DIU to host national AI hackathon in July

Daffodil International University (DIU) will host an AI Hackathon 2026 in July to promote innovation and technology-based problem solving among students.

The two-day event will be held on July 11–12 at the university’s permanent campus in Daffodil Smart City, Savar, says a press release.

The university is organising the hackathon in collaboration with the World AI Alliance.

A press conference announcing the event was held on April 15 at the university campus.

Among those present were Ujjal Roy, president of the World AI Alliance and CEO of ScaleBuild AI, and Dr Md Sabur Khan, chairman of the board of trustees of Daffodil International University.

Other attendees included Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Mohammad Masum Iqbal, Registrar Dr Mohammad Nadir Bin Ali and faculty members.

The organisers said the hackathon will bring together students from universities across the country to develop artificial intelligence-based solutions to real-world challenges.

Selected teams will take part in a 48-hour competition to build and present their projects.

Each team will consist of three students and one mentor from academia or industry.

Participants will be required to submit concept notes during the registration process, which will be evaluated by a panel of judges.

Shortlisted teams will be invited to the final round.

The organisers said the competition will include three tracks.

The hackathon will offer a total prize pool of Tk 200,000.

Winning teams will also receive opportunities for funding, mentorship and incubation support.

The university said the initiative aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and support the development of young technology professionals in Bangladesh.