Overview
GenAI Genesis is the largest AI hackathon in Canada focused on generative AI! Powered by PwC, backed by Google Developers as part of their #BuildwithAI 2025 campaign, and in partnership with the United Nations and One Degree Cooler, we're bringing together students who are passionate about AI to build cool stuff over one awesome weekend.
Organizers
Your favorite UofT tech clubs have joined forces:
- GDG (Google Developer Group)
- UTMIST (UofT Machine Intelligence Student Team)
- UofT AI Group
- CSSU (Computer Science Student Union)
With help from our awesome sponsors and partners, we've created this amazing opportunity for students to innovate with AI. Check out our website to see all the cool organizations making this possible!
Logistics
Date: March 21–23, 2025
Location: 55 St George St, Toronto (Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MY)) or Virtual
Participants: 700 hackers
Catering: Don't worry about food - we've got all meals covered!
Requirements
To ensure a smooth judging process and to maximize your project's impact, please prepare the following for your submission:
Write-Up
Your project submission must include a comprehensive write-up that addresses the following key points:
- Project Inspiration: Share the motivation behind your project. This could include the problems you're aiming to solve, any personal experiences that led to the idea, or why you believe your project matters in the context of generative AI.
- Technology Stack: Detail the technologies, frameworks, and tools you utilized to bring your project to life. Please include:
- Languages: List the programming languages used.
- Frameworks and Libraries: Mention any frameworks or libraries that played a critical role.
- Platforms: Highlight any platforms or cloud services (e.g., Google Cloud) that your project leverages.
- Tools: Any other tools or software that were essential to your development process.
- Product Summary: Provide a clear and concise summary of what your product does. Describe its features, the user experience, and how it addresses the problem(s) you identified. Highlight any innovative aspects of your solution and how it utilizes AI or other technologies to achieve its goals.
Code
- GitHub Repository: Include a link to the public GitHub repository containing your project's code. Ensure the repository is well-organized and contains a README file with setup instructions and an overview of the project.
- Important: Your project will not be eligible for judging if the GitHub link is not provided or if the repository is not accessible by the judges.
Submission Guidelines:
- Commits: To maintain the integrity of the competition, ensure there are no commits to the repository before the official start of the hackathon. Any commits made before this time could disqualify your project.
- README File: The README should effectively communicate what your project is, how to set it up, and any other necessary documentation to understand its structure and functionality.
Virtual hackers are expected to adhere to the same guidelines and practices as In-Person hackers. However, the key distinction lies in the judging process, which takes place virtually over Zoom, with a panel of virtual judges. These hackers exclusively compete for the virtual prize categories.
By adhering to these submission requirements, you ensure that judges can fairly assess your project and appreciate the hard work and innovation that went into its development. We look forward to seeing how your ideas will push the boundaries of what's possible with AI!
Prizes
Best Generative AI Technology Hack - Nintendo Switch [Hackathon Winning Prize]
Awarded to the project that overall best utilizes generative AI for human empowerment - utilizing AI in ingenious and intelligent way.
The winning team will receive Nintendo Switch game consoles.
Google & HBSU Best Healthcare AI Hack - Google FitBit Inspire 3
Awarded to the project that advances AI-driven innovation in healthcare, transforming patient care, diagnostics, and medical research.
Each winner will receive a Google Fitbit Inspire 3 for activity monitoring.
PwC Best Finance AI Hack - JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Speaker (x4)
Awarded to the project with the most impact to finance, driving smarter decision-making and greater financial inclusion.
Winners will receive JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Speaker.
United Nations & One Degree Cooler Best Climate Change & Sustainability AI Hack - Hoverboards
Awarded to the project that drives AI-powered solutions for a more sustainable future, tackling environmental and climate challenges.
The prize is Hoverboards for personal transportation.
Google Women Tech-makers & CGI Best Women Hack - Google Pixel Buds A-Series
Awarded to the project that champions women in AI, fostering innovation that empowers and uplifts communities. [majority of team members must be women]
The winning team, selected by Google Women Techmakers and CGI judges, will receive Google Pixel Buds A-Series.
Best Use of Gemini - Samsung Monitors
Awarded to the best project that uses Google Technologies such as Google Cloud, Google Vertex AI, PaLM, Gemini, and more!
The winning prizes are 24" Samsung Monitors.
