IN 42 DAYS

Ideation Hackathon

Name: Ideation Hackathon
Start: 2026-11-16T09:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-11-22T14:00:00+00:00
Location: Bayes Business School - Finsbury Square Building

IHCityVentures

view event ↗

when16–22 Nov 2026

whereBayes Business School - Finsbury Square Building

priceFree

formatIn-Person

organiserCityVentures

about this event

AI Hackathon: From Idea to Pitch 21 to 22 November 2026 · Bayes Business School, Finsbury Square

What if the best startup idea isn't one you have to invent? Most great businesses aren't built from nothing. They borrow something that already works and point it somewhere new. Airbnb unlocked underused assets. Too Good To Go turned surplus into inventory. Duolingo made habits addictive.

Over one weekend, you'll do the same. Use AI to find a proven mechanism, steal it, and apply it to a problem in a completely different industry. Then build a real first version, not just a deck, and pitch it to a panel of judges. The one rule: if you borrow Airbnb's model, you can't build another accommodation marketplace. That's where it gets interesting.

Got an idea? Bring it. No idea? Come anyway. The process gets you there.

What you'll get 💰 A shot at cash. Three City Ventures awards and cash prizes are up for grabs. 🤖 Proper AI tools. Build with Lovable and Featherless and find out how far an idea can go in 48 hours. 💬 Mentors on tap. Experienced entrepreneurs will pressure-test your thinking and your build. 👥 A team you didn't expect. Small, mixed teams, so you'll be working with people you might not otherwise meet. Some people find a co-founder this way. 🍕 Food. We'll keep you fuelled while you build.

Who's it for? Anyone curious enough to give it a go. You don't need to be technical, have a business plan, or have a startup idea. You just need energy and a willingness to build.

The weekend 📍 Bayes Business School, Finsbury Square. The whole 7th floor is yours.

Saturday 21 November, 9:30am until late Welcome and team formation, then pick your mechanism, find your problem, and start building with mentors on hand.

Sunday 22 November, 9:30am to 2pm Final build, pitches, then lunch while the winners are announced.

Spaces are limited.

when

Saturday 21 November 202609:30–late GMT

Ideation Hackathon — Day 1

Welcome and team formation, then pick your mechanism, find your problem, and start building with mentors on hand.

◍ Bayes Business School - Finsbury Square Building

Sunday 22 November 202609:30–14:00 GMT

Ideation Hackathon — Day 2

Final build, pitches, then lunch while the winners are announced.

◍ Bayes Business School - Finsbury Square Building

tickets

Ticket types, prices and availability for Ideation Hackathon
tickets	price	Fee	Status	description
Free Registration	Free	TBA	Available	Free entry to the Ideation Hackathon. Spaces are limited.

prizes

Prize places and values for Ideation Hackathon
#	PRIZE	price
Three City Ventures Awards	City Ventures award and cash prize	TBA

faq

Do I need to be technical or have a business plan?+

No. Anyone curious enough to give it a go is welcome — you don't need to be technical, have a business plan, or even have a startup idea. You just need energy and a willingness to build.

Do I need to bring an idea?+

Got an idea? Bring it. No idea? Come anyway — the process gets you there.

What can I build with?+

You'll build with AI tools including Lovable and Featherless and find out how far an idea can go in 48 hours.

What is the one rule of the hackathon?+

If you borrow Airbnb's model, you can't build another accommodation marketplace.

Is food provided?+

Yes — organisers will keep you fuelled while you build, and lunch is served on Sunday while the winners are announced.

Will I work alone or in a team?+

Teams are small and mixed, so you'll be working with people you might not otherwise meet. Some people find a co-founder this way. Day one begins with team formation.