Build for People: AI + Human Creativity - Inclusive AI Hackathon, Sponsored by Lovable

A one-day inclusive AI hackathon designed for humans first - no coding or experience required. 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. Why We're Doing This More than building AI projects, this event is about three things: Creating a welcoming entry point into AI and innovation for a diverse audienceEncouraging collaboration between technical and non-technical participantsBuilding 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. The Theme — Inclusive Tech: AI Tools for Underserved Communities 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 disabilitiesHealthcare Access — closing gaps in mental health, care navigation, and well-beingCivic & Community — community safety, participation, and local servicesFinancial Inclusion — expanding access to financial tools and literacyEducation & Literacy — learning support for under-resourced learnersLanguage & Newcomers — breaking language barriers for immigrants and newcomers What You Get 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 communityNew skills and hands-on AI experienceIncreased confidence to keep buildingA real project you helped createExposure to mentors, judges, and the startup ecosystemSomething 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 behindFacilitated icebreakers and connection activitiesStructured build sprints with mentor support throughoutPitch-prep mentoring before your final presentationAccess to mentors, judges, and ecosystem leadersExposure to AI community, tools, and platformsFood, coffee, and energy resets built inA low-pressure, encouraging environmentNetworking with builders, founders, and creativesPrizes across multiple categories Who is this for? Anyone curious about AI, not just technical folks: Developers & engineersDesigners & creativesFounders & entrepreneursStudents & early-career professionalsFirst-time builders & AI-curious beginners The Judges 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 IdeasMartin 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 GrowthNaga D Pothuraju — Senior Engineering Manager, TikTok Judging Criteria Projects will be evaluated on a balanced set of criteria, shared with teams in advance: Innovation & CreativityHuman ImpactUser Experience & DesignTechnical ExecutionPresentation & Storytelling Schedule 1:30 PM  — Doors open, check-in & coffee 2:00 PM  — Opening ceremony (welcome & sponsors shoutout) 2:20 PM  — Theme reveal & challenge brief 2:30 PM  — Team formation & icebreakers 2:45 PM  — Brainstorming & idea sprints 3:15 PM  — Build sprint 1 4:15 PM  — Break 4:30 PM  — Build sprint 2 5:30 PM  — Optional workshops (pitch prep + micro-sessions) 5:45 PM  — Introduction of judges & final build sprint 7:00 PM  — Presentations 7:45 PM  — Awards ceremony 9:00 PM  — Closing + networking 9:30 PM  — Event ends 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. The Venue 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. Featured Speakers Kimberley Chan — Co-Founder @ My Creative BreakLinda Cajuste — Co-Founder @ My Creative Break Prizes Winning teams will be recognized across multiple categories, with prizes to help you keep building after the event — full details will be announced soon. Beyond the Event 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 channelsA post-event project showcase and networking sessionSponsor and mentor introductions where appropriateFollow-up interviews and spotlight featuresSupport for promising teams to keep developing their ideas