Build What’s Next: CIPS & IBM Virtual Hackathon
Ready to put your technical skills and problem-solving to the test? Join CIPS and IBM on November 24 for a virtual innovation challenge designed for experienced developers and software engineers across Canada.
Working in teams of 2-3, selected participants will tackle an enterprise AI challenge and leverage IBM Bob, IBM’s AI coding agent, to support their solution-building journey.
How it works
The event kicks off from 10:00 - 11:00 AM ET, where participants will be introduced to the challenge and receive the details they need to get started. Teams will then have until 3:00 PM ET to collaborate, build their solution and submit their entry.
Up to 15 teams will be selected to compete. Submissions will be evaluated by IBM judges across four areas: Innovation & Creativity, Relevance to the Challenge, Practicality & Feasibility, and Overall Quality & Presentation.
For more information, check out the event page here: https://cips.ca/event/ibmhackathon2026/
Compete for a $1,400 CAD cash prize
One winning team will receive a $1,400 CAD cash prize, distributed equally among the verified members of the team:
2-person team: $700 CAD per person
3-person team: approximately $466.67 CAD per person
The highest-scoring eligible team that meets the requirements outlined in the Official Rules will be selected as the winner. The winning team is scheduled to be announced on November 27.
Who can apply?
Every team member must:
Be 20 years of age or older
Reside in Canada, including Quebec
Have at least 2 years of professional IT work experience
Apply as part of a team of 2–3 participants
IBM employees and government/public-sector employees are not eligible. CIPS membership is not required.
How to apply
Choose a Team Lead to submit one application on behalf of your complete team. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and fit, and applying does not guarantee selection. Applications close November 13 at 11:59 PM ET.
Apply for the CIPS & IBM Virtual Hackathon here: https://cips.ca/eventregistration/#id=10294&cid=834&wid=801.
Review the Official Rules and complete participation details before applying here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cips.ca/wp-content/uploads/CIPS_IBM_Hackathon_2026_Official_Rules_Final_EN.pdf">https://cips.ca/wp-content/uploads/CIPS_IBM_Hackathon_2026_Official_Rules_Final_EN.pdf