Build an AI app in a weekend at UIUC.

 

Keywords AI is hosting a student hackathon where you’ll ship real AI products fast - agents, copilots, workflows, automations, anything you can dream up. You’ll get free access to top builder tools like Lovable, Supabase, Trae, and Keywords AI to move from idea → demo quickly, with mentors around to help you unblock.

 

Come solo or with a team, meet other builders, learn by shipping, and demo what you build for a chance to win prizes. If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to go all-in and build something cool, this is it.

Requirements

What to Build

  • Build any AI-powered product that solves a real problem for people or businesses.

  • Examples: AI agents, copilots, workflow automations, customer support tools, research assistants, productivity apps, creative tools, or anything you can demo end-to-end.

  • Use Keywords AI Gateway

What to Submit

  • Submit your project through Devpost before the deadline.

  • Your Devpost submission must include:

    • Source code uploaded as a .zip file (or a link to a repo if you prefer—optional if you want to allow it)

    • A demo video (≤ 2 min) link attached. (see below) 

    • A short write-up: what you built, who it’s for, and how it works

Social post requirement

  • After submitting on Devpost, one team member must post the demo video on X (Twitter) and include: Hashtag: #keywordsai-uiuc-hackathon and @keywordsai

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$2,100+ in prizes
+ other prizes
1st place
$1,000 in cash
1 winner

- Guaranteed Y Combinator X26 interview
- $500 Supabase credits
- 1 month Simplify Jobs
- AWS merch pack

2nd place
$500 in cash
1 winner

- $250 Supabase credits
- 1 month Simplify Jobs
- AWS merch pack

Best demo
$200 in cash
1 winner

Lovable Prize
1 winner

- 6 month Lovable free subscription

TRAE Prize
3 winners

gift card (1st $300, 2st $200, 3st $100)

Best prompt
$100 in cash
1 winner

Best product design
$100 in cash
1 winner

Most complex agent trace
$100 in cash
1 winner

Most fun
$100 in cash
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Andy Li
CEO at Keywords AI

Hendrix Liu

Hendrix Liu
Co-founder at Keywords AI

Frank Chen
Founding DevRel at Keywords AI

Judging Criteria

  • Impact & Usefulness
    How clearly does the project solve a real problem? Who is it for, and how valuable is the solution?
  • Product Quality & UX
    Is the product easy to understand and use? Does the user flow feel polished enough for someone to try immediately?
  • Technical Execution
    Does the project work end-to-end in the demo? Is the implementation solid and complete (not just a concept)?
  • AI Quality
    Is AI used in a meaningful way (not just “AI for AI’s sake”)? Good prompts, retrieval/tool use, reliability, and sensible guardrails.
  • Demo Clarity (≤ 2min)
    Is the demo clear, compelling, and easy to follow? Does it show the product working and explain the value quickly?
  • Bonus: Sponsor Tool Usage
    Thoughtful use of Supabase / Lovable / Trae to build, ship, debug, or deploy. Explain how the tools helped.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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