Phase 1
Application & Selection
Submit your team and project idea. Public applications open 1–5 Oct, followed by jury review 5–8 Oct.
CSAI Days 2026 Hackathon
#HackTheCore
Cybersecurity & AI Hackathon — 28 October 2026
Build, improve, demonstrate, and present a real project with mentors, experts, and a jury.
- 1–5people per team
- 1–5 Octapplications
- 28 Octfinal Hackathon
- Meaningful AIsolving a real problem
Event Kick-off
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How the Hackathon works
Three phases from application to the final showdown on 28 Oct.
Phase 2
Technical Submission & Finalist Selection
Selected teams receive a private link for detailed technical submission 8–15 Oct. Jury reviews 15–20 Oct to choose 6 finalists.
Phase 3
Final Hackathon
Six finalist teams compete on-site at EST Tetouan to pitch and win 10,000 MAD.
Ready to submit your idea?
The application form contains two sections: team information and project information.
After the public application
What happens next
Later-stage forms are private and are sent only to teams that reach the relevant phase.
- 1
Applications are accepted from 1–5 October.
- 2
The initial jury review runs from 5–8 October.
- 3
Approximately 20 teams are selected by 8 October.
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4
Selected teams submit project material from 8–15 October using a private link sent by email.
- 5
The detailed jury review runs from 15–20 October and selects six finalist teams.
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6
Finalists are notified on 20 October and receive attendance and logistics instructions privately.
- 7
The final Hackathon takes place on 28 October.
Selected teams only
Technical project submission
- Submission period: 8–15 October.
- One project document in PowerPoint or PDF format.
Selected teams will receive the Technical Project Submission Form directly by email.
Six finalist teams
Information for finalist teams
Finalist teams will receive attendance and logistics instructions directly by email. They will privately confirm:
- Whether they can attend in Tétouan.
- The number of team members attending.
- Their city of residence.
- Transport needs.
- Other essential coordination details.
Deliverables by stage
What teams provide
Initial application
- Team information and project concept.
- Problem and proposed solution.
- Meaningful AI approach, plus any optional Agentic AI or external API plans.
Selected teams
- One PowerPoint or PDF project document.
- Technical approach, workflow and current project status.
Final Hackathon
- Working demonstration and final presentation.
- AI approach and any optional Agentic AI or API integration explanations.
- Jury questions.
Eligibility
Teams may contain between 1 and 5 people.
Projects must use artificial intelligence meaningfully to solve a real problem. Agentic AI and external API integration are optional approaches and are not required for participation.
HACKATHON AWARDS
Prizes
2
2nd Place
5,000 MAD
Winner certificate
1
1st Place
10,000 MAD
Winner certificate
3
3rd Place
2,500 MAD
Winner certificate
All members of the 20 selected teams will receive an individual participation certificate.
Evaluation areas
- Relevance of the problem
- Originality of the solution
- Meaningful use of AI
- Technical integration quality, where applicable
- Technical feasibility
- User experience
- Working demonstration
- Final presentation
Numeric scoring values have not been published as approved criteria.
Hackathon Jury
Meet the experts who will evaluate the selected Hackathon projects.
Aziz Mahboub
FSTT, UAE Univ., Morocco
Mohamed Ben Ahmed
FSTT, UAE Univ., Morocco
Badr-Eddine Semlali Boudriki
FSTT, UAE Univ., Morocco
Ikram Benabdelouahab
FSTT, UAE Univ., Morocco
Hackathon Schedule — 28 October 2026
The final Hackathon, pitches, jury evaluation, and awards all take place on the same day. Teams are released after the awards ceremony.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00–16:00 | Hackathon #Hackthecore |
| 11:00 | Coffee break during the Hackathon |
| 14:30 | Sandwiches provided during the Hackathon |
| 16:00–17:30 | Pitch and presentations |
| 17:30–18:00 | Deliberation and evaluation |
| 18:00–18:30 | Coffee break |
| 18:30–18:45 | Opening and Hackathon Awards |
Confirmed information
Hackathon FAQ
Private links and still-unconfirmed operational details are not published on this page.
Who can participate?
Teams of one to five people may apply. Every project must use AI meaningfully to solve a real problem; Agentic AI and external APIs are optional.
What is the maximum team size?
The confirmed maximum is five people per team.
What is Agentic AI?
An AI system that receives a goal, chooses or sequences actions, uses tools, and adapts according to results. It is an optional advanced approach and is not required for participation.
What counts as a real external API?
A genuine external service that provides real or current data, or performs an authorized action, while the project runs. External or real-time API integration is optional; projects without it remain eligible when AI is central to solving the problem.
What information is required in the initial application?
Team and member information, the project concept, problem, solution, implementation approach, participation objective, and meaningful AI approach. Agentic AI or external API plans are optional and should be included only if used.
How will selected teams submit technical material?
Approximately 20 selected teams will receive a private technical submission link directly by email.
Will the private submission form be published?
No. It is sent only to selected teams.
Which document formats are accepted?
Selected teams submit one project document in PowerPoint or PDF format through the private submission link.
When will finalists be contacted?
Finalist teams will be contacted on 20 October. Attendance and coordination details will be sent privately.
Where will the final Hackathon take place?
The final Hackathon takes place in Tétouan.
Who should participants contact for help?
Use the official event email: csaidays@uae.ac.ma
Official support channel
Questions about the Hackathon?
Contact the organizing team for application or participation help.
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