Do you build with AI? Meta and Cerebral Valley have opened the Meta Global AI Developer Hackathon 2026. It runs online from October 26 to November 4, 2026, so you can join from Nigeria. The prize pool is $1 million across two tracks. Only 20,000 applicants will be accepted, and Meta reviews applications on a rolling basis. Apply early.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- The hackathon is open to people worldwide, including Nigeria.
- Pick one track:
- Indie Developer Track: for solo builders and students.
- Startup Track: for founders and teams building real products.
- You need to show your technical skills and a clear, realistic project idea. Links to your GitHub, LinkedIn or products can help, but you do not have to share them.
- Choose one of two themes:
- Build for Your World: solve a problem in a field or community you know.
- Push the Frontier: use AI in areas like software, robotics, manufacturing, energy and materials.
- Meta and Cerebral Valley staff and their families cannot apply.
- People in countries under trade sanctions, such as Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Syria and Belarus, cannot enter.
Benefits
- A share of the $1 million cash prize pool.
- Access to Meta's AI models.
- Live workshops and expert office hours.
- A chance to build and show your project to a global audience.
Key dates: the kickoff livestream is on October 26. You submit your project by November 4, judging runs from November 4 to 8, and winners are announced on November 9.
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How to Apply
- Read the details on the hackathon page.
- Choose your track and theme.
- Complete the application on the same page before October 25, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (4:59 a.m. on October 26 in Nigeria).
- Applications can close early if all 20,000 spots fill up.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
