The Theme: AI for Canadian Economic Resilience
The Challenge: Build an AI tool that solves a problem created or worsened by the current trade environment.
You don't necessarily need to be a trade expert or an economist to join. We will form teams for you and ensure that each team has a strong mix of skills.
This isn’t your typical hackathon - it’s a structured, supportive experience where everyone can contribute, whatever their background. There will also be mentors to support you throughout.
Co-hosted by NovaForge AI Venture Lab and My Creative Break, you’ll pair cutting-edge AI tools with expert facilitation so your team is supported every step of the way, from icebreakers, to brainstorming, to the final pitch.
Requirements
The problem we’ll tackle:
Canada is in the middle of a trade dispute that's reshaping how goods cross the border. New counter-tariffs took effect this September on roughly $27.6 billion of imports, hitting steel and aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics, and electronics. Businesses across the Greater Toronto Area are re-pricing products, hunting for new suppliers, and rewriting customs paperwork - many without the tools, time, or extra resources to do it well.
We think AI can help. Not as a demo, but as something a business owner, a worker, or a policymaker could actually use.
What makes this hackathon different?
- Guided team formation - come solo or with a team, no one is left behind
- Facilitated icebreakers and connection activities
- Structured build sprints with mentor support throughout
- Pitch-prep mentoring before your final presentation
- Access to mentors, judges, and ecosystem leaders
- Exposure to AI community tools and platforms
- Food, coffee, and energy resets built in
- A low-pressure, encouraging environment
- Networking with builders, founders, and creatives
- Prizes across multiple categories
Prizes
Prize TBD
To be determined
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Trevor Perry
Storyteller, Instigator, Agitator
Alice Bazdikian
Startup Co-founder and CEO
Judging Criteria
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Ideas you could work on:
- Trade and tariff intelligence - Supply chain resilience - Industry deep dives - Small business survival - Workers, regions and communities - Macro, policy & public insight
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Invite others to compete
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