More than 160 students, developers, and innovators from across Pakistan took part in the AI for Civic Innovation Hackathon 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at leveraging AI to solve real-world civic challenges and improve public services.
The event was organized by Code for Pakistan in collaboration with Grey Software, Scrimba, and the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES Islamabad). Hosted at FAST-NUCES Islamabad, the hackathon brought together participants to design AI-driven solutions focused on public service delivery, citizen engagement, accessibility, transparency, and community well-being.
Following a competitive selection process, 30 teams were shortlisted for the final round, where they worked alongside mentors, industry experts, and civic innovation leaders to refine and present their solutions.
Winners of AI for Civic Innovation Hackathon 2026
After a strong showcase of innovation, creativity, and civic impact, the winning teams were recognized for developing AI-powered solutions addressing key challenges in Pakistan.
A total prize pool of PKR250,000 was distributed among the winning teams. The first-place team received PKR100,000, followed by PKR75,000 for second place, PKR50,000 for third place, and PKR25,000 for the Audience Favorite Award. All winning teams also received a one-year subscription to Scrimba’s AI Learning Platform
- 🥇 First Prize – Sach Batao
Developed by Muhammad Anas Tahir, Muhammad Obaidullah, Ali Ateeb, and Ali Zulfiqar
An AI-powered verification platform that helps users identify scams, misinformation, and fraudulent messages. Citizens can simply forward suspicious text messages or voice notes via WhatsApp and receive an instant verdict in Urdu. - 🥈 Second Place – Haq Itilla: KP Information Commons Companion
Developed by Haris Ahmad Khan
An AI-powered information companion designed to improve access to public information and help citizens navigate Right to Information resources more effectively. - 🥉 Third Place – AWAZ DATA
Developed by Junaid Ahmad and Muhammad Uzair
A platform building the data foundation for AI that understands Pakistan’s languages by enabling citizens to contribute text, voice, and documents, helping create more inclusive AI systems for millions of native speakers. - ⭐ Audience Favourite Award – RedLockX
Developed by Abdullah, Haseeb Ihsan, Muhammad Uzair, and Shaheer Ahmad
An AI-powered cybersecurity solution focused on detecting and preventing prompt injection and jailbreak attacks, helping make AI applications safer and more secure.
AI for public good
The hackathon provided participants with an opportunity to apply emerging technologies to real-world civic challenges while engaging directly with experts and mentors from the tech and academic sectors. Organizers said the event reflects the growing role of AI in enabling practical solutions that strengthen communities and improve public outcomes.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Sheba Najmi, Founder and Executive Director of Code for Pakistan, said the hackathon demonstrates the “incredible potential of Pakistan’s young innovators to use emerging technologies for public good.”
Najmi said that their team was “inspired by the creativity, technical talent, and commitment shown by participants in addressing real civic challenges through AI,” adding that At Code for Pakistan works with partners to create opportunities that help turn innovative ideas into meaningful impact.
Dr. Waseem Shahzad, Campus Director, FAST-NUCES Islamabad, highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in shaping future technology leaders.
“At FAST-NUCES Islamabad, we are committed to fostering innovation, critical thinking, and the practical application of emerging technologies. The AI for Civic Innovation Hackathon provided an excellent platform for young talent to collaborate, innovate, and develop solutions to real-world challenges. We are proud to partner with Code for Pakistan, Grey Software, and Scrimba in supporting initiatives that empower the next generation of technology leaders and encourage the responsible use of AI for societal impact.”
Representing Scrimba and Grey Software, Arsala Khan emphasized the importance of experiential learning. “We are proud to support initiatives that empower young innovators to apply tech solutions to real-world challenges. By organizing hackathons like this, Code for Pakistan is giving students the kind of valuable experience they can’t get in their classrooms.”
Building Pakistan’s AI future
The AI for Civic Innovation Hackathon reflects a shared commitment between civil society, academia, and industry to promote responsible AI and nurture the next generation of technology leaders.
Organizers emphasized that the event highlights how Pakistan’s youth are increasingly using AI to develop solutions that address local challenges while contributing to broader social impact.