Build an AI startup
in 2 days.
NEXUS is a hackathon for the next generation of AI founders. 30 to 50 selected teams build working AI products across four tracks — using partner tools, mentorship, and pressure that turns ideas into products.
Confirmed support
Yandex, Render, Make, Neon, Notion, n8n, Linear, and HubSpot are backing selected teams with cloud, automation, and startup resources.
Selected teams
30 to 50 screened teams, ages 17-25, building AI products over 2 days.
Partner focus
Cloud, AI APIs, developer tools, mentorship, media, venue, food, and post-event support.
Event goal
A launchpad for young AI teams in Central Asia, not just a weekend competition.
Tracks
Specific challenges will be announced by our partners on hackathon day. For now, pick a direction — then build a working AI solution in 2 days.
Health AI
AI solutions in healthcare and medicine.
Travel AI
AI solutions in travel and tourism.
Business AI
AI solutions in business and operations.
Education AI
AI solutions in education and social learning access.
2-day schedule
Every hour counts. Here is how the hackathon runs.
Day 1 — August 15
Registration & team setup
Opening ceremony — partners present the challenge problems
Teams pick their track and begin building
Lunch + partner demo booths
Progress checkpoint — submit current state
Mentor office hours
Day 2 — August 16
Final build sprint begins
Submissions locked
Team presentations (5 min each)
Judging panel deliberation
Award ceremony + prizes announced
Who can apply
Applications are open to builders aged 17-25. Selection happens in two stages: motivation texts first, then a short pitch.
Age
17 to 25 years old. No prior professional experience required.
Team size
Exactly 3 or 4 people per team. Smaller or larger teams are not accepted.
Skills
Builders, designers, and domain experts welcome. At least one technical person per team.
Selection
30 to 50 teams are selected in two stages: motivation texts, then a 1–3 minute pitch.
Application process
Resources for builders
NEXUS is building a partner-backed resource pool for teams: cloud credits, AI tools, software access, mentorship, and post-hackathon support. Final prize categories will be announced as partners are confirmed.
Official certificate and public demo opportunity for selected teams
Partner-backed resources — cloud credits, AI APIs, licenses, and developer tools
Exposure to technology partners, local institutions, banks, and potential supporters
Confirmed support from Yandex, Render, Make, Neon, Notion, n8n, Linear, and HubSpot — cloud credits, automation, databases, workspace tools, and startup programs for selected teams.
Official Partners
Backed by the best
Industry leaders supporting the next generation of AI builders
Yandex
One of NEXUS's largest resource partners — broad opportunities for selected teams.
Render
Official cloud deployment partner
Neon
Serverless Postgres for all teams · $500 credit for winners
Notion
Notion for Startups partner · 6 months Business + Notion AI for eligible teams
n8n
180 Cloud Pro licenses for participants · 1-year Pro for 1st-place team members
Make
20,000 Pro credits for participants · up to 500,000 for overall winner
Linear
Linear for Startups partner · 3 months free for eligible teams affiliated with NEXUS
HubSpot
HubSpot for Startups partner · referral perks for eligible teams
Frequently asked
Questions, answered
Everything participants and partners usually ask before getting involved with NEXUS.
Builders aged 17 to 25 — students, self-taught developers, designers, and domain experts. Only teams of exactly 3 or 4 people are accepted. Smaller or larger teams are not accepted.
Apply as team leader
One application per team. The leader registers and adds teammates. Selection is based on motivation texts, then a short pitch — there is no separate screening round.
Important
Write in your own words. Applications that appear AI-generated are automatically rejected. We read every answer carefully.
We will only contact you about your NEXUS application. Your data is not shared.