Best Use of Cohere - NAFYRE N11 PRO GPS Drone
Awarded to the best project leveraging Cohere Generative AI models to drive innovation and AI-powered solutions.
The winning prizes are NAFYRE N11 PRO GPS Drone.
Best Education AI Hack - Razer Huntsman V2 Coding Keyboard
Awarded to the project that reimagines learning with AI, making education more personalized, accessible, and engaging.
The winning prizes are coding Razer Huntsman V2 Coding Keyboards.
Best DEI AI Hack - Sony WF-C700N Earphones (x4)
Awarded to the project that strengthens diversity, equity, and inclusion through AI, shaping a more fair and representative future.
Winners will receive Sony WF-C700N Earphones.
Best AI Accessibility Hack - Newest Model of Amazon Echo (x4)
Awarded to the project that enhances accessibility through AI, creating a more inclusive world for individuals of all abilities.
The wining prizes are Newest Model of Amazon Echo.
Best AI for Creativity & Generative Arts - Black+Decker Programmable Coffee Maker
Recognizes AI innovations in art, music, literature, and other creative fields, exploring generative AI and human-AI collaboration.
The prizes are Black+Decker Programmable Coffee Maker.
Best AI Safety & Responsible AI Hack - Razer Leviathan V2 Soundbar (x4)
Awarded to the project that prioritizes AI safety, ethics, and responsible AI development—ensuring fairness, transparency.
The winning prizes are Razer Leviathan V2 Soundbars.
Best Hardware Hack - Raspberry Pi (x4)
Awarded to the project that best utilizes hardware
The prizes are Raspberry Pis.
Best Beginner AI Hack - Polaroid Cameras (x4)
Awarded to the most impressive AI project built by a beginner team, showcasing strong learning, creativity, and execution.[majority of team members must be first time hackers]
Winners will get Polaroid Cameras.
Best AI-powered Tool for Hackathon Sponsored by Hack Canada
This track is all about building the ultimate AI-powered hackathon tool—whether it's a website, app, or hardware device—that solves real pain points for hackers. Think outside the box: Could it be a smart dev environment setup generator, a team collaboration dashboard, or even a hardware gadget that keeps your energy levels up? Your tool should be practical, impactful, and make hackathons more efficient, fun, and accessible for everyone. The most useful, creative, and polished solution wins! Let’s revolutionize the hackathon experience together.
Prize: Anker iPhone 16 Charger
Best AI Eco-Mobility Hack Sponsored by Dartmouth Climate Alliance (DCA) - Arduino Starter Kit
Create an AI-powered solution that addresses environmental impact and accessibility barriers in transportation for community gatherings and events. The ideal platform would reduce carbon footprints while making attendance more accessible!
The prize is an Arduino Starter Kit.
[Virtual] Best Virtual Hack - $1000 Gift Card ($250 x 4)
Awarded to the best project of virtual hackers.
Winners will be awarded with $1000 Gift Card ($250 x 4).
[Virtual] Google & HBSU Best Healthcare AI Hack - $500 Gift Card ($125 x 4)
Awarded to the project that advances AI-driven innovation in healthcare, transforming patient care, diagnostics, and medical research, for virtual hackers.
The winning prizes are $500 Gift Card ($125 x 4).
[Virtual] PwC Best Finance AI Hack - $500 Gift Card ($125 x 4)
Awarded to the project with the most impact to finance, driving smarter decision-making and greater financial inclusion, for virtual hackers.
The winning prizes are $500 Gift Card ($125 x 4).
[Virtual] United Nations & One Degree Cooler Best Climate Change & Sustainability AI Hack - $500 Gift Card ($125 x 4)
Awarded to the project that drives AI-powered solutions for a more sustainable future, tackling environmental and climate challenges, for virtual hackers.
The winning prizes are $500 Gift Card ($125 x 4).
Total Prizes Value
BEST ML Hack
Gift Cards
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
In-person
In-person
Judging Criteria
-
Criteria 1: Innovation
Focuses on the project's ability to introduce novel concepts, methods, or applications, and to demonstrate creative problem-solving. -
Criteria 2: Technical Quality
Operational effectiveness, code quality, and success in meeting specified requirements and performance standards. -
Criteria 3: Design
Overall structure of the project, including visual appeal user experience, and the organization of its architecture and code. -
Criteria 4: Impact
The project's potential to address real-world problems, create positive change, and contribute to meaningful outcomes.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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