ARI.HACK
Build a custom module. Ship something real.Compete during Toronto Tech Week 2026.
$2,500 Prize For The Winning Team!
Rules
Eligibility & Participation
- Open to all! Developers, designers, creatives, and builders are welcome! Experience with Claude Code is highly recommended.
- You can come solo or with a team (up to 3 people). If you arrive solo and would like to join a team, you are responsible for finding teamates at the event. You can also use the WhatsApp group to find teammates.
- All participants must register before the event starts.
Project Requirements
- All projects must be built using ARI.Software.
- Submissions must be a custom module or meaningful extension.
- Projects should demonstrate clear real-world use or value.
- Must be functional (no pure mockups).
Code & Tools
- You may use existing libraries, frameworks, and AI tools.
- Pre-built code is allowed, but must be disclosed.
- The core logic of the project should be developed during the hackathon.
Time Constraints
- Hacking begins and ends at the official times - no early starts or late submissions.
- Submissions can be submitted early, but not after the deadline of 7:00 PM.
Submission Requirements
- A working module.
- A link to a Github repo with source code.
- Description of the module and its purpose.
- Optional but encouraged: short demo video of the module.
Judging Process
- Judging will occur over the next week after the event ends. The winning team will be notified through Luma and email.
- The winning team will be announced online.
Fair Play
- No plagiarism or copying other teams' work. You may use any open source code as long as it is consistent with their license.
- Respect other participants, judges, and organizers.
- Any form of cheating results in disqualification.
Ownership & Rights
- By participating, you grant permission to showcase your project.
- After the submission, the software will remain open source and you grant anyone permission to use/install/modify the module.
Prizes
- The winning team will be selected by judges using the rules and criteria listed on this page.
- The winning team will be awarded $2,500.
Vibe
- This is designed to be a fun, creative event open to everyone as part of Toronto Tech Week 2026! Come hang out, enjoy, and have a good time! Ready to Hack?
Judging Criteria
FAQ
Any level is welcome, but experience with Claude Code for code generation is recommended. Non-devs can still be valuable on teams to help with planning, design, UI/UX etc.
Bring your laptop and wires. Claude Code is used to create ARI.Software modules and a paid Claude Code account is required.
The winning team will win $2,500!
You can come solo or with a team (up to 3 people). If you arrive solo and would like to join a team, you are responsible for finding teamates at the event. You can also use the WhatsApp group to find teammates.
ARI comes with dozens of productivity modules built in like task manager, knowledge manager, fitness tracker, trip planner etc. You can custom any new module which solves a real problem or adds clear value. It can be professional/fun/creative/unique.. as long as it is useful!
A laptop, charger, and anything you need to code. Optional: Bring some snacks. We have plenty of fresh coffee, teas and water. (There is Shoppers Drug Mart directly across the street from the venue which is a great place to stock up.)
Yes. AI tools, open-source libraries, and frameworks are allowed. Disclose any pre-built code.
If you've hit your limit during the event, you can temporarily upgrade your Claude plan or add usage credits to keep building. Manage your plan and credits here: claude.ai/settings/usage
A working prototype or demo that shows the core idea is enough.
Preparation
A short checklist to help you arrive ready to build. Knock these out beforehand and you'll have more time to focus on shipping something great.
- 01Review the official ARI Docs: ari.software/docs
- 02We strongly recommend installing ARI.Software before the event. https://ari.software/docs/installation
- 03Make sure you have an active paid Claude Code account ready to go.
- 04Explore a few existing modules to understand patterns and conventions.
- 05Read through the ARI Creating Modules docs. ari.software/docs/creating-modules
- 06Brainstorm some module ideas in advance so you can hit the ground running.
- 07Sketch a rough UI/UX flow for your idea — even a napkin doodle helps.
- 08Form your team in advance, up to 3 people in a team.
- 09Charge your laptop and pack your charger, adapters, and any peripherals.
- 10Remember to update ARI often as new updates are constantly being released! ari.software/docs/updating
- 11Found a bug or want to request a feature? Issues are tracked publicly on GitHub so anyone can search, comment, and follow along. ari.software/docs/issues
Event Instructions
Once you're on-site, here's what to expect and how to make the most of the day. Follow these steps to stay on track and avoid any last-minute scrambles.
- 01Check in at the registration desk on arrival. You will need your registration QR code which can be found in the Luma app.
- 02All information for the event is listed on this page. Be sure to read it all including rules, judging criteria etc.
- 03Review the ARI.Software documentation and install instructions: ari.software/docs
- 04Start Hacking! :-) https://ari.software/docs/creating-modules
- 05Questions or need some help? Please post in the event's WhatsApp group or track down one of the team members for assistance.
- 06Final submissions! Details will be available at the bottom of this page.
Project Ideas
Stuck on what to build? Here's some inspiration to get the gears turning.
Vibe DJ
A mood-aware playlist generator that picks tracks based on your current task energy and time of day.
Second Brain
A personal knowledge hub that captures notes, links, and ideas, then connects them so you can ask questions and surface insights you forgot you had.
Personal Finance Manager
Track income, expenses, and budgets across accounts, spot spending patterns, and get a clear picture of where your money is actually going.
Lingo Loop
A personal language tutor that adapts to your pace, weak spots, and slips vocab into your daily ARI workflows.
Habit Garden
Build daily habits and watch a virtual garden bloom — streaks grow plants, broken streaks need watering to revive.
App Migration
Pick an existing open-source project you love and rebuild or port it as an ARI module — give it a second life inside your workspace.
// these are just sparks — bring your own wild idea
Submissions
Submission Deadline 7:00 PM
- A link to a public Github repo with the module source code
- Description of the module and its purpose
- Optional but encouraged: short demo video of the module