Leeds hack_ai_thon 2025: Build the Future of Education

The Leeds Artificial Intelligence Society is proud to announce Leeds hack_ai_thon 2025, the first student-led AI hackathon in Yorkshire. This premier on-campus event challenges University of Leeds students to build AI-powered solutions for learning, teaching, and the student experience and redefine the future of the education industry.

We are calling on the most innovative minds to tackle meaningful challenges within the educational landscape. This is a fast-paced, 10-hour sprint to conceptualise, develop, and deploy a functional prototype with the potential for industry-wide impact.

Theme: AI in Education

The challenge is to create cutting-edge applications that address critical needs in education. Participants will leverage the power of AI—from LLM APIs and no-code/low-code platforms to custom-trained models—to build robust solutions. We encourage ambitious projects that enhance academic outcomes, improve accessibility, streamline educational workflows, or promote student well-being. The primary judging criterion will be the solution's impact, technical execution, and scalability.

Potential Project Tracks/starting point:

• Student-Facing Solutions: Engineer AI-driven study planners, intelligent note summarisation tools, advanced accessibility applications, or proactive wellbeing assistants.
• Educator-Facing Tools: Develop sophisticated content generation aids, automated assessment and feedback systems, or analytical tools to identify learning gaps.
• University-Facing Systems: Build applications for large-scale feedback analysis, intelligent student outreach programs, or early risk detection systems to improve student support.
• Or any combination that improves learning outcomes, inclusion, time‑saving, or well-being using AI.

Platform: Web, mobile, desktop, CLI, embedded or any other. There are no restrictions.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday 11 October 2025
• Time: 10:00 – 20:00
• Location: Helix, Level 7, EC Stoner, University of Leeds
• Eligibility: Open exclusively to University of Leeds students.
• Teams: 1–3 participants. Solo developers are welcome. Team forming is available on the day.
• Entry fee: Free to participate. Food and refreshments will be provided throughout the event.
• Use of generative AI is allowed to the full extent

Schedule for the day:

• Build a Portfolio-Defining Project: Create a high-impact application that demonstrates your technical prowess and problem-solving abilities.
• Showcase Your Talent: Compete against your peers and gain recognition from the university community.
• Network with Innovators: Connect with fellow students, researchers, and mentors passionate about the intersection of AI and education.
• Win Cash Prizes: Earn rewards for your technical and creative excellence.
  
  

Ready to build the future of learning?

• Register Here:https://www.leedsaisoc.co.uk/hack_ai_thon/register
• Full Event Details:https://www.leedsaisoc.co.uk/hack_ai_thon/

• Impact & Relevance
  We are looking for projects that solve a significant, real-world problem in education. We will assess your solution's usefulness, practicality, and potential to make a meaningful and scalable impact for its target users.
• Technical Execution
  We will assess the quality of your project's build and execution. We want to see a functional prototype, sophisticated use of AI, and effective implementation of technology. Your code's quality and robustness are key.
• Innovation & Creativity
  We will evaluate the originality and creativity of your solution. We are looking for novel ideas, unique approaches to the problem, and a high-quality user experience. A well-designed, intuitive interface is something we highly value.
• Strategic Application of AI
  This assesses how cleverly AI is applied as a core, value-adding component of your solution. We value the purpose and intelligence of the AI's integration over the raw performance of any specific model.