will be judged on problem relevance, community impact, technical execution, innovation, user experience, and presentation. What participants will gain Participants will have the opportunity: To create a hands-on portfolio project To apply AI and Google technologies to a real problem To learn directly from experienced mentors To collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds To meet members of the Markham technology community To practice product development and presentation skills To receive feedback from judges and community representatives To continue promising projects after the hackathon What to bring Please bring: A laptop and charger Any adapters or accessories you need A reusable water bottle Your ideas, experiences, and willingness to collaborate Meals and refreshments will be provided for the event. Registered participants are asked to indicate dietary and accessibility requirements. Project rules New project work should be completed during the hackathon. Public libraries, APIs, templates, and open-source tools may be used. Teams must disclose extensive existing work and significant use of generative AI. Teams must have the rights to use all submitted codes, data, images, and other materials. Participants must abide by the code of conduct for the event. Teams retain ownership of their work. Each team member must make a significant contribution. Final projects must be submitted by the announced deadline. Registration Space is limited, and registration is required. Please indicate when registering whether you wish to participate as: Community Pitch Speaker Technology Co-Builder General Team Participant Mentor, Judge, or Volunteer Participants selected as Community Pitch Speakers will receive guidance before the event. Participants without teams will receive support in team formation. Additional information on location, accessibility, and arrival will be shared with confirmed participants. GDG Markham is an independent, community-led Google Developer Group. Our activities and views should not be attributed to Google.