🤖 AI Hackathon Challenge

The AI Hackathon Challenge is an innovative competition organized by the Provincial Department of Education, Sabaragamuwa, with support from Colombo AI Conclave. It's designed to introduce public school students (Grades 6-13) to AI application development through hands-on learning and competition.

Students from Grade 6 to Grade 13 in all public schools across Sri Lanka can participate. Teams must represent their school and have 3-5 members. SparkCoders students have a separate category but can choose to participate either as school representatives OR SparkCoders representatives, not both.

No prior AI or coding knowledge is required! We provide comprehensive online workshops during the first and second week of September. You only need basic computer literacy. Our expert trainers will guide you through the entire development process.

This challenge focuses on building AI-powered applications using visual, drag-and-drop platforms that don't require traditional programming. Students will learn to create functional AI solutions through user-friendly interfaces and pre-built components.

This exciting category involves using AI tools to create stunning images, artwork, and videos. Students will learn to use modern AI platforms for creative content generation, exploring the intersection of technology and creativity.

This is an advanced category exclusively for students enrolled in SparkCoders centers in Sabaragamuwa Province. It involves more complex AI development using programming languages and advanced AI frameworks.

All public schools can register directly through our online application link. You need to complete the registration form with all team details before August 31st. After submission, join the WhatsApp group provided at the end of the application.

You'll need: School name and census number, province, teacher in-charge details, principal information, team member details (3-5 students), contact numbers, and most importantly - a dedicated Gmail account for your team.

Each school can register a maximum of 2 teams per category (Categories 1 & 2). So theoretically, a school could have up to 4 teams total - 2 for No-Code/Low-Code and 2 for Creative AI Media. SparkCoders centers can register 2 teams only for Category 3.

SparkCoders students must choose: they can either participate as representatives of their school (Categories 1 or 2) OR as SparkCoders representatives (Category 3), but NOT both. They cannot be in both school teams and SparkCoders teams simultaneously.

The competition has two rounds:

• Round 1: Initial competition and evaluation
• Round 2: Final round held in Sabaragamuwa Province

The top 3 teams from each category advance to the final round.

After registration, all teams will receive online workshops conducted by AI experts during the first and second weeks of September. These workshops will cover platform usage, AI application development basics, and competition guidelines. Training is completely free!

All teams selected for the final round will receive:

• Certificates of participation
• Pro access to AI development platforms
• Opportunity to present their projects to industry experts
• Recognition and awards for top performers

Basic requirements include:

• Basic computer literacy
• Access to computers with internet connection
• A team Gmail account (one per team)
• WhatsApp access for communication
• Willingness to learn and participate in online workshops

The team Gmail account will be used for:

• Accessing AI development platforms
• Receiving workshop links and materials
• Project submission and communication
• Official correspondence from organizers

SparkCoders is a specialized coding education program available only in Sabaragamuwa Province. Students enrolled in SparkCoders centers learn programming and advanced digital skills. They have their own dedicated category (Category 3) in this hackathon.

Yes, but they must choose ONE option:

• Option A: Represent their school in Category 1 or 2
• Option B: Represent their SparkCoders center in Category 3

Important: They cannot participate in both school and SparkCoders teams.

Registration Deadline: August 31st, 2025

Make sure to complete your online registration and join the WhatsApp group before this date. Late registrations will not be accepted.

Online workshops will be conducted during the 1st and 2nd weeks of September 2025 by AI experts. Specific dates and times will be shared with registered teams via email and WhatsApp.

The final round will be held in Sabaragamuwa Province. Exact date and venue will be announced after the first round. Only the top 3 teams from each category will qualify for the finals.

Yes! Students from all provinces can participate in Categories 1 and 2. Only Category 3 (SparkCoders) is limited to Sabaragamuwa Province since SparkCoders centers are only located there.

Contact us at 070 5111513 to discuss accommodation options. We're committed to ensuring all motivated students can participate regardless of their school's technical infrastructure.

No! Participation is completely FREE. This includes registration, online workshops, platform access, and all training materials. Our goal is to make AI education accessible to all public school students.

Yes! Team members can be from different grades (6-13) as long as they're all from the same school. Mixed-grade teams often bring diverse perspectives and skills.

After registration:

1. Join the WhatsApp group (link provided after submission)
2. Receive confirmation email with workshop details
3. Attend mandatory online workshops in early September
4. Participate in Round 1 competition
5. Top teams advance to finals in Sabaragamuwa