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, we'll help match you with a team.
- 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 8:00 PM EST
Submission Requirements
- A working module
- A link to a Github repo with source code
- Short description of the module and what it does
- Optional but encouraged: short demo video of the module
Judging Process
- Judging will occur after the event ends.
- The winning team will be announced online.
Fair Play
- No plagiarism or copying other teams' work
- 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 rules and criteria will be discussed at the start of the event.
- 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, we’ll help match you with a team.
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.
Yes. AI tools, open-source libraries, and frameworks are allowed. Disclose any pre-built code.
No. A working prototype or demo that shows the core idea is enough.
Based on usefulness, creativity, execution, integration with ARI, and design.
Submit a Github link with the code with a README file. A demo video is encouraged.
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
- 02Install ARI.Software locally 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
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
Questions?
Need some help? Get in touch hello@ari.software