Youth Voices Wanted - GDG Markham Community AI Hackathon 2026

Do you see a problem in Markham City that technology could help solve? Join the GDG Markham Community AI Hackathon and share your ideas with local developers, designers and technology mentors. What you can do You can participate in two ways: Give a one-minute community pitch Tell builders about an issue, concern or opportunity affecting youth or the wider Markham community. Your pitch should explain: What the problem is Who it affects Why it matters to Markham What a better experience could look like You do not need to propose a technical solution or have coding experience. We are selecting up to 12 youth community pitch speakers. Join a project team Work alongside developers, designers and other participants to turn a community challenge into a working technology prototype. You can contribute through: Community knowledge Research and interviews Creative ideas Product design User experience Testing and feedback Storytelling and presentation Coding or technical skills You do not need to be an experienced programmer. Every team needs people who understand the problem and the people affected by it. What you will gain By participating, you can: Have your voice heard by local builders and community leaders Help create a solution for a real Markham challenge Learn how AI and technology products are developed Work directly with developers, designers and mentors Practise teamwork, problem-solving and public speaking Build experience you can include in school, volunteer or career applications Meet other young people interested in improving their community Present your team’s prototype to judges and participants Compete for the Best Community Impact, Best Beginner Team and People’s Choice awards No previous hackathon experience is required. Space is limited, and registration is required. During registration, tell us whether you would like to be a youth pitch speaker, join a project team, or do both. Bring your perspective, your ideas and a problem you care about. Local technology builders will help you explore what is possible. GDG Markham is an independent, community-led Google Developer Group. Our activities and views should not be attributed to Google.