Top AI Hackathons for High School Students in the USA

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just the stuff of tech labs and Silicon Valley startups, it’s now a field where high school students can dive in and make an impact. One of the best ways to do that? AI hackathons.

AI hackathons combine coding, problem-solving, and collaboration into an intense (and fun) experience. Whether you’re a beginner exploring AI for the first time or an advanced coder aiming to compete globally, hackathons give you hands-on practice with real-world challenges. Plus, they look phenomenal on college applications.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most exciting AI hackathons for U.S. high school students in 2025, from beginner-friendly competitions to international tournaments. Along the way, I’ll share tips, resources, and real student examples to help you pick the right event.

Why AI Hackathons Matter for Students

Hackathons do more than sharpen coding skills. They show initiative, creativity, and teamwork, which are qualities admissions officers love. Beyond applications, these competitions:

• Build practical AI/ML experience (NLP, computer vision, predictive modeling).

• Teach you how to work in teams under pressure.

• Provide networking opportunities with mentors and industry experts.

• Help you create portfolio projects for platforms like GitHub.
  

Major International AI Competitions

1. International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI)

The IOAI is like the Olympics of AI for high school students. To qualify, you first compete in your National Olympiad in AI. The 2026 edition will be hosted in Abu Dhabi by MBZUAI, making it a prestigious goal for ambitious U.S. students.

2. World Artificial Intelligence Competition for Youth (WAICY)

WAICY is the world’s largest AI competition for students aged 13–18. It has grown from 200 students in 2018 to over 3,000 participants worldwide. Tracks include AI Showcase, AI Generated Art, and even AI + Large Language Models.

3. Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior

Perfect for beginners, Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior introduces AI and machine learning through creative problem-solving. Students don’t need coding experience—submissions can be made through PowerPoint presentations and videos.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, this is the best first hackathon to join.

Popular Online AI Hackathon Platforms

Kaggle Competitions

Kaggle is the world’s biggest data science community, hosting AI hackathons from beginner to advanced levels. High school students can compete with guardian permission. Example challenges include image classification and predictive modeling.

👉 Start with Kaggle’s beginner-friendly competitions like Titanic: Machine Learning from Disaster.

OpenCV AI Competition

The OpenCV AI Competition focuses on computer vision applications. Students can use OpenCV libraries to build real-world models in robotics, self-driving cars, or facial recognition.

STEAM in AI Multimodal Challenge

This challenge is built specifically for middle and high schoolers. It requires no coding experience and emphasizes creativity by combining AI + presentation skills. Entry fee: $60. Prizes: up to $1,000.

Specialized AI & Robotics Competitions

Robotics for Good Youth Challenge

Run by the UN’s AI for Good, this competition invites students aged 10–18 to solve global challenges through AI + robotics. The 2025 theme is agriculture and food security, and winners present at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.

Botball Educational Robotics Program

Botball provides students with resources to build autonomous robots using AI and machine learning. Teams compete regionally and then advance to global finals.

AIcrowd Challenges

AIcrowd offers competitions ranging from beginner to advanced, with many offering $5,000+ in cash prizes. Minimum age: 16.

BetterMind Labs AI Hackathons

One of the most unique opportunities available to high school students in the U.S. is the BetterMind Labs AI Weekly Hackathon. Unlike large-scale international events, BetterMind Labs focuses on mentorship-driven challenges where students not only compete but also receive guidance from industry professionals. The hackathons emphasize real-world applications of AI in healthcare, environment, and education, making them perfect for students who want both impact and learning.

• Format: Small team-based challenges with 1:1 mentor feedback.

• Focus Areas: AI for social good, healthcare applications, environmental monitoring.

• Why Join: Students get hands-on mentorship, build projects that matter, and receive certificates of recognition that strengthen their portfolios.

  
  

👉 Keep an eye on upcoming events at BetterMind Labs.

AI Bootcamps and Workshops (Great Prep for Hackathons)

• JetBrains Youth AI Club – Free program (Oct 2025–May 2026) with monthly Q&As and prep for IOAI (details here).

• Intel AI for Youth – Covers coding, ethics, and problem-solving with no prior experience required (Intel AI for Youth Program).

• Experience AI – A collaboration between Raspberry Pi Foundation + Google DeepMind, offering free AI lessons for students aged 11–14 (Experience AI).

  
  

These aren’t competitions, but they give you the skills needed to thrive in hackathons.

Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Paths

Skill Level	Best Starting Point	Example Competitions
Beginner	Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior	Imagine Cup Junior
Intermediate	Kaggle, STEAM in AI Multimodal, BetterMind Labs Hackathon	Kaggle Challenges
Advanced	IOAI, AIcrowd, OpenCV AI Competition	IOAI, AIcrowd

Real Student Examples

• Sarah (NY, 16) joined Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior with a team that proposed an AI model for wildfire detection. They didn’t win, but the project became her college essay story.

• Daniel (CA, 17) built an AI model on Kaggle that predicted mental health trends using survey data. It caught the attention of a professor at UCLA, who invited him to assist in research.

• A team from Texas joined Botball and created an autonomous farming robot. Their project won regionals and landed them features in local news.

• Priya (NJ, 15) participated in a BetterMind Labs AI Hackathon where she built an AI-powered tool for early diabetes detection. The project later won her recognition at her school’s science fair.

Conclusion

AI hackathons are some of the most exciting and rewarding experiences high school students can pursue in 2025. They’re not just competitions they’re opportunities to learn, collaborate, and showcase real skills that colleges love.

Whether you’re a total beginner exploring AI for the first time or a seasoned coder aiming for IOAI, there’s a pathway for you. The best way to start? Sign up for one hackathon today, even if it feels intimidating—you’ll learn more in a weekend challenge than in months of passive study.

👉 Explore upcoming hackathons on Devpost AI competitions and check out BetterMind Labs Hackathons for mentorship-driven, impactful experiences.