Build with Gemini XPRIZE Hackathon | $2 Million Global AI Venture Challenge

Applications are now open for the Build with Gemini XPRIZE Hackathon, a global innovation challenge inviting entrepreneurs, developers, researchers, startups and small organisations to build AI-native businesses capable of solving real-world problems.

With a total prize pool of USD 2 million, participants have 90 days to ideate, build, launch and grow an AI-powered business that serves real customers and generates measurable revenue. Unlike traditional hackathons that focus on prototypes, this competition rewards teams that demonstrate commercially viable businesses operating with Artificial Intelligence at their core.

Projects must leverage Google Cloud technologies and use the Gemini API for at least one large language model (LLM) function within the deployed solution.

Funding & Prize Information

• Total Prize Pool: USD $2,000,000
• First Prize: $500,000
• Second Prize: $200,000
• Third–Fifth Prize: $100,000 each
• Runner-up Awards: 15 prizes of $50,000 each
• Category Awards: Five prizes of $50,000 each (one per category)

Who Can Participate?

The competition is open to:

• Individuals who have reached the legal age of majority in their country.
• Teams of eligible individuals.
• Organisations with fewer than 25 employees.

Participants from most countries are eligible, except those subject to specified restrictions, including Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia, as well as any other jurisdictions restricted under applicable U.S. regulations.

Challenge Theme

Participants must build an AI-powered business that:

• Solves a genuine market problem.
• Uses AI to automate core business operations.
• Has real users and paying customers.
• Generates measurable revenue during the competition period.
• Demonstrates long-term commercial viability.

Focus Areas

Projects must align with one or more of the following categories:

• Education & Human Potential
• Entrepreneurship & Job Creation
• Small Business Services
• Money & Financial Access
• Professional Services Access

Submission Requirements

Applicants will need to submit:

• GitHub repository.
• Three-minute demonstration video.
• Business narrative (500–1,000 words).
• Revenue evidence.
• Profit and Loss (P&L) statement.
• Customer evidence and testimonials.
• AI execution evidence (logs, dashboards or API usage).
• Supporting documentation demonstrating that AI is operating key business functions.

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated on three equally weighted criteria:

Business Viability

• Real customers
• Real revenue
• Sustainable business model

AI-Native Operations

• AI executing core business decisions
• AI integrated into production workflows

Category Impact

• Ability to transform the selected industry
• Scalability and long-term societal or economic impact

Why This Opportunity Matters

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how businesses are created and scaled. This challenge recognises that success is no longer measured solely by technical innovation, but by the ability to build sustainable businesses where AI becomes a core operational capability.

For entrepreneurs, startups and innovators, the Build with Gemini XPRIZE Hackathon offers an opportunity to validate AI-driven business models, attract visibility, and compete for significant prize funding while demonstrating real-world commercial impact.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 19 May 2026
• Submission Deadline: 17 August 2026
• Judging Period: 18 August – 15 September 2026
• Winners Announced: Around 25 September 2026

Countries

The competition is open globally, except for restricted jurisdictions.

(Note: Participation is generally global, subject to the official eligibility rules and excluded jurisdictions.)

Click HERE to visit the official website.