Toronto · March 2027

Build what
comes next.

Bringing together 1000+ students, researchers, designers, and creators from around the world for Canada's largest AI hackathon.

Become a judgePartner with us

Hacker applications open the second week of January.

1,000+ hackers, judges & volunteers140+ universities37+ countries20+ workshops & talks30+ industry partners
About GenAI Genesis

Canada's Largest AI Hackathon.

GenAI Genesis is a 36-hour AI hackathon taking place in March 2027 at the University of Toronto in downtown Toronto.

Over an intense weekend of building and learning, you’ll collaborate with top mentors, engineers, and industry leaders to build working prototypes, take part in hands-on workshops, and present your projects to judges.

We exist to empower the next generation of builders to use AI collaboratively, responsibly, and at scale. AI is changing how the world works. We want students to have a hand in deciding what comes next.

  • Students
  • Researchers
  • Designers
  • Creators
Growing through every edition

GenAI Genesis 2026, by the numbers.

Last time, GenAI Genesis brought together:

  • 1,000+Hackers, judges & volunteers
  • 140+Universities represented
  • 37+Countries represented
  • 20+Workshops, talks & sessions
  • 30+Industry partners & speakers
Toronto: built around innovation

A city moving at the speed of AI.

Toronto helped lay the foundations for today’s AI boom. At the University of Toronto, Geoffrey Hinton, Alex Krizhevsky, and Ilya Sutskever developed AlexNet, the 2012 breakthrough that brought deep learning into the mainstream.

Today, institutions like the Vector Institute keep that research connected to industry.

GenAI Genesis celebrates Toronto’s place in that story, and invites the world to be part of what comes next. As we grow, we want more people to build here, share what they make, and see what Toronto has to offer.

  • Toronto, Ontario
  • March 2027

AI has no borders

We had the world over.

For one weekend, Myhal Centre had a little more of the world in it. 37 countries, to be exact.

    Prototypes that outlived the weekend.

    Built at GenAI Genesis

    Winner · 2026

    Agentropolis

    Google Best AI for Community Impact

    Toronto's residents, replaced by AI doppelgängers living out their days on a 3D map of the city.

    Winner · 2026

    Voxel

    IBM Best AI Hack using IBM Technology

    An AR headset app that turns prompts and diagrams into 3D models students can explore.

    Winner · 2026

    Shipyard

    GenAI Genesis Top 2 Team & Best Beginner AI Hack

    Shows a repo's production readiness as a 3D city, then ships it with AI agents.

    See every 2026 project on Devpost →

    Partner with GenAI Genesis

    Meet the people building the next wave of AI.

    Sponsors mentor teams, run workshops, and meet emerging AI talent from universities worldwide.

    Partnership enquiry

    Past sponsors & partners

    The side quests

    GenAI Genesis Candids

    The moments between building and demos that make the weekend memorable.

    These candids are locked. Find the 3 easter eggs hidden around the site to unlock them. 0/3 found

    • A hacker petting a therapy dog during GenAI Genesis

      Taking a therapy dog break

    • Hackers networking with sponsors at GenAI Genesis

      Chatting with teams from leading companies

    • Hackers competing in a spicy ramen challenge

      Trivia winners take on spicy ramen

    Every great hackathon needs a few stories that don't fit in the submission form :)

    FAQ

    Questions, answered.

    Who can participate?

    We welcome applicants from Canada and around the world, at all skill levels. If you’re curious about AI and excited to build something, we’d love to hear from you.

    Do I need AI or programming experience?

    No prior AI experience is required! Some programming knowledge can help, but it’s not a requirement. You’ll have access to resources and mentors to help you along the way.

    Do I need a team before applying?

    Nope! Everyone applies individually, and we’ll help you find teammates. If you already have a team in mind, make sure each member submits their own application.

    How many people can be on a team?

    Teams can have up to four people, from any school, country, or experience level. Just make sure everyone is participating in the same format, in-person hackers team up with other in-person hackers, and virtual hackers team up with other virtual hackers.

    Is the hackathon in person or online?

    Both! You can join us in person at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus or participate online. Please choose one format when applying, we don’t accept applications for both.

    When is the hackathon?

    GenAI Genesis returns in March 2027! Follow us on Instagram for the exact dates and schedule.

    How long is the hackathon?

    You’ll have 36 hours to work on your project. Plan to stick around afterwards for the closing ceremony and awards!

    When do hacker applications open?

    Follow us on Instagram to hear when applications open. If you have any questions in the meantime, reach out at .

    How do I apply?

    Once applications open, you’ll find the application form right here on our website.

    How much does it cost?

    It’s completely free to participate! We’ll also provide resources and mentorship to support you throughout the weekend.

    Is acceptance guaranteed?

    We review every application, but submitting one doesn’t guarantee a spot. You don’t need an impressive AI resume to apply, we welcome beginners, too.

    There’s room for you here.

    A lot can happen in 36 hours.

    Now boarding

    Next stop: GenAI Genesis.

    Toronto · March 2027. Choose how you're getting on.

    Apply as a hackerBecome a judgePartner with us

    Profile icons represent the organizing team.