Oxford Edge AI Hackathon: Bringing Communities Together

Join us for a weekend with other hackers, technologists and creators to use AI to address the biggest challenges of our time: increasing social connection, reducing loneliness and promoting community cohesion. Over the course of a weekend, you’ll develop AI-enabled prototypes that help people across three tracks: 

• ​Social Young People – Young people increasingly socialise online and individually. 16-24 year olds are the age bracket with the highest proportion of people reporting frequent loneliness. How can AI help young people find safe, inclusive, and engaging places to meet. socialise and play? How could AI convene people more often, and help people discover and feel confident in engaging with others at in-person meet-ups?
• ​Improving Welcome - University drop-out rates are at an all time high, with mental health the number one cited factor. And being new anywhere is a major disadvantage to getting things done, finding local services and meeting local people. How can we use AI to better welcome people to new areas and more quickly find a sense of belonging in their new institution or area?
• ​Community Engagement - Places with stronger social capital have higher educational attainment, lower crime and faster economic growth. How can AI help people to build social connection and capital in their area, and support local hobby, sport and voluntary groups where social mixing happens? 

​Backed by: Oxford Edge, ElevenLabs, Founders and Funders, Oxford AI Network, Neighbourly Lab and Blenheim Chalcot. 

​Date: 16-18th May 2025
Venue: The Edge, 37 St Giles, Oxford

Advance registration is essential: Let us know you'd like to join

​Who’s invited? 

• ​We welcome developers, designers, community leaders, social entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about using AI for social good
• ​We will review applications to ensure we have a suitable mix of technical and non-technical participants
• ​Friendly, encouraging and welcoming atmosphere
• ​Teams can come pre-formed or form on the day
• ​Judging will evaluate the potential impact, product progress and commercial thinking of the team
• ​Limited to 60 places, so please apply early

​What will happen?

• ​Friday: Welcome, drinks, community expert briefing and team formation.
• ​Saturday: Hacking, mentoring, AI workshops
• ​Sunday: Sprint to finish, judging and prize giving

​Why come?

• ​Learn from speakers, mentors and judges from some of the worlds most prestigious institutions
• ​Meet other people who want to devote their talents to changing the world
• ​Build something you’re proud of on the latest tools
• ​Work on one of the most important issues in the world today

Location

37 St Giles'

Oxford OX1 3LD, UK