by YCESS (YAI Singapore)
A youth AI hackathon for ages 7 to 24 with four quests and S$35,550 in prizes. Demo weekend in Singapore.
YAI Singapore, an independent programme of YCESS (Youth and Children Education Society), runs its 2026/27 youth AI season for students aged 7 to 24 from any country. Teams of one to four pick a quest: AI Art, AI Robotics and Smart Devices, AI for Good, or AI Agents, and compete in one of three age divisions (Explorer 7-12, Challenger 13-17, Builder 18-24). Online screening picks three to five finalist teams per quest and division, who present live at the in-person Demo Weekend in Singapore on 16-17 January 2027. Judging weighs creativity (30%), understanding and independent work (25%), completeness (20%), communication and teamwork (20%) and responsible AI use (5%). Champions win S$2,000, S$5,000 or S$10,000 by division, with runner-up and community choice prizes, eight S$500 special awards and partner perks. The fee is S$68 per student, with fee-waiver places available.
Students aged 7 to 24 from any country, in teams of 1-4 or solo. Under-21s need parent or guardian confirmation. Fee of S$68 per student; fee-waiver places available.
SGD 35,550
S$35,550 in total: champions win S$2,000, S$5,000 or S$10,000 by age division, plus runner-ups, community choice and eight S$500 special awards.