Build for People: AI + Human Creativity - Inclusive AI Hackathon
About this Event
Sponsored by Lovable — Each participant will receive 100 Lovable credits, valued at approximately $20–$30.
We invite developers, designers, founders, creatives, students, and total beginners to come together and build AI tools that expand access, equity, and opportunity for the people technology too often leaves behind. This isn’t your typical coding hackathon — it’s a structured, supportive experience where everyone can contribute, whatever their background.
Co-hosted by NovaForge AI Venture Lab and My Creative Break with support from Lovable, pairing cutting-edge AI tools with expert facilitation so your team is supported every step of the way - from icebreakers to brainstorming to the final pitch.
More than building AI projects, this event is about three things:
- Creating a welcoming entry point into AI and innovation for a diverse audience
- Encouraging collaboration between technical and non-technical participants
- Building meaningful connections while creating solutions that address real human needs
You’ll leave with new skills, new connections, and a real sense that you can contribute to the AI ecosystem — regardless of your background.
A one-day build sprint where developers, designers, creatives, founders, and curious beings create AI tools that expand access, equity, and opportunity for the people technology too often leaves behind.
Teams will build AI-powered solutions that address real human needs across six focus areas, with equal emphasis on usefulness, creativity, design, and technical execution. Pick a track that speaks to you:
- Accessibility — tools that make everyday life easier for people with disabilities
- Healthcare Access — closing gaps in mental health, care navigation, and well-being
- Civic & Community — community safety, participation, and local services
- Financial Inclusion — expanding access to financial tools and literacy
- Education & Literacy — learning support for under-resourced learners
- Language & Newcomers — breaking language barriers for immigrants and newcomers
This is designed for people who want to explore AI, collaborate with others, and turn ideas into action — whether you’re an experienced builder or completely new to the space. Participants leave with:
- New connections across Toronto’s AI and startup community
- New skills and hands-on AI experience
- Increased confidence to keep building
- A real project you helped create
- Exposure to mentors, judges, and the startup ecosystem
- Something meaningful, built with others — and you’ll be guided through all of it
What to Expect
- Guided team formation — come solo or with a team, no one gets left behind
- Facilitated icebreakers and connection activities
- Structured build sprints with mentor support throughout
- Pitch-prep mentoring before your final presentation
- Access to mentors, judges, and ecosystem leaders
- Exposure to AI community, tools, and platforms
- Food, coffee, and energy resets built in
- A low-pressure, encouraging environment
- Networking with builders, founders, and creatives
- Prizes across multiple categories
Anyone curious about AI, not just technical folks:
- Developers & engineers
- Designers & creatives
- Founders & entrepreneurs
- Students & early-career professionals
- First-time builders & AI-curious beginners
A curated panel of qualified judges — a mix of technical and non-technical experts, founders, creatives, and students — chosen to reflect the human-centred spirit of the event:
- Trevor Perry — Storyteller, Instigator, Agitator; Chief Provocateur for The School of Dangerous Ideas
- Martin Hung — Managing Director at OFI Technology Consulting Inc. (@ohkayawesome)
- Rita Zhang — Founder & Product Designer; Founder of Women in Business and Technology; 7x hackathon winner (@rit.zhang)
- Iffy Kazim — Profit and Performance Strategist, Apex Business Growth
- Naga D Pothuraju — Senior Engineering Manager, TikTok
Projects will be evaluated on a balanced set of criteria, shared with teams in advance:
- Innovation & Creativity
- Human Impact
- User Experience & Design
- Technical Execution
- Presentation & Storytelling
The Organizers
NovaForge AI Venture Lab — a non-profit AI hub on a zero-equity model, dedicated to supporting AI founders.
My Creative Break — a team-building and events organization specializing in connection, play-based experiences, and creativity workshops across Toronto and Montreal.
Office146 - located at 146 Thirtieth Street, Etobicoke, is a modern coworking and event space that doubles as the home campus of NovaForge AI Venture Lab. Just 15 minutes from downtown Toronto and 10 minutes from Pearson Airport, with free on-site parking and easy access via the Gardiner, Highway 427, Long Branch GO, and TTC.
Built for builders, it offers high-speed Bell Fibre WiFi, presentation screens and sound, seven boardrooms and meeting spaces, breakout rooms, and a full kitchen/bar with unlimited coffee, tea, kombucha, and cold brew on tap — everything a full day of building, brainstorming, and pitching needs. The space comfortably hosts up to 100 attendees, making it an ideal setting for an inclusive, energetic hackathon.
Kimberley Chan — Co-Founder @ My Creative Break
Linda Cajuste — Co-Founder @ My Creative Break
Winning teams will be recognized across multiple categories, with prizes to help you keep building after the event — full details will be announced soon.
Your work doesn’t end when the hackathon does. We’re committed to giving participants visibility and momentum beyond the day itself:
- Winning teams featured across NovaForge and My Creative Break channels
- A post-event project showcase and networking session
- Sponsor and mentor introductions where appropriate
- Follow-up interviews and spotlight features
- Support for promising teams to keep developing their ideas
Agenda
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Doors open, check-in & coffee
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:20 PM
Opening ceremony (welcome & sponsors shoutout)
🕑: 02:20 PM - 02:30 PM
Theme reveal & challenge brief
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Team formation & icebreakers
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:15 PM
Brainstorming & idea sprints
🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:15 PM
Build sprint 1
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Break
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Build sprint 2
🕑: 05:30 PM - 05:45 PM
Optional workshops (pitch prep + micro-sessions)
🕑: 05:45 PM - 07:00 PM
Introduction of judges & final build sprint
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
Presentations
🕑: 07:45 PM - 09:00 PM
Awards ceremony
🕑: 09:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Closing + networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 12.19 to CAD 17.55
