Generative AI Hackathon 2025
Empowering Central Asian youth with AI, innovation, and mentorship
Vision 2025
What’s in 2025?
We’re taking the hackathon to Tajikistan! In 2025, we’re scaling to empower 70+ young innovators (ages 18–24) through hybrid training, mentorship, and real-world AI project building, all culminating in a live pitching event in Dushanbe.
Why this matters
The Challenge We’re Tackling in 2025
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Lack of practical experience with advanced tech tools like Generative AI.
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Need for collaborative innovation spaces for youth.
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Underserved status of the Tajik language in the tech ecosystem.
Our Approach
Innovative & Inclusive by Design
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💻 Online Webinars & Mentorship – Delivered by alumni & experts
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🏢 In-Person Final in Dushanbe – Pitching day with awards
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🧑🤝🧑 Team Collaboration – Real startup-style experience
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🗣 Language Inclusion – Tajik-language track with bonus points
Project Timeline
Key Milestones
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July 20 – August 10: Project planning and mentor onboarding
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August 10 – September 1: Application & selection
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September 10–17: Webinars with experts from Meta, Talabat, EPAM & more
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September 20–25: Submission & evaluation of project drafts
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October 4: Final Pitch Day in Dushanbe
Our Mentors & Experts
Powered by Alumni & Industry Leaders
Stay tuned to meet the mentors driving change in 2025 or become one!
Get Involved
Join Us in Building the Future
There are many ways to support this initiative, pick yours!
✍️ Sign up as a Mentor – Guide teams with your expertise
🎁 Support as a Sponsor – Fund tools, travel & prizes
📣 Spread the Word – Help amplify impact (instagram) 📖 See 2024 Highlights
The Story Behind the Hackathon
From a Passion Project to a Scalable Movement
What started in 2024 as a volunteer-led mentorship initiative has grown into a national tradition. Driven by U.S.-CAEF alumni, the Hackathon showcases the power of combining youth innovation, AI, and mentorship. The 2024 pilot drew 240+ applications and launched 12 AI prototypes. This year, we expand our reach and ambition in Tajikistan.
What We Achieved in 2024
- 🧠 130+ youth trained in AI
- 🌍 240+ applicants from across Kyrgyzstan
- 🏆 27 teams, 12 final projects, 3 winners
- 🇰🇬 50% of sessions in Kyrgyz language
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🎓 15 alumni mentors