🚀 Build, Innovate, and Ship working AI!
The JavaScript AI Build-a-thon is a focused, hands-on initiative that helps builders quickly move from exploration to working AI prototypes. Through concise quests and practical demos, you'll gain real skills with modern AI tools in a clear, outcome-driven format.
This isn't just another hackathon. It's your launchpad into the Agentic future of JavaScript and TypeScript development.
📅 Key Dates
- 🎬 Build-a-thon Begins: Monday, March 2, 2026
- 📚 Quests & Livestreams: March 2 – March 13, 2026
- 🔥 Hackathon Launches: Friday, March 13, 2026
- 🏁 Hackathon Ends: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
🎟️ Registration
Once you're registered, introduce yourself in the Build-a-thon channel and connect with other builders to find teammates.
⚙️ How It Works
The Build-a-thon runs in two phases:
📚 Phase 1: Learn & Skill Up (March 2 – March 13)
Complete guided quests and attend expert-led livestreams to build the skills you need. Each quest is hands-on, self-paced, and teaches a core AI development pattern with JavaScript/TypeScript.
🔥 Phase 2: Hack! (March 13 – March 31)
Build something that matters. Use everything you learned — and beyond — to build AI agents that solve real problems.
🎥 Office Hours Schedule
During the hack phase, attend technical demos and special Discord Office Hours (8:00 AM PDT) to learn the latest AI tools, best practices, and get help with your project
| Day/Time (PT) | Topic |
|---|---|
| Mon 3/16, 8:00 AM PDT | Azure & Foundry MCP Server Demo |
| Mon 3/18, 8:00 AM PDT | Azure Developer CLI (azd) Demo |
| Wed 3/20, 8:00 AM PDT | Azure DocumentDB Demo |
| Wed 3/23, 8:00 AM PDT | GitHub Copilot CLI & SDK Demo |
| Fri 3/25, 8:00 AM PDT | GitHub Agentic Workflows Demo |
| Fri 3/27, 8:00 AM PDT | GitHub Copilot App Modernization Demo |
⚖️ Judging Criteria
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Depth of AI Integration | 25% |
| Technical Implementation & User Experience | 20% |
| Use of Responsible AI Patterns | 15% |
| Solution Value (Potential of your solution to solve real-world problems) | 15% |
| Innovation & Creativity | 10% |
| Documentation & Storytelling | 10% |
| Compliance with the Award Category | 5% |
🏆 Award Categories
✨ Special Spotlight: AI-Builder Award
Note
Did you use AI to build your AI? We want to see it!
This special recognition goes to builders who go beyond just building with AI — they show how they built. Share your prompts, workflows, tips, and tricks with the community.
We will be giving away 10 GitHub Copilot Pro + licenses for this award, and here is how you can stand out:
- 🪄 Share your prompts & prompt engineering strategies in your submission, blog post, and on Discord using the provided template
- 🔧 Document your AI tools & workflows — how you used GitHub Copilot, AI Toolkit, Copilot CLI, or other AI-assisted tools
- 💬 Be active in the community — post tips, answer questions, and share what you're learning in Discord
- 📝 Share what worked and what didn't — your honest takeaways help everyone level up
Note
We'll be watching both submissions and community contributions. This isn't about perfection — it's about transparency, generosity, and helping others learn. The best AI builders lift the whole community.
🏁 Project Submission
Submit your project on Innovation Studio. Your submission must include:
- GitHub repository: URL to your project's code for judging and testing
- Technical blog: URL to a blog post with a step-by-step walkthrough of your project
- Project video: 3–5 minute demo on YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook (public)
- GitHub usernames: For ALL team members
Warning
Judging time per project is strictly under 5 minutes — make your demo count!
💬 Community & Support
-
Discord
Office hours throughout the build-a-thon, plus quick questions and community support
-
Social
Share your progress with #JSAIBuildathon on social media