Cambridge and Oxford AI Race

Oxbridge AI Race 🏆

Two universities. One day. Build what comes next. The Oxford-Cambridge rivalry is moving from the river to AI.

Join us on 25 October at King’s College, Cambridge, for a one-day hackathon and policy competition. The event will bring together students, researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs from Oxford and Cambridge to tackle real-world challenges through AI, technology and public policy.

🏆 Compete to win:

• Cash prizes of up to £2000 across winning teams

• Fast-track access to the Solana Scholars Programme

• Tickets to the Solana Breakpoint Conference

🤖 The challenge: Build AI that matters (technical skills are not required, all disciplines welcome)

Bring your technical, research or policy expertise to one shared competition exploring how AI can solve real-world problems, and how those solutions should be governed.

There are two tracks:

Build Track: Projects could accelerate scientific discovery, improve research workflows, tackle institutional challenges or explore AI × Solana applications such as agent payments, identity, provenance and verification.

Policy Track: Policy participants can develop practical governance proposals alongside the technologies being built.

We encourage teams to combine disciplines, connecting working prototypes with thoughtful approaches to implementation and governance.

No prior blockchain or AI experience is required. Use Solana where it adds value to your idea.

What to expect

• A keynote on what the next generation of AI researchers should build.

• Panels on technology policy and the journey from prototype to funded startup.

• A hands-on build sprint with support from mentors.

• Live pitches, demos, judging and awards.

• Opportunities to connect with academics, founders, investors and fellow builders.

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and networking.

Who should apply?

We welcome Oxford and Cambridge affiliated students, researchers, PhD candidates and research-led founders. Technical, non technical and policy backgrounds are equally welcome.

Apply with a team or individually: we’ll help match individual participants. Places are limited, with selection based on the strength of your ideas, relevant expertise and what you could achieve in a day.

Existing research can be the starting point for your project. AI-assisted coding is encouraged: we want to see what you can build, test and explain.

The day at a glance

09:00 — Registration, breakfast and coffee
09:30–11:30 — Welcome, keynote, panels and competition launch
11:30–18:30 — Build sprint, mentoring and lunch
18:30–19:45 — Pitches, demos, judging and awards
19:45–21:30 — Dinner, drinks and networking

For students coming from Oxford University, return transport to Cambridge will be provided for the day.

Programme subject to change. Speaker lineup, prize details and participant transport or travel support will be shared ahead of the event.

📍 King’s College, Cambridge
📅 25 October 2026

Organised by Kings Politics Cambridge, Solana Superteam UK and AI3, with support from Oxbridge AIx.

Bring your research, your ideas and your university spirit. See you at the starting line.