The largest AI hackathon in Canada took place this past weekend, from March 21 to 23. Around 550 university and high school students attended in person at the MyHal Centre at the University of Toronto, with another 150 joining online. Participants were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 2,200 applicants, making the event a standout opportunity for students passionate about technology, innovation, and real-world impact. Many students from UCC applied, attended, and volunteered at the hackathon.
The event was co-led by One Degree Cooler, GenAI Genesis, and United Nations Association in Canada (UNACanada), combining the power of climate innovation, youth AI education, and global impact.
(image credit: Ryan She)
The excitement began on Friday evening with an inspiring opening ceremony. Among the featured keynote speakers was Lucas Allen, founder of One Degree Cooler and a UCC student, who urged participants to harness AI as a force for good — especially in the fight against climate change.
(Photo with Aki Temisava, CEO, UN Canada)
Immediately after the ceremony, at 9 p.m., the hackathon officially kicked off — and for the next 36 hours straight, teams dove into building projects fueled by passion, snacks, and ambitious visions. Laptops stayed open through the night as students tackled issues in sustainability, health, education, finance, and more.
The hackathon featured over 50 judges and mentors from leading companies and institutions. Their insights, advice, and feedback pushed teams to refine their ideas and think critically about innovation, impact, and execution.
With $15,000 in prizes awarded across 16 diverse categories, the competition was intense — but it was the spirit of learning, teamwork, and creativity that truly defined the event. Winning teams impressed industry leaders and experts with their innovative AI solutions, earning not only prizes but also recognition for their forward-thinking ideas and real-world impact.
Behind the scenes, UCC students were key contributors to One Degree Cooler’s operations at the event. Volunteers from Branksome Hall, BSS, and other partner schools also handled raffle tickets, answering questions, logistics, and event flow. A special shoutout goes to UCC’s student photography team, with two student photographers capturing the energy and emotion of the weekend — helping bring the story of the hackathon to life through stunning visuals.
(image credit: Ryan She)
The impact of the event extended far beyond the venue. The hackathon was featured on CP24 News and covered by over 140 media outlets, a testament to its national relevance and the incredible achievements of Canada’s next generation of tech leaders.
At its core, the 2025 AI Hackathon wasn’t just a competition — it was a movement. A movement of youth who believe in using AI not just to build apps, but to build a better world. It also shows a powerful collaboration between GenAI Genesis, One Degree Cooler and UN Canada. The weekend was a powerful reminder of what happens when technology meets purpose — and when youth are given the platform to lead.
(Image credit: Ryan She)
The Blue and White 