Code for Pakistan, in partnership with Grey Software, Scrimba, and FAST-NUCES Islamabad, successfully hosted the AI for Civic Innovation Hackathon 2026. The event brought together innovators, developers, and students from across Pakistan to develop AI solutions to civic challenges.
Held at FAST-NUCES Islamabad, the hackathon received over 160 registrations, with 30 teams shortlisted for the final event. Participants designed AI-powered solutions to enhance public services, citizen engagement, accessibility, transparency, and community well-being. The event underscored the increasing role of AI in developing practical solutions for stronger communities.
A prize pool of PKR 250,000 was awarded, with PKR 100,000 for first place, PKR 75,000 for second, PKR 50,000 for third, and PKR 25,000 for the Audience Favourite Award. Winning teams also received a one-year subscription to Scrimba’s AI Learning Platform.
The First Prize went to Sach Batao, an AI verification platform created by Muhammad Anas Tahir, Muhammad Obaidullah, Ali Ateeb, and Ali Zulfiqar, which helps users identify scams through WhatsApp. Second Place was awarded to Haq Itilla by Haris Ahmad Khan, which aids access to public information. Third Place went to AWAZ DATA by Junaid Ahmad and Muhammad Uzair, which focuses on creating a data foundation to understand Pakistan’s languages. The Audience Favourite Award went to RedLockX, an AI cybersecurity solution developed by Abdullah and team.
Sheba Najmi, Founder of Code for Pakistan, emphasized the potential of young innovators to use technology for the public good. Dr. Waseem Shahzad from FAST-NUCES highlighted the role of academia in nurturing future technology leaders. Arsala Khan from Scrimba and Grey Software noted the importance of experiential learning opportunities through events like this hackathon.
The AI for Civic Innovation Hackathon exemplified the collaboration among civil society, academia, and industry to foster technology leaders while promoting the responsible use of AI for social good.